If you love making scrappy quilts, you know the magic is in the variety—mixing colours, prints, and textures to create quilts that feel full of character and charm. But building a scrappy quilt stash that’s both useful and affordable can be tricky, especially if you don’t want to buy yards of every fabric you like.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need a huge stash to get that rich scrappy look. With a few smart strategies, you can increase the variety in your fabric stash without overbuying.

Whether you're just getting started or looking for budget-friendly scrappy quilting tips, here are six ways to build a more diverse stash for scrappy quilts—without needing a closet full of fabric.

 

1. Try Jen Kingwell’s Lollies Fabric for Maximum Variety

 

One of my favorite stash-building hacks is using Jen Kingwell’s Lollies fabric range. Each Lollies print contains eight different designs printed across the width of the fabric. Each section measures about 5¼ inches wide. When you buy a half yard cut across the width of fabric, you get the equivalent of a fat sixteenth.

Here’s why Lollies are perfect for scrappy quilters:

• You get eight unique prints in one go when you purchase yardage.
• It’s like buying a mini fabric bundle, but more efficient.
• The prints are beautifully coordinated, making it easy to mix and match.

If you're building a scrappy stash on a budget, Lollies fabric gives you maximum variety with minimal yardage. These fabrics are manufactured by Moda and are available worldwide.

I recently treated myself to Jen Kingwell’s latest Lollies range with Moda Fabrics - Mixed Bag of Lollies. (In case you are not sure of the term ‘lollies’, this is what we candy in Australia) There are 7 different fabrics in the collection. One of them was already sold out when I went online to purchase so I ended up with 6 of the 7 fabrics. My photos do not capture the vibrancy of the colours - the actual fabrics are really quite lovely.

 

 

2. Look for Small Cut Fabric Bundles (Fat Eighths, Fat Sixteenths)

Another great way to add variety is by buying fabric bundles made up of fat eighths or fat sixteenths. Many quilt shops in Australia offer these smaller bundles in curated colour palettes or collections.

Benefits of small cut bundles:

• You get a wide range of prints without committing to large cuts.
• They’re usually color-coordinated or theme-based, making them easy to use.
• Perfect for scrappy projects like patchwork blocks, string quilts, or mini quilts.

The bundle below was also a recent fabric treat. Jen Kingwell’s shop, Amitie Textiles, located in Torquay in Victoria, Australia, stock quilt kits and fabrics bundles curated by Jen herself. I don’t have a project in mind for this bundle but I could not resist! It contains 32 different fat 16th cuts of fabrics, equivalent to 2 metres (just over 2 yards) of fabric. Yes, 32 different fabrics! Check out other fabric kits in the online shop.

3. Join a Fabric Swap

Fabric swaps are a fun and inexpensive way to add variety to your stash. Join a local quilting guild, online group, or organize a swap with friends. Everyone brings a selection of small cuts—like fat eighths or 10" squares—and goes home with a fresh mix of new-to-you fabrics.

Swaps are great for:

• Discovering prints or colors you wouldn’t normally choose
• Adding unique pieces to your scrappy quilt stash
• Building community with fellow quilters

Just be sure to set size or theme guidelines so the swap works for everyone.

 

4. Buy from destash events

When I started quilting, I often stalked the #greataussiedestash hashtag on Instagram to pick up other quilter’s unwanted fabrics at great prices. Unforunately, the Instagram hashtag no works in the same way and people no longer use it to post their items. (there likely to be the equivalent hashtag in your country. For example, #fabricdestash for USA residents.)

These days, there may be co-ordinated destash weekends where quilters use a common hashtag.

Some quilters may destash their fabric on their own Instagram feed or have a separate account for destashing their fabric. They will often mention it in their Instagram profile.

There may events in some cities, like the Sydney Destash Market. Here is a link to their Instagram account. You may want to follow along to see when the next event is.

Keep an eye out for scrap bags or remnant bins, too—some shops sell these and they’re may contain some hidden treasures.

 

5. Make the Most of What You Already Have

 

Before you buy more, take a second look at your current stash. You may already have more variety than you think.

Here are a few ways to refresh your existing stash:

• Cut leftovers into usable sizes (2½" squares, strips, etc.)
• Sort your scraps by color or value so they’re easier to use
• Combine modern, vintage, or novelty prints for a fresh mix

Sometimes a simple re-organisation is all it takes to see new possibilities in the fabric you already own.

 

6. Keep a Stash Wishlist

If you’re trying to build a fabric stash intentionally, keep a list of what you're missing. For example, you might notice you’re low on low volumes, tone-on-tones, or a particular colour family.

Having a wishlist helps you:

• Shop with purpose
• Avoid buying duplicates
• Fill gaps instead of adding more of what you already have

Over time, you’ll develop a stash that truly supports your scrappy quilt style.

 

Final Thoughts

You don’t need to buy yards and yards of fabric to build a stash that works. Whether you're using Jen Kingwell’s Lollies, small fabric bundles, or clever swaps, it’s all about increasing variety without overspending.

By building your scrappy quilt stash intentionally, you'll have more creative freedom—and less fabric overwhelm. So the next time you’re stash shopping, think small, think varied, and think scrappy!

 

You may also like to read

Tips for creating a controlled scrappy quilt

Low Volume Fabrics

Australian Quilt Shops