Star Gems is a modern scrappy quilt block pattern perfect for making a dent in your scrap stash. Make a single block, or as many as you like to make the quilt size you need.
Star Gems is a fun and easy to sew scrap buster. The pattern is written for a single block, in three sizes, so you can turn it into any size quilt from a one-block pillow or tote bag, to a table runner or wall hanging, up to a king size quilt, whatever your scrap basket will accommodate.
The pattern comes in three block sizes:
The pattern includes two layout options for quilts made with multiple Star Gems blocks. Since there are 3 block sizes, this means there are options in the pattern for 6 quilt sizes.
This quilt pattern is perfect for all sorts of colourways, and you can make it as scrappy or as coordinated as you like. When making a multi-block project, the corners will turn into secondary stars, and the triangles at the sides become faceted gems. Here I've taken the block above and turned it into a full quilt thanks to some digital magic.
Of course there are lots of other colour options you can choose. Here are a few more to give you some inspiration.
This one is one of my favourite mockups, I love the idea of neutral corners and triangles, and making a rainbow of stars that pop. And this works really well if you don't have many scraps, as you will only need a few of each colour.
And if you have a lot of one or two colours of scraps, make all the stars and corners the same like in this mockup here. Choose a complementary colour to make the gems pop and give the quilt a different focus and look.
Star Gems is a quilt block pattern, which means it includes instructions for making the block but not a finished quilt. There are lots of diagrams and step-by-step instructions to make the block in three different sizes, as well as links to tutorials on my blog for extra help if needed.
Star Gems is available in the pattern shop as a PDF pattern.
How do you organize your scraps? I love to precut my scraps before storing them. If this idea is new to you, have a look at this blog post where I dive deeper into my preferred method of scrap management.
Star Gems is a perfect scrappy project to use up homemade precuts. Just pull the squares you need from your scrap bins and start sewing!
]]>Yup, you can.
No messing up the order of the pieces (or much smaller chance of it, anyway), and you can just lay out everything beside the machine and keep sewing instead of getting up to press and grabbing the next set of pieces to join.
If chain piecing is an efficient quilting method, then web piecing is the ultimate for saving time. And it's a super easy quilting technique even beginners can use.
I especially love the web piecing technique for block based quilts, where you are making a number of blocks that are all the same. You can put them together in this way one block at a time, or take it up a notch and make all your blocks in one go.
Web piecing is basically just taking chain piecing to the next level. In chain piecing, we have multiple pairs of units that need to be sewn together. Instead of cutting the thread after each seam, we simply add the next unit and keep sewing, leaving the thread uncut between units. Once they're all done, the threads get cut, the units pressed and laid out again in their proper order. Rinse and repeat.
In web piecing, these threads between the units don't get cut. Instead, the units are sewn in the order they appear in the block, and are left attached to each other. When you sew the next squares to the units you just created, the threads between those are also left intact. Soon you will have rows of squares that are attached to each other, creating a web.
But, enough of the theory, let's dive into the step-by-step of how to web piece your quilt block.
Grab your pieces and let's get set up. I'm using the Star Gems quilt block pattern for this tutorial. The pattern is available in the shop as a PDF.
1. I like to lay out my block right beside the sewing machine, so I can easily grab the next squares to add to the rows. If you like to get some movement in and not sit the entire time, lay it out on a cutting table or ironing board.
If you have multiple blocks to sew, you can even stack the all the squares on top of each other, and either make them one block at a time, or create a giant web of all your blocks. And I noticed I keep saying squares, because the block I am showing you here as an example is made up of squares. If yours includes other shapes, just mentally change the word.
2. We're going to sew the block together in rows first, so we're attaching squares to each other from left to right.
For the first step, I like to pull aside the first two squares that will be sewn together, but leave them in the block order so nothing gets messed up.
3. Sew them together by chain piecing them, but do not cut the threads between the blocks.
Lay them out again beside the rest of the block, where they came from, and make sure you have them in the right order from top to bottom and you didn't accidentally flip them.
4. Open up the units you just sewed (no need to press them just yet) and sew the next squares in each row to the units. To do so, place the next square in the first row where it will be sewn to. In my picture that's the turquoise and white HST that's face-down on the square beside it, ready to be sewn. Then take it and its attached rows of squares to the sewing machine to start chain piecing again.
If you pin your pieces, you can pin all of them in row three before sewing the first one on. If you don't pin, like me, just place the first one and start sewing. As you reach the end of the first square, grab your next square and place it on the next row. Since all the rows are still attached to each other, the squares would fall off if you placed them all without pinning.
Sew all column three squares to their respective rows, and again don't cut the threads between the rows.
5. Lay your rows out again beside the block and open them up, but don't press them yet. You can see how they're starting to look like actual rows, not just a bunch of squares twisting and turning.
Keep repeating step 4 to add all the squares across the block, until you have all your rows completed.
6. Take your completed web to the ironing board, and press all the seams open.
This can be a bit tricky when you're working with small squares, so just take it slow. Or use a smaller iron if you have one of those travel irons.
7. Congratulations, you have completed the web part of the technique!
Remember how I said in the introduction that this technique helps you keep your blocks from getting messed up? Well, it does, but not 100% :-) As you can see, I managed to sew in one of the yellow HSTs upside down, despite all the careful laying out, and I didn't actually notice it until after the block was sewn together completely, so I had to go and unpick a bunch of seams, turn the block and sew it back together.
8. Now that all the rows are made, it's time to sew them together. Start by laying the first row on top of the second one, right sides together. Pin to make sure all the seams line up.
9. Sew the two rows together. Open them up, but don't press them yet, and then place the next two rows right sides together, pin and sew. Continue across the block until all the seams are sewn.
10. Before pressing these seams open, you'll need to cut the threads that were left between the rows from the original web. Some people like to leave them long enough that they don't need cutting, but I find even if I do that, I tend to catch them with the tip of the iron, so I take the extra minute to cut all the little loops that sewing the rows together created.
11. Press the block well from both sides, and give yourself a pat on the back.
A few things to keep in mind when web piecing:
Web piecing works best for blocks that have the same size pieces throughout. It doesn't matter whether they are squares or rectangles, but it won't work quite as well for blocks that have some squares and some rectangles, unless shapes of the same width and/or height are in the same column or row.
So, for example, a Sixteen Patch or a Plus block can easily be done this way.
The rows really shouldn't twist while you're sewing them together since they're held in place by multiple little threads between them, but it can sometimes feel a bit tricky on the very first chain. To make sure everything is where it needs to be, make sure you place the first chain back beside the rest of the quilt block and double-check that you didn't accidentally flip it upside down. Once the third column of pieces is sewn on, it gets easier and it's pretty clear what goes where.
If you are making more than one block, you can stack all the squares for each block on top of each other, and lay out the design in small stacks. Either sew one block at a time as I've shown above, or continue to chain piece right through each stack. As in, sew the first two columns together like I did in the example, and then instead of cutting the thread there, go back to the top of the column and start sewing together the squares from the next block in the same way, creating one big long chain.
Cut the chain into individual blocks and stack them again beside the laid out pieces, or leave it all together and keep adding the next column of pieces, creating a web of multiple blocks attached to each other. Cut them apart into individual blocks before pressing the first seams and sewing the rows together.
This web piecing method works for sewing together the blocks of a quilt, too. Instead of sewing individual squares into blocks, simply lay out your quilt blocks in order, then sew them together as if you were making a giant block.
]]>And now, some will be popping up in our sewing rooms ;-)
This month's quilt blocks are mushrooms, as we're taking a woodland walk with Quilt Block Mania.
I loved this prompt so much that I actually designed two mushroom quilt blocks. The first one is a beginner-friendly one with just a single large mushroom, and is available here.
And the second one is for slightly more advanced paper piecers and includes a little trio of mushroom. The Woodland Shrooms block is available in the pattern shop right here.
I used Kona solids in a red and tan for my sample of the Mushroom block, and decided to go for prints that imitate the white dots on fly agaric mushrooms for the Woodland Shrooms sample. I love how it turned out with the prints, since those are not normally colours I have a lot of in my stash and I had to do a bit of digging to find something suitable.
