Washing second hand scraps

So I bought all of those second hand scraps. Now what to do with them?

First of all, I have no idea where these scraps came from. Before I add them to a project I will hold and rub against my face for comfort, I’m tossing them in the wash.

This is the best method I have found for making second hand scraps usable again..

Here’s what you need:

lingerie pouches or “bra nets” (I love my bra nets!! They came from the ¥ 100 shop in Japan), Color Catcher sheets, patience..

First—Sort.
I separate by lights and darks, and I ALWAYS use Color catchers or Dye magnets when I wash fabric.

Next- carefully place smaller scraps in the bra nets and larger pieces in the lingerie pouch. Anything the size of a fat quarter or larger, I throw in on its own. (On yardage, I cut the corners to reduce fraying, but on smaller pieces I’m more stingy..).

Then—toss in the wash on COLD with one Dye magnet. Unless it’s a big load, I go with the “short wash” cycle.

Using the lingerie bags stops you from having tiny threads stuck in your washer and found on the next 3 loads of clothing you wash.

Drying—I shake out the big pieces and throw the lingerie bags & bra nets in as is. You don’t want tons of 1.5” squares tumbling freely in your dryer, believe me. They curl up and are a pain in the a** to iron later. Tumble dry low.

Remove, iron, and admire.
At that point I usually sort them by shape & size into zip-lock pouches. (squares under 5”, narrow short strips, narrow long strips, strips wider than 3”, etc.)

Then they are ready to use whenever inspiration strikes. Most of the scraps from this haul will end up as 60° diamonds which I can then happily stitch away at all summer.