If you don't want to use prints, I also love the idea of using some big stitch embroidery on the mushroom caps if you're going for the same look.
And of course, no need to stick to reality here. You could go with all sorts of funky fabric prints, from polka dots to plaid to stars, in whatever colour strikes your fancy (the movie Trolls comes to mind).
When I was looking for colour inspiration for my samples, I came across this interesting little tidbit: The name toadstool is usually used to refer to fungi with a stem and cap, or to those that are poisonous. The word Mushroom is generally used for the edible kind. Although that's very generalized and a loose definition, as there isn't any biological difference between toadstools and mushrooms.
Both the Mushroom and Woodland Shrooms quilt blocks are foundation paper pieced. The patterns themselves don't explain the technique, though, so if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. The tutorial has photos for the visual learners and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make as your first project.
If you've done FPP in the past but want to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner. And the Mushroom quilt block is itself a good starter for the Woodland Shrooms, too.
The pattern includes full size templates for a 12" x 12" quilt block. If you need smaller or larger Mushrooms for your project, you're in luck because it's super easy to resize a paper pieced quilt block. Just pop over to this blog post where I teach you how to easily change the size of an FPP quilt block on your own printer or on a photocopier.
The Woodland Shrooms and Mushroom quilt blocks are available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Woodland blocks this month and join us in the Facebook group!
Owl by Carolina Moore
Silent Witness by Inquiring Quilter
Forest by Inflorescense Designs
Forest Tree by Scrap Dash
Bear Paw by Epida Studio
Snowy Forest by QuiltFabrication
The Grove by Patti's Patchwork
Mushroom by Penny Spool Quilts
Reindeer by Crafty Staci
Christmas Tree Farm
Enchanted Forest by Sew Worthy Mama
Wolves by Paleofish Designs
Fat Bear Week by Sallys Sewing Circle
Chipmunk by Katie Mae Quilts
Fox by Appliques and More
Heart of Oak by Flowerdog+Co
Snowman by Colette Belt Designs
Mountain Forest by Oh Kaye Quilting
Starry Sky by Patchwork Breeze
Today I'm sharing one such design that came out of a kitchen tile I saw in one of those mockup kitchens they do at the stores. It's not exactly the same anymore, but that's where it started.
The Kitchen Tile quilt block is an abstract design, so there are lots of things you can do with it, from different colours to adding a few blocks together and playing with the secondary shapes that come out of that.
Here are some ideas for what to do with the Kitchen Tile block. I did my own example in just two colours, but don't feel limited by the cover image.
How about some inspiration drawn from my original Twisted Log Cabin block?
In a full quilt, you get a bit of a lace effect, but I especially love the secondary design that comes through thanks to the different shades of turquoise.
For a stab at urban geometric, let's try it out in black and white.
And here's what that looks like in a quilt. This one looks much more like a very clean cut lattice, with not much of a secondary design.
This pattern has a couple of pieces with what I'm going to call an optional piecing line. In the corners of the block, there's the option to make extra squares. Instead of having those dark grey squares below be the same medium grey colour as the pieces beside them, you can divide them up into two different colours. If you were using the same colour for both, you would just ignore that line and sew on one large piece of fabric to cover the entire part, but if you want to have a different effect, you can split them up like this.
Which then results in some pretty cool, different secondary designs.
The Kitchen Tile quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for beginners. The pattern contains the templates, and instructions for how to put them together, but it doesn't explain the technique. So if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, here are a few more patterns from the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The Kitchen Tile quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Kitchen blocks this month and join us in the Facebook group!
Steaming Pot by Carolina Moore
Spatulas by Inquiring Quilter
Measuring Cup by Inflorescence
Economy Quilt Block by Scrapdash
Rolling Pin Applique by Patchwork Breeze
Hand Mixer by QuiltFabrication
Kitchen Tile by Penny Spool Quilts
Morning Mug by Crafty Staci
Sunny Side Up Diner
Tea Party
Whats For Dinner
Apron & Oven Mitts by Appliques Quilts and More
Broken Dishes by Epida Studio
Hello Cupcake by Colette Belt Designs
Canisters by Chickenscratch
Fish supper by Flowerdogandco
Stand Mixer by Oh Kaye Quilting
Let Them Eat Cake!
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
]]>This is a fun pattern to put together, and it works with so many different fabrics and colour combinations. It's written for Fat Quarters and Fat Eighths, so it's perfect for a bundle of Christmas fabrics, but works for really any favourite collection you may have been keeping for a special project. It works best with smaller, non-directional prints, and solids, such as the Kona solids I've used in this version.
To give you some inspiration, I've done a few mockups with current holiday fabric collections, as well as some colour combinations in solids that you might find fit your style.
Wintertime by Art Gallery caught my eye when I was looking through their holiday collections. It's the perfect blend of modern yet still a bit traditional Christmas that appeals to me.
Noel is a fun collection with a slight retro feel to it. I especially love the Christmas llamas and the station wagon in the forest.
I love the muted, old-timey feel of this collection, and the scale of the fabrics would be perfect for this pattern.
I loved this slightly retro-looking colour scheme so I had to try out a mockup in solids with it. I love how it turned out, and may have to make that as my next sample.
I usually use Kona solids in my quilts, so if you'd like to use the same for this colour scheme, I've used Cardinal, Clover, Olive, Ice Frappe, Camellia and Wasabi in the mockup. And if you prefer a different brand of solids, use the A Quilty Solid app to find the matching colours.
Get Holiday Spirit in the pattern shop.
Don't have the time or space for a big holiday quilt? Each word can easily be made into a table runner by just adding borders to the row of blocks.
Here's one in similar retro Christmas colours.
But they don't have to be just for Christmas either. How about a Love table runner for Valentine's day?
Since the quilt uses 10" blocks, this would make for a fairly long table runner at just over 50" in length (depending on how wide you make the end borders), but if you have a smaller table to decorate, you could always skip the star blocks.
If you turn the letter blocks, the rows can also function as wall hangings or banners. The process is the same as with the table runner, simply add your choice of border to the row, without any of the stripes from the big quilt.
This Hope wall hanging uses a traditional red and green colour scheme.
Or how about this Peace banner in calm ocean tones that could stay up all year long?
]]>The Holiday Spirit quilt pattern is Fat Quarter and Fat Eighth friendly and is perfect for a bundle of favourite fabrics, whether they are holiday themed or everyday fabrics. The message of Hope, Love, Peace and Joy is one that always applies, after all.
The Holiday Spirit pattern makes a throw sized quilt, and is labelled for intermediate quilters, but I would encourage adventurous beginners to try it as well.
Holiday Spirit is available in the pattern shop.
Holiday Spirit is a modern Christmas quilt pattern that is suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate quilters. It includes patterns for all the individual letters, plus two methods of making the star blocks depending on how much fabric is available. The pattern is Fat Quarter and Fat Eights friendly, and is perfect for a bundle of your favourite fabric collection.
Holiday Spirit makes a large throw sized quilt at 58" x 78".
If you're feeling adventurous, the individual words could also be made into table runners or wall-hangings for the holiday season, or simply to remind us of some of the good things in life, for every season.
I picked a selection of Kona Solids for this sample because I love how it makes the quilt work for every day, not just the holiday season. Each letter takes just 1 Fat Eighth or Fat Quarter to make (and the stars are made from the leftovers), so I picked through my little Kona stash and came up with this blue to pink gradation of colours.
The colours I used are:
HOPE: Deep Blue, Lapis, Lake, and Copen. The star in this row uses Lapis and Lake.
LOVE: Dark Violet, Wisteria, Crocus, and Lavender. The star uses Wisteria and Crocus.
PEACE: Azalea, Valentine, Cerise, Bright Pink, and Carnation.
JOY: Punch, Melon, and Primrose. The stars use Melon and Primrose.
The stripes are, from top to bottom, Lapis, Dark Violet, and Valentine, and the background is Kona White.
Holiday Spirit would look perfect in a Christmas fabric line as well, or simply choose solids in your favourite christmassy colour scheme.
Fabric kits are available from Kissed Quilts.
I decided to machine-quilt a 2" crosshatch design on this quilt, using my trusty Bernina Aurora 440 QE, to keep with the simple, geometric feel of the overall design. The crosshatch is an easy and quick design to do on a domestic sewing machine that just requires a walking foot and a bit of patience.
I love striped binding on quilts, so when I found myself with a whole roll of black and white striped binding that I had prepared for another quilt but ultimately didn't use, I knew I had to use it for Holiday Spirit.
I wanted the backing and binding to be interesting, but at the same time calm and not distracting from the front of the quilt. I chose the black and white Mixology Luxe print by Camelot Fabrics for the backing for its simple, geometric design that works perfectly with the feel of the rest of the quilt. And from there, it wasn't a far jump to the black and white striped binding, either.
Holiday Spirit is available in the pattern shop.
]]>I have the perfect quilt block for you!
This month's theme for Quilt Block Mania was All Things Baby, so I designed this Soother quilt block. Or do you call it a pacifier? Or a dummy? There are so many words for this little thing, let me know in the comments what it's called in your part of the world.
The Soother quilt block is an easy intermediate pattern, and totally suitable for adventurous beginners as well.
And it pairs well with the Wooden Toy Blocks pattern for a perfect little baby quilt!
To give you some colour inspiration, I've tried out a few colour schemes you might like to consider.
Feel free to make the ring and straight piece the same colour like I did in my sample, or use different colours for a bit of extra interest, like these mockups show.
You know those candy "diamond rings" that look like giant soothers? Why not use this pattern in a candy quilt and make a candy ring instead of a pacifier? Pair it with the Swirly Lollipop and maybe some of the Ice Cream Sunday blocks, and you have the start of a sweet candy quilt!
I can just imagine the brightly stained pink or blue tongues these candies would cause :-)
The Soother quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for advanced beginners. If you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The Soother quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Baby blocks this month and join us in the Facebook group!
Safety Pin Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Elephant Rattle by Inquiring Quilter
Cloth Diaper by Inflorescence
Bookworm Block by Scrapdash
20+ Black and White HST Quilt Blocks for Babies!
Crib Mobile by Patchwork Breeze
Baby Feet by QuiltFabrication
Feeding Time by Patti's Patchwork
Soother by Penny Spool Quilts
Baby Bodysuit by Crafty Staci
Baby Nine patch at Epida Studio
Baby Botique
Teddy Bear
Baby Buggy by Robin Kinley Designs, Etc.
Hugs & Kisses Quilt Block
I know a lot of people are impatiently waiting for fall because of pumpkins, and specialty lattes, but for me fall has always been associated with apples. Until very recently, we've taken the kids apple picking every year, and I like to make a big batch of dried apple rings, apple sauce, and apple peel jelly every fall.
So of course for this month's Quilt Block Mania, I've designed an Apple FPP quilt block.
I decided to make my sample using Kona Wine for that perfect, dark red apple that would even tempt Snow White, but of course I have a few mockups for you in different colours to whet your appetite.
How about a bright green and tart Granny Smith?
A lovely Golden Delicious?
Or an attempt at a Pink Lady?
And who says you can't take that prompt literally and go with some fantasy colours for a fun quilt?
The Apple quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for advanced beginners and intermediate quilters. The pattern itself doesn't explain the technique, so if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
If you're not a big fan of Foundation Paper Piecing, check out this tutorial for a Scrappy Apple quilt block that I wrote for the Clover blog. It's pieced traditionally and super quick to make (plus can easily be made into a pumpkin, too).
The Apple quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Fall themed blocks this month and join us in the Facebook group!
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Autumn Leaf by Inquiring Quilter
Pumpkin Spice by Inflorescence
Beanstalk Table Runner
Maple Twist by QuiltFabrication
Hats Off to Fall by Patti's Patchwork
Hey Pumpkin
Apple by Penny Spool Quilts
School Pencils from Crafty Staci
Farmer's Market
Scrappy Pumpkin by Katie Mae Quilts
Apple Harvest
Flying South at Epida Studio
Scattered Leaves by Patchwork Breeze
Persimmon Star Block
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available for purchase in the pattern shop.
]]>If you don't like to keep the computer or tablet open next to your sewing machine, this tutorial is available in the pattern shop in a condensed, printable PDF format with diagrams. It includes all the information from this blog post except the photos, and contains additional block and quilt sizes for the Confetti quilt.
The Confetti quilt is made up of simple HSTs and Four-Patch blocks made from 2.5" squares and 5" squares. You can use your scraps, or a combination of scraps and Mini Charm packs and Charm packs for this.
You will need (2) 2.5" squares in your main fabric, and (2) 2.5" squares of background fabric.
Place the top background square and top main fabric square right sides together, sew, then press the seam to the dark side. Repeat this with the bottom main and background 2.5" squares, pressing the seam to the dark side as well.
The seams are now pointing to the left for the top unit, and to the right for the bottom unit in my example.
To sew them together in the middle, place those two units right sides together by flipping the top unit down onto the bottom one. This way the background fabric of the top unit is lying on the main fabric of the bottom one, the main fabric of the top unit is on top of the background fabric of the bottom unit.
Nest the seams and pin. I took this picture after sewing the seam, and you can see that my nesting shifted under the machine, so the purple and blue fabrics don't touch where I'm holding it. They should be butted right up to each other, which is why pinning is important.
Sew them together to form a four-patch unit.
Press this seam open to reduce bulk, and trim the block to 4 1/2" square if necessary.
The 5" squares are used to make half-square triangles using the two-at-a-time method.
You will need one (1) each of main fabric and background fabric.
Mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of one of the squares.
Place this square on top of the other square, right sides together. Sew a seam 1/4" on either side of the drawn line. Unfortunately my line was a bit too faint and didn't photograph well.
Cut on the line between the seams.
Then open up the HSTs and press the seam.
Trim the HSTs to 4 1/2" square.
Since this was a trial run of a pattern doodle I had in my bin of scraps, I started with a baby quilt. I like using baby-sized quilts for pattern trials because they give a good idea of what the pattern will look like, without using up too much fabric and time. So my first layout was this 32" x 48" baby quilt.
To make this quilt you will need:
(96) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in main fabric
(96) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in background fabric
(24) 5" x 5" squares in main fabric
(24) 5" x 5" squares in background fabric
Make Four-Patch blocks and HSTs by following the instructions above.
You'll end up with 48 Four-Patch blocks and 48 HSTs
Arrange the blocks as shown in the picture below to make the original Confetti Quilt layout.
This is a scrappy quilt meant to use up whatever you have on hand, but you can make it as scrappy or as coordinated as you like. Most of my scrappy quilts are "coordinated scrappy", where I will pick a colour, or colour family, and just use different fabrics in that colour. Good examples of that are my Scrappy Love samples (rainbow and blue), and the Tumbled Love table runner.
If you want to do the same, just pick any colour combination you like. I'm partial to combinations that use bright colours on darker backgrounds, like pink or orange on blue, or yellow on charcoal. I also like just about any colour on a neutral, low-volume background.
For this quilt, I wanted to try a full-on scrappy mix of everything in my bin of precut squares, so I went with "everything" for the main fabrics and low-volume neutrals for the background.
I ended up turning the baby quilt (it wasn't sewn together yet, only laid out on my design wall) into three smaller quilts that a local guild would be able to use to make newborn quilts for the maternity ward at our hospital. These baby quilts need to be 24" x 24", which worked out to a 6 x 6 layout of these blocks.
The baby quilt layout didn't provide quite enough blocks to make all three mini quilts, so I had to add a few more blocks to be able to finish them. For the layouts below, though, I've added the exact number of blocks for each layout, so you can just make the number of blocks needed for each mini quilt.
**you might wonder why none of the quilts pictured in this tutorial are finished. That's because the finished tops were given to the local guild for quilting and finishing, and distribution, so I didn't have a chance to photograph them once they were all done.
For this first layout, you will need 20 HSTs and 16 Four-Patch blocks, which means:
(32) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in main fabric
(32) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in background fabric
(10) 5" x 5" squares in main fabric
(10) 5" x 5" squares in background fabric
This second layout is the opposite of the first one, so you'll need 16 HSTs and 20 Four-Patch blocks.
The fabrics required are:
(40) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in main fabric
(40) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in background fabric
(8) 5" x 5" squares in main fabric
(8) 5" x 5" squares in background fabric
And this last layout uses the same number of blocks as the first one, but they're arranged differently. This means you'll need 20 HSTs and 16 Four-Patch blocks, made from:
(32) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in main fabric
(32) 2.5" x 2.5" squares in background fabric
(10) 5" x 5" squares in main fabric
(10) 5" x 5" squares in background fabric
I love this Confetti Quilt because it's very easy to make a larger quilt with it. My original drawing was for a throw size, but you can simply add more blocks to make the quilt as big as you like. All you need is (4) 2.5" squares for each Four-Patch block you want to add, and (2) 5" squares will give you two HSTs.
This mockup shows a small throw size at 48" x 64".
And this one is for a Twin size at 64" x 80".
Additional quilt and block sizes are included in the printable tutorial in the pattern shop.
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]]>Switzerland had a number of travelling circuses when I was growing up, so we went almost every year to see a show when the circus was in town. But after about high school or so, I hadn't gone in years until my mum surprised us with tickets to a show last year when we were back for a visit. It was so much fun being back in the tent and watching all the daring feats, acrobatics and, of course, the funny interludes. This particular circus didn't have clowns but had engaged a well-known Swiss comedy duo, who were perfect for the show.
So, have you ever been inside a big top? Either way, we're taking you on a tour of the circus this month with Quilt Block Mania. There are tents, popcorn and treats, animals, artists, and clowns in all the free blocks this month, so you can make your own travelling circus show on a quilt.
The Big Top quilt block is a fun and pretty simple FPP block. I decided to go with the traditional red and white stripes, but feel free to customize the colours to suit whatever theme you're going for. I remember one circus from when I was a kid that had a navy and gold striped tent.
The Big Top quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for beginners with a little bit of experience. The pattern itself doesn't explain the technique, though, so if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to use this opportunity to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The pattern includes full size templates for a 12" x 12" quilt block. However, if you'd like to resize the block, pop over to this tutorial where I teach you how to do that easily on your own printer or on a photocopier.
The Big Top quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Circus blocks this month and join us in the Facebook group!
Flaming Hoop Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Elephant by Inquiring Quilter
Circus Popcorn by Inflorescence
Wagon Wheel
Big Top Banners by Sugar Sand Quilt Company
Peekaboo Clown by QuiltFabrication
Balloons by Patti's Patchwork
Big Top by Penny Spool Quilts
Top Hat by Crafty Staci
Day at the Circus at The Quilted Diary
Big Top at Patchwork Breeze
Giggles the Clown by Appliques Quilts and More
Clowning Around by Epida Studio
Merry-Go-Twirl
Dresden Three Rings
This is a great time saver for when you need a lot of HSTs that have the same fabric combinations, but it doesn't have the bias-edge issues that the four-at-a-time method has.
Making half-square triangles 8 at a time is not necessarily scrap friendly, though, because you will be starting with much larger starting squares. So this is a technique best used for fat quarters, or yardage. But generally, if a quilt pattern requires that many of the same HSTs, you are most likely not making a scrappy quilt anyways.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Find more info here.
There are three main methods for making half-square triangles, and I am showing you all three in this tutorial series:
A quick note on finished vs. unfinished measurements:
This method is basically quadrupling the two-at-a-time method, which means the math is very similar, and easy.
Start with the finished size of your HST unit, and add 1" like you did for 2-at-a-time. Then double that measurement to find your starting square size.
For example, if you want a 4" finished HST (which is 4.5" x 4.5" unfinished), add 1" to the finished measurement, which makes 5". Then double that measurement which makes 10". So your starting square will be 10" x 10". This does give you a good amount of trimming room, but feel free to add an extra 1/4" if you're more comfortable trimming slightly larger units.
To download a cheat sheet with diagrams and the math chart that you can print out and keep near your sewing table, enter your email address below. You can opt in to my regular email updates as well, if you like, and hear about new tutorials, pattern launches, freebies etc., or get just the cheat sheet emailed to you.
Cut two fabric squares to the size you calculated above.
Place the two squares right sides together. Pin or clip if they look like they might shift while sewing.
Mark two diagonal lines on the back of one of them (a big X).
Sew a 1/4" seam on either side of both diagonals (that's 4 seams, see red arrows).
Cut the square in half both lengthwise and widthwise. Do not move the fabric between cuts, just lift the ruler and place it down again.
Cut all four smaller squares apart on the diagonal lines. You can cut each smaller square individually, or leave the four pieces together and just move the ruler again to cut everything at once.
Open up the HSTs and press them, then trim them to size.
The easiest way to trim HSTs is by using a square ruler, but it can also be done with a rectangular one. You can see which ones I use on my Resources page. There are also a number of specialty rulers designed specifically for trimming HSTs, but those are a topic for maybe another tutorial.
Line up the 45 degree line on the ruler with the diagonal seam of the half-square triangle. Check that the measurement you need (4 1/2" in our example above) is within the fabric on all 4 sides. If not, slide the ruler up or down along the diagonal seam until it fits.
Trim the top and side of the block. I am right-handed, so I am trimming the top and right-hand side of the block, but if you're left-handed, it works the same way on the left, just turn the block around. There are even left-handed rulers that have all the markings the other way around so you're not having to read things upside down.
Turn the block around so the two untrimmed sides are now at the top and right. Line up the 45 degree line again on the diagonal seam, then line up the edges you just cut with the exact measurement you need.
Trim the other two sides.
And there you go, eight half-square triangles done and dusted.
If you don't have a square ruler and are using your rectangular one, here's how that looks. It's lined up exactly like the square ruler, with the diagonal line on the seam and the edges on your chosen markings. I like that my Creative Grids ruler has markings all the way around, but if yours doesn't, just use some masking tape on the ruler to mark the line you need. That should help to keep your eye from slipping to the wrong line.
Block Adventures is a pattern I co-designed with my friend Katy that uses both 4-at-a-time and 8-at-a-time HSTs to make the various blocks. It was published in Make Modern issue 40 here. There is also a colouring page available if you click on the pattern title above, which takes you to the blog post I wrote about the pattern.
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Thanks to Quilt Block Mania, we get a fun collection of quilting-themed blocks this month, and I have finally added the elusive spool to the lineup.
The Spool FPP quilt block is a super simple one that can be customized to fit your favourite brand of thread, vintage spool, or just coloured just about however you like. It doesn't even have to be realistic... rainbows anyone? :-)
The Spool quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for beginners. The pattern itself doesn't explain the technique, though, so if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with this fun technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just want to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The pattern includes full size templates for a 12" x 12" quilt block. If you'd like to make it in a different size, pop over to this tutorial where I teach you how to do that easily on your own printer or on a photocopier.
The Spool quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other quilting-themed blocks this month!
Carolina Moore block by Carolina Moore
Wonder Clips by Inquiring Quilter
Wonder Clip by Inflorescence
Spool and Bobbin
By the Bolt by Sugar Sand Quilt Co.
Rotary Cutter by QuiltFabrication
Pressing On
Spool by Penny Spool Quilts
Sewing Scissors by Crafty Staci
Cat Nap by Kathryn LeBlanc
Sue's Quilt Shop by The Quilted Diary
Vintage Machines
Singer
Color Me Bobbin by Around the Bobbin
Stitching Together at Epida Studio
Quilt Terms at Patchwork Breeze
Happy Hours at Chickenscratch
Pin Cushion
You could make them two at a time as shown in the first instalment of the series, and there's nothing wrong with that. But sometimes it helps to be able to make multiples of the same thing, with a bit less initial cutting and fewer stops at the sewing machine.
This is a method I wish I had learned about a lot earlier. HSTs are such a versatile basic block to have in your quilter's arsenal, and they get used in so many ways that I made many hundreds of HSTs using the 2-at-a-time method and wishing there was a faster way before I learned about this method. So hopefully you're seeing this tutorial earlier in your quilting journey and I can save you some time and cutting.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Find more info here.
There are three main methods for making half-square triangles, and I am showing you all three in this tutorial series:
I've also created a downloadable cheat sheet for you with diagrams and all the quilty math involved. You can find it at the end of the post to print off and keep the measurements near your cutting table.
A quick note on finished vs. unfinished measurements:
This method of making four at a time half-square triangles is a slightly trickier version than the two at a time method I showed you in the previous tutorial, because the resulting half-square triangles will have bias edges. This means they will stretch out of shape more easily when sewing, trimming and pressing. A good dose of starch and some careful handling will help with that, though.
There are a few different calculations floating around the internet, and they all end up with weird numbers that aren't exactly standard cutting sizes. So I've done the math for you and compiled the most used sizes this handy chart for you, rounded to 1/4" and 1/2" measurements for easier cutting (you can download a copy of it at the end of the post).
In case you need to make HSTs that finish at a different size than what's in the chart, though, here's how you calculate your starting square size:
Divide the size of the unfinished HST by 0.64, then round up to the nearest 1/4". This method doesn't leave a whole lot of wiggle room for trimming wonky blocks, so you may want to add an extra 1/4" if you prefer to have extra room to trim just in case. The chart above does not include that extra 1/4", so feel free to add it if you need it.
For example, if you wanted to make 4 1/2" finished HSTs, you'd need them to be 5" unfinished. Divide 5" by 0.64, that makes 7.8125" which you would round up to 8". I might leave that one at 8", because the rounding up was already almost a 1/4", but if you're more comfortable with a bit of extra room to trim, cut your starting squares to 8 1/4".
To download a cheat sheet with diagrams and the math chart that you can print out and keep near your sewing table, enter your email address below. You can opt in to my regular email updates as well, if you like, and hear about new tutorials, pattern launches, freebies etc., or get just the cheat sheet emailed to you.
Cut two squares of fabric according to the measurements on the chart.
Place your two squares right sides together.
Sew all the way around the perimeter with a 1/4" seam allowance. You may want to pin your squares together if you notice them shifting.
Place a ruler across the sewn-together squares on the diagonal and cut.
Don't move the fabric, but pick up the ruler and place it down again on the other diagonal, and cut again.
You will have four units cut.
Gently open them up and finger press the seam, making sure not to stretch the fabric, then press by lifting the iron up and down only, don't slide it around on the fabric or push the top triangle over the seam with the iron. Remember, these units have bias edges and are very easily distorted.
Trim them to the size you need.
The easiest way to trim HSTs is by using a square ruler if you have one, but it can also be done with a rectangular one. You can see which rulers I use on my Resources page. There are a few specialty rulers created specifically for trimming half-square triangles as well, but I'm showing you the basic method here.
Line up the 45 degree line on the ruler with the diagonal seam of the half-square triangle. Check that the measurement you need (4 1/2" in our example) is within the fabric on all 4 sides. If not, slide the ruler up or down along the diagonal seam until it fits.
Trim the top and side of the block. I am right-handed, so I am trimming the top and right-hand side of the block, but if you're left-handed, it works the same way on the left, just turn the block around. There are even left-handed rulers that have all the markings the other way around so you're not having to read things upside down.
Turn the block around so the two untrimmed sides are now at the top and right. Line up the 45 degree line again on the diagonal seam, then line up the edges you just cut with the exact measurement you need.
Trim the other two sides.
And there you have it, four HSTs done in one go.
If you don't have a square ruler and are using your rectangular one, here's how that looks. It's lined up exactly like the square ruler, with the diagonal line on the seam and the edges on your chosen markings. I like that my Creative Grids ruler has markings all the way around, but if yours doesn't, just use some masking tape on the ruler to mark the line you need. That should help to keep your eye from slipping to the wrong line.
Block Adventures is a pattern I co-designed with my friend Katy that uses both 4-at-a-time and 8-at-a-time HSTs to make the various blocks. It was published in Make Modern issue 40 here. There is also a colouring page available if you click on the pattern title above, which takes you to the blog post I wrote about the pattern.
Because they're such a staple block, I thought I'd write a tutorial series on the most common methods of making them, so you can pick and choose whichever method suits your project the best.
I'm starting this tutorial series with the absolutely easiest method to make half-square triangles, which is two-at-a-time. This is the first method most people will learn when they start out with quilting, and is a staple in everyone's quilting repertoire.
This post contains some affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of the links, I may get a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Find more info here.
There are three main methods for making half-square triangles, and I will be showing you all three in this tutorial series. Just click the links to go to the other blog posts:
A quick note on finished vs. unfinished measurements:
Making half-square triangles two at a time is the easiest and most beginner-friendly method of making HSTs, and also the easiest one to calculate.
Simply add 1" to the finished measurement of your half-square triangle unit, then cut two squares to that size, one of each fabric you need in your HST. This gives you enough room to trim the final HSTs even if your sewing was a tad wonky.
So, let's do an example. If you want to have an HST that measures 4" x 4" finished (this would mean 4.5" x 4.5" unfinished), add 1" to the finished measurement.
This means you need to cut two 5" x 5" squares of fabric to make two HSTs.
To download a cheat sheet with diagrams and the math chart that you can print out and keep near your sewing table, enter your email address below. You can opt in to my regular email updates as well, if you like, and hear about new tutorials, pattern launches, freebies etc., or get just the cheat sheet emailed to you.
Cut two squares of fabric according to the measurement on the chart. Mark a diagonal line on the wrong side of one of them.
Put the two squares right sides together, with the diagonal line visible on the top.
Sew two seams, one on either side of the line, 1/4" away from the line.
Cut along the drawn diagonal line between the seams and open up the two half-square triangles.
Press the seams either to the dark side, or open, depending on what you prefer. I pressed these to the side.
Trim both HSTs to their unfinished size.
The easiest way to trim HSTs is by using a square ruler if you have one, but it can also be done with a rectangular one (scroll down a bit to see how to use a rectangular ruler for this). You can see which rulers I use on my Resources page. There are a few specialty rulers created specifically for trimming half-square triangles as well, but I'm showing you the basic method here.
Line up the 45 degree line on the ruler with the diagonal seam of the half-square triangle. Check that the fabric extends past the measurement you need (4.5" in our example) on all 4 sides (blue arrows). If not, slide the ruler up or down along the diagonal seam until everything fits.
Trim the top and side of the block. I am right-handed, so I am trimming the top and right-hand side of the block, but if you're left-handed, it works the same way on the left, just turn the block around. There are even left-handed rulers that have all the markings the other way around so you're not having to read things upside down.
Turn the block around so the two untrimmed sides are now at the top and right. Line up the 45 degree line again on the diagonal seam, then line up the two edges you just cut with the exact measurement you need (the 4 1/2" line in our example).
Trim the remaining two sides.
And there you go, you have two matching half-square triangles ready for your quilt project.
If you don't have a square ruler and are using your rectangular one, here's how that looks. It's lined up exactly like the square ruler, with the diagonal line on the seam and the edges on your chosen markings. I like that my Creative Grids ruler has markings all the way around, but if yours doesn't, just use some masking tape on the ruler to mark the line you need. That should help to keep your eye from slipping to the wrong line.
I have multiple HST patterns available, either as a freebie, in magazines or in the shop. You can get the Polar Peaks pattern for free when you sign up to my emails here.
The Facets pattern is a bold and simple gemstone pattern that uses two-at-a-time half-square triangles to make the scrappy gemstone blocks.
The Ripple & Swirl quilt pattern uses the same method to achieve the scrappy look of the ribbons. This quilt comes with both the Ripple (shown in pink) and Swirl (shown in blue) layouts. This beginner-friendly pattern is a great stash buster that works with colour-coordinated scraps just as well as it does with a rainbow of random scraps.
Both patterns use the 2-at-a-time method of making half-square triangles and they are beginner-friendly and fast to put together.
Both patterns are available in the pattern shop.
I was recently approached by Cinzia White about featuring my Rainbow Star block in one of the patterns from her new book, Twist & Turn Quilts (published by C&T Publishing). The book is landing in stores this month and we have an exciting group of quilt designers to show off more ideas on how to meld our pattern designs with designs from the book to create your own original quilt. Be sure to check out the blog posts each day of the hop to see what designs we're mixing with the Twist & Turn quilts, showing off the versatility of Cinzia's designs.
Click the links below to see all the posts in this blog hop.
Tammy Silvers of Tamarinis
Swan Sheridan of Swanamity
Laura Piland of Slice of Pi Quilts
Robin Koehler of Nestlings by Robin
Terri Vanden Bosch of Lizard Creek Quilting
Kathy Bruckman of Kathy's Kwilts
Cinzia White (the author) of Cinzia White Designs
The Rainbow Star block is a versatile foundation paper pieced quilt block for many applications, whether you use the full rainbow colour scheme from the pattern cover, or mix it up to suit whatever quilt you have in mind.
The original Rainbow Star pattern makes a 12" x 12" finished block, but for the Twist & Turn quilt we scaled it up to 140% to fit the space properly. Curious about scaling FPP patterns up or down? I have a tutorial and handy downloadable resizing chart for you right here!
This mockup uses the Tracks pattern from Twist & Turn Quilts, and is coloured in with fabrics from the Batik Fabrics Australia - Designer Palette. The final size of the quilt is 65" x 85".
Tracks is the single quilt size version of the pattern used on the cover of the book, and as you can see, it can easily be made more traditional or more modern, depending on your taste and fabric choices.
Twist & Turn Quilts is available at your local quilt shop or from various online booksellers.
Are you looking for more ideas to use the Rainbow Star FPP quilt block pattern in? How about a big star quilt?
This "rainbow of Rainbow Stars" can be made with a variety of solids or tone-on-tone prints, or with one of the many Ombre fabric lines that are available at quilt shops.
Do you by any chance prefer quilting to piecing? Because this design is actually available as a wholecloth printed panel at Honest Fabric! So you can dive right into your favourite part of the quiltmaking process.
Another awesome use of the Rainbow Star is Henrik Mundorf's sewing chair. He covered the slightly dilapidated faux leather seat of a stool with a Rainbow Star in Tula Pink fabrics, and it looks fabulous!
More pictures can be found here on Henrik's Instagram post.
My own sample of the Rainbow Star block is on display in a simple embroidery hoop, but would make a fabulous tote or pillow as well.
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This Tea Cup quilt block is a beginner-friendly foundation paper pieced block that comes in two variations. The simple version is perfect for fussy cutting a special fabric, because the entire cup portion is one single piece of fabric. So that special print you've been keeping for the perfect pattern? This might just be it!
The second variation has a tea bag label, and requires a little bit of embroidery for the string. The pattern comes with templates for both options, so pick the one you prefer. Or make both and gift one to your best friend next time you catch up over a cup of your favourite brew!
The pattern includes full size templates for a 12" x 12" quilt block. I resized the block to make the plain teacup at a 6" x 6" size, so if you'd like to do the same, pop over to this blog post where I teach you how to do that easily on your own printer or on a photocopier.
Combine the Tea Cup quilt block with the French Macaron and the Cupcake, and you have all the ingredients for a tea party quilt.
And of course there are many colour options for the tea cup itself, too. You could even use the same fabric for the entire cup, or give the handle and foot different contrasting fabrics for extra interest.
The Tea Cup quilt block is a foundation paper pieced pattern that's suitable for beginners that have a bit of experience doing FPP. The pattern itself doesn't explain the technique, but if you're new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with the technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to make.
If you've done FPP in the past but maybe just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into some of the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The Tea Cup quilt block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Friendship blocks this month!
Friendship Heart Circle by Carolina MooreSome links in this blog post are affiliate links. I may receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra charge to you. See the full disclosure here.
I recently made a bunch of small scrappy quilts that I wanted to share with you. They are all charity quilts, so if you have an overflow of scraps, maybe consider doing something similar and help out an organization bringing joy to people through quilts.
I make a point to use my precut scraps whenever I get a chance, but even so they don't seem to get any less.
So I decided it was time to start a quilt I had been wanting to make for a long time, but have always put off for that elusive day when I'll have a whole day to myself to just sew. Well, it was time to get started on it, whether I had that magical alone time or not. I doodled this pattern on a piece of note paper a few years ago, and have kept it in my bin of precut squares, for said magical day.
I'm pretty sure this is the scrappiest quilt I have ever made. I usually go for more of a controlled scrappy look, but with this pattern I decided I was just going to blindly stitch things together and see where it would lead me. And I have to say, I love how it turned out. It reminded me of Carnival back home because it looks so much like an explosion of confetti. This quilt uses just two blocks, a 4.5" HST and a 4-patch made of 2.5" square, each of them made with bright fabrics for the pattern and low volumes to act as background.
See this tutorial to make your own Confetti quilts.
This confetti quilt is a baby size at 32" x 48". I usually make roughly this size to test a pattern idea or colour combination, but I have so many baby quilts sitting around my studio now that I wanted to make something that would have a purpose. I don't have any friends or family members who are having babies at the moment, so I decided to take this one apart and instead make mini quilts for our local hospital's maternity unit. Luckily, I had only laid out the quilt on the design wall and not stitched the blocks together yet.
My neighbour had been telling me about the mini baby quilts her guild makes for the hospital. They're 24" square quilts and every baby born there is given one to take home. I thought that was a perfect use for my scraps, so I set about turning the large baby quilt into three mini quilts for the hospital.
I played around with the placement of the two blocks and rotated them around to see what I could come up with. I wanted to make three different mini quilts, so I switched blocks back and forth to see how they turn out, and ended up with these three fun layouts.
It's so fun to see what happens when you start with the blocks and then make the layout later. I usually start with an idea of what I want the overall quilt to look like, so doing things "backwards", so to speak, was a nice change.
These are all just quilt tops because they're being quilted and finished by someone else before being given to the hospital.
Check out this tutorial to make your own Confetti quilts.
I also had the pleasure of testing some patterns from Katherine Curtsinger's new book, Fun with Scraps, and decided that hospital baby quilts were perfect for that, too.
Fun with Scraps is written specifically for use with scraps and includes a good section at the beginning with tips for working with scraps, keeping them organized etc. as well. Most of the 16 quilt patterns featured are block based and have sizing for baby up to bed size, but as you can see, you can easily adapt the patterns to suit whatever size quilt you need. The book also includes a sampler that uses blocks from each of the patterns, a seven other suggested quilt projects that use blocks from the book.
Since I needed a very specific size for these hospital quilts, I picked two patterns that were easily adapted to that requirements. My choices were the Drop Zone X pattern for one of the quilts, and All My Hearts for the other one.
Drop Zone X makes a slightly smaller block than what I required, so I added a big border around the whole quilt. All the blue fabrics are from my precut bins, and I had enough yellow fabrics in my bin of large scraps that I was able to make this scrappy border from just scraps as well. If you're curious about how I organize my stash and scraps, pop over to this blog post.
All My Hearts is made of many small blocks, so it was easy to just make as many blocks as I needed for my quilt. I picked a rainbow of 2.5" squares for the hearts, because I knew I wanted to make this quilt as unisex as possible. I was briefly considering using a proper rainbow arrangement for the hearts, but then decided to go by the background fabric instead and arrange the hearts randomly.
Fun with Scraps is available on Amazon as well as a few other online booksellers'. I've linked to Amazon.com for convenience (or click here if you're in Canada), but I would encourage you to check with your local quilt shop to see if they carry the book or would be able to order it in for you.
]]>Plus, rainbow quilts make great scrap busting projects. And whether you make a rainbow quilt as a DIY baby shower gift, or select the perfect rainbow mug for your quilty BFF, rainbows make great presents, too.
So to share my love of rainbows, I hand-picked some of my favourite rainbows from around the internet, just for you!
Some links in this blog post may be affiliate links. I may receive a small commission from your purchase at no extra charge to you. See the full disclosure here.
Rainbow Splash Quilt Pattern by Jamie Siel - I’m loving the bold, modern look of this rainbow quilt, and all the colour possibilities.
Promise Rainbow Quilt Block Pattern by Burlap & Blossom Patterns - a super cute, traditionally pieced rainbow quilt block.
Century Rainbow by Janet Houts for Andover - this is a free wallhanging pattern that would look awesome in just about any room (clicking the link downloads a PDF pattern)
Color Me Scrappy Crayon Quilt Pattern by Emily Herrick - I love the combination of scraps and rainbow in this quilt pattern and I think it would make a perfect quilt for kids, or a teacher gift.
Rainbow Star FPP Quilt Block by me- unleash your inner colour enthusiast with this foundation paper pieced block.
Prismatic Medallions by Susan Kephart - this is a free pattern that comes in two sizes and two options and is a free download from Robert Kaufman Fabrics (clicking the link downloads a PDF pattern)
Scrappy Love Quilt Pattern by me - this scrap buster comes in 5 sizes and is perfect for rainbow scraps, but also has instructions for using precuts or yardage.
Rainbow Puffs Quilt Pattern by Annie's - puff quilts are super trendy right now and this one looks like such a fun, comfy quilt to make.
Rainbow Quilts for Scrap Lovers - this book by Judy Gauthier includes 12 scrappy rainbow projects, plus tips for choosing fabrics and organizing your stash.
Maybe The Unicorn by Chelsea Hilton Designs - don't let me kiddo see this gorgeous FPP pattern ;-) https://www.etsy.com/ca/listing/467386291/maybe-the-unicorn-paper-piecing-quilt
Faux Tweed Tonals Fat Quarter Sampler - I love the faux tweed look of the fabrics, and I think they’d be perfect to round out a fabric stash.
Soft Rainbow Strips - I’m picturing a Scrappy Love quilt in these soft pastel rainbow tones.
Kaffe Fasset Classics Rainbow FQ Bundle Spring 2023 - if you're looking for bright, this gorgeous bundle of Kaffe Fasset fabrics is the perfect addition to your stash.
Nothing beats some fun rainbow items in your life, whether they are in the sewing room or elsewhere in the house.
Clover Wonder Clips - I love using wonder clips for holding my binding, or when sewing pillows or bags, and this collection of rainbow coloured clips puts a smile on my face every time I use them.
Rainbow Tea Tin - I have a thing for tins, and this one has two of my favourite things, tea and rainbows. I like that the tin would be perfect for a handsewing kit, but to be honest, mine would probably have gummy bears in it ;-)
Spinning Colour Wheel Enamel Pin - the most gorgeous enamel pin I have ever seen. It even spins so it's a proper working colour wheel.
Cat Rainbow Watercolour Mug - for all my fellow rainbow-loving crazy cat people out there :-)
Did you know you can get my rainbow star on lots of fun goods, like this wall clock?
Rainbow Enamel Pin by Just Add Sunshine - isn't this just the perfect little pick-me-up or just-because gift to send to your rainbow loving BFF?
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This quilt block is named after downtown St. John's, Newfoundland, where the houses' bright colours earned them the nickname Jellybean Row. A visit to Newfoundland is on my must-do list, so I'm hoping to see the Jellybean Row (and all the other sights this beautiful province has to offer) for real very soon.
Colourful row houses are not just a sight to see in the Canadian Maritimes, though, but can be found throughout the world, from Scandinavia to South Africa, Italy to Thailand, and pretty much everywhere in between. I've always loved the cheerful look of them, and if you've been around here for a bit, you know I love bright, fun colours for just about anything, not least quilts.
This quilt block pattern is perfect for playing with colour to make this street as fun and bright as you like. Instead of recolouring my digital mockup, though, I thought I'd give you some real-life inspiration from around the world.
Venice, Italy
Nyhavn, Denmark
Pattaya, Thailand
Jellybean Row is an FPP quilt block pattern that will also be available as a traditionally pieced block once this pattern moves to the shop at the end of the month. It's suitable for confident beginners, since it does come with rather a lot of pieces, but none are difficult to sew.
If you are new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with the technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to get you started.
If you just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
This block is a fun one to use just by itself, but it can also be used staggered to make an entire colourful neighbourhood. The blocks are offset by 2.5 inches, which makes the road line up and keeps the staggered roof line going. Just add extra strips to the sky or the road to extend them across multiple blocks. Since the pattern is meant for scraps, more houses means a more cheerful look.
Whether you make a single row to use as a table runner...
... or make an entire colourful town for a full quilt, you can let your imagination run wild and use up all your colourful scraps.
The Jellybean Row quilt block pattern is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Neighbourhood blocks this month!
Store Front Quilt Block by Carolina MooreQuilt Block Mania this month is all about flowers, too, so I thought I'd design you a tulip for your own bouquet of spring flowers.
Tulips are some of my favourite flowers, especially when planted in large patches. They look a bit lonely just by themselves, but so stunning in large flower beds. Have you ever had the chance to see the tulip fields in the Netherlands? I got a chance to go to Keukenhof once before we moved to Canada, and it was just stunning.
Ottawa has a big tulip festival every year as well and I love seeing the big colourful flowerbeds full of tulips in the parks downtown.
The Tulip quilt block is a very simple foundation paper pieced block. It's great for beginners as well, who may only have a couple of blocks under their belt, and is perfect for trying out some patterned fabrics as well thanks to the large pieces.
There are lots of colouring options, from my own orange and yellow sample up above to this pink mockup, and everything in between.
But instead of giving you a bunch of digital mockups, I thought I'd share some posters of real tulips for your inspiration. I can't wait to see which varieties you'll recreate!
The Tulip FPP Quilt Block is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Flower themed blocks this month!
Chubby Daisy Quilt block by Carolina Moore
Violet by Inquiring Quilter
Dahlia by Inflorescence Designs
Poppy by Boberry Design Co
Summer Poppies
Coronation Bloomd
Rose of Sharon by QuiltFabrication
Irises by Paleofish Designs
Lavender by Palm Creations
Crocuses at Patti's Patchwork
Tulip by Penny Spool Quilts
Improv Pansy at Lovingly, Lissa
Daisy by Appliques Quilts and More
Cone Flower
Summer Flower by Crafty Staci
Mother Nature's Memos
Kaye Collins- Big Blossom
Flower Shop
Star Flower Quilt Block
FPP Flower at The (not so) Dramatic Life
Spring Tulip by Around the Bobbin
Pretty Pot
Happy Sunflowers by Blue Bear Quilts
Poppy by Sallys' Sewing Circle
Reversible Flower Block | Happy Hippie Studio
Primrose Pinwheels by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Flower power
This pattern bundle features 15 talented quilt pattern designers, each one showing their own individual style in their patterns.
This pattern bundle is available for a limited time only (until February 20th), so don't miss out and get it now.
Here are all the included patterns and their designers:
Tammy / Tamarinis / Tartary Icicle
Swan - Swan Amity / Summer Gems
Elizabeth / Epida Studios / Spring Flower Window Hanging
Lou- Lou Orth Designs / Ripple
Cheryl - Meadow Mist Designs / Reedy River Falls
Deb - Quiltblox / Bouquet
Laura - Orange Blossom Quilts / Love Shack
Monika / Penny Spool Quilts / Tumbled Love
Claudia - Create with Claudia / Heart Strings
Christina / Sweet Potato Quilts / X My Heart
Kirsty - Bonjour Quilts / Hello Hearts!
Becky - Patchwork Posse / Circle of Love
Manon - Mom and Me Quilting Co. / Sweet Hearts
Carolina - Always Expect Moore / Double Heart
From blocks and smaller projects to full-size quilts, there is something for everyone and every skill level in this bundle!
All the patterns are on sale as a bundle for a limited time only! The Just Lovely Pattern Bundle includes 15 patterns for only $19. This bundle is only available through February 20th, so hurry and get these 15 patterns for this incredible deal while you can!
My first thought was trains. I don't know if it's the fact I grew up in Switzerland with trains and catching connections as an everyday fact of life, but I read the word and immediately thought about a train map. Or, more accurately, a stylized Underground map, because we were playing Scotland Yard with the kids over the holidays and I had London on my mind.
The Connections quilt block will be available as both a foundation paper pieced (FPP) pattern as well as traditionally pieced once it gets moved to the shop (the free version is FPP only). That's something I've had quite a few requests on lately, so I'm going to try out offering both for some of the patterns where it's possible, starting with this subway map. If there is an existing FPP pattern you'd like to see converted to traditional piecing, please send me an email to let me know and I'll put it on the list of patterns to try to puzzle out.
If you are new to foundation paper piecing and want to give it a go, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with the technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to get you started.
If you just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving into the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
The Connections quilt block is designed so it will connect to itself when set in a multi-block quilt. So this pattern is great for using on its own if you're looking for an abstract single block design, but it looks even more striking when put together into a larger quilt.
Simply set the blocks in groups of four, leaving the top left block as is, and going around clockwise turning each block an extra quarter turn. So the top right block is turned one quarter, the bottom right two quarters, and the bottom left block gets turned three quarters around. Then repeat the sets of four blocks as often as needed to make the size of quilt you like.
The Connections FPP quilt block pattern is now available in the pattern shop.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other Connections themed blocks this month!
Heart and Star
Woven Heart by Inquiring Quilter
Puzzle Block by Inflorescnece
Connected Hearts by BoBerry Design Co.
Mardi Gras Geese
Chain Link by Sugar Sand Quilt Co.
Linked by QuiltFabrication
Irish Chain
DNA by Palm Creations
Hello at Patti's Patchwork
Lover's Knot at Lovingly, Lissa
Double Hearts by Appliques Quilts and More
Key to my Heart
Connections by Penny Spool Quilts
WiFi Signal by Crafty Staci
With Love By Sew Cute And Quirky
Text Me!
Braided Love by Kaye Collins
Celtic Tree of Life By Sallys' Sewing Circle
Hearts Together Block by Sew Worthy Mama
Sunshine Village Church by Sarah Marcina
Braille Block
Left and Right Block at The (not so) Dramatic Life
Love Encircled by Jessica of Blue Sky Modern Craft
Celtic Hearts by A Piece of Quiet Quilts
Half Friendship Star with Heart by Blue Bear Quilts
The Rays of Love quilt block is a fun and easy quilt block to make. It's perfect for confident beginners, or if you just want to try out a new techniques without committing too much time or fabric. It comes with templates in two sizes, for an 8" finished block as well as a 12" version. And if you'd like to make it in any other size, check out my tutorial on how to easily resize FPP blocks using a photocopier or your printer. It's a quick bit of math, but I've made you a downloadable cheat sheet with all the calculations done for you so you can get to the sewing faster.
One thing I love about foundation paper pieced quilt blocks is that you can use up all those weirdly shaped scraps that don't work well for other projects. I usually precut all my scraps into squares or strips because that's what I use most often in quilts, but I keep the weird triangles or those pieces that are not quite 2.5" squares but too large to throw out for projects like these.
Leftover bits from jelly rolls also work really well for some of the long and skinny parts of this heart.
There is one slightly tricky part to this heart block, and that's where all the rays meet at the top center. The pattern has pressing guidelines so your seams nest, but it's still possible to get a bit of a lump in there. A trick I learned a few years ago is to use a mallet and some batting on both sides of the quilt block to flatten any super bulky spots. Just a few gentle taps usually does the trick.
You've never done foundation paper piecing before but want to make this block? Congratulations on trying something new! Foundation paper piecing can look a bit intimidating at first, but it's actually not any more difficult than traditional piecing once you get the hang of it.
The Rays of Love pattern doesn't have any instructions on how to do FPP (none of my FPP patterns do), but I wrote a tutorial for the Clover blog that you can use to get started. It comes with a simple Pine Tree quilt block you can download for free to practice with, and there are a few very easy beginner patterns in my shop that will help you get some more practice. Try out Twisted Log Cabin, Festive Forest, or Popsicle #1 for extra practice, then jump into Rays of Love with confidence.
Of course I won't show you a new quilt block without giving you some ideas for other colouring options. Rays of Love is perfect for a wide variety of colours, be that the rainbow in my sample above, brights or pastels, dark or light backgrounds, or even a multicoloured background that makes a rather spectacular wall hanging, if I say so myself.
First off, though, a very traditional pink heart. Use a variety of your favourite print scraps for this one, or solids in different shades of pink.
I love how the dark blue background makes this minty turquoise heart pop.
This yellow heart looks like a gemstone, and the denim background makes the heart stand out. This could easily work on a white background as well with a selection of brighter yellow fabrics.
One cool thing about this pattern is that you can easily swap out only parts of the background. Since this is made up of four sections, why not switch the heart and background colours around for two of them?
This would also make a striking wall hanging with 4 blocks.
And how about going fully multicoloured with a rainbow on both the heart and the background? I've picked the background colour from the part of the heart that is diagonally opposite, so the sections up being complementary colours (meaning they are opposites on the colour wheel) which is always a striking look.
Rays of Love is available as a PDF pattern in the pattern shop.
]]>Despite the time of year (this pattern had moved from being a summer quilt to getting finished over the Christmas holidays) I had a couple of fabulous, intrepid pattern testers who managed to whip up a sample over the holidays and made sure the pattern is easy to understand and does what is says on the tin.
Check out their gorgeous samples below. And if you'd like even more colour scheme ideas, keep scrolling for some digital mockups.
Viky @tuedelue71 used a collection of blue solids for her baby size sample. She used the optional strip piecing method included in the pattern to make the heart blocks, and made this baby quilt in the bits of spare time she had while running her new fabric shop.
Mercedes @somethingfromnothing_nl had a collection of Kim Diehl fat quarters waiting for a perfect quilt project and decided Scrappy Love was perfect for them. It looks like she has next year's Christmas quilt sorted out already.
I had a hard time selecting just a few of the mockups I came up with. Scrappy Love is perfect for so many different colourways and fabric collections, it was hard to narrow it down for this blog post.
Of course I had to try out some pink versions, especially with Valentine's Day coming up. A punchy, bright berry pink one...
... and a pastel version with silver background that would be perfect for a baby girl.
This version uses Figo Fabrics' Prickly Pear line that I used for one of my Staccato quilt samples. I'll have to see if I have enough left for maybe a baby quilt, because after making that mockup, I really want to see it in fabric.
This Rainbow version is one I actually made. You can read all about it here.
A purple ombre version similar to the blue ombre quilt on the pattern cover.
Tone on tone works really well, too, as you can see on this minty turquoise arrangement.
Thinking of maybe making this for someone who prefers earthy neutrals to bright rainbows? This yummy chocolate version would be right at home in a modern neutral living room or nursery.
And don't forget to switch it up with a dark background to make the hearts really pop.
]]>This rainbow Scrappy Love quilt is no exception for me, it makes me smile every time I look at it. It was actually the first Scrappy Love quilt I made, before I even wrote the pattern, and I loved it so much that I knew I wanted to share it with you.
The Scrappy Love quilt pattern is a modern scrappy quilt that includes instructions for five sizes, and for using scraps, precuts or yardage. You can even make the background scrappy, so it's a true stash buster if you want to use what you have and not buy new fabric.
Scrappy Love is a block based pattern that is perfect for making a dent in your scrap stash, and while it comes together fairly quickly, the scrappy version also works really well if you want to just make a block a day as a mindfulness project.
The Scrappy Love quilt pattern is available in the pattern shop.
Since this is a block based quilt, it's also very easy to just add more blocks to make the quilt (almost) any size you like, in case the included sizes don't match what you had in mind.
Scrappy Love is perfect for all sorts of colour variations. The scrappy version especially is perfect for things like rainbows or ombres, but even the yardage version works well for different colour schemes.
This rainbow version was actually my first try before I wrote the pattern. I just went through my scrap bins and pulled out a rainbow assortment of my homemade precut squares to get started, then filled them in with hearts cut from my stash where I needed more.
I dropped this quilt off with Heather of Red Willow Quilts again, and I love the pantograph we picked out. Or I should say, she picked out a few pantographs for me to consider, and I picked this Lotus flower pattern that she'd designed herself. I think it works perfect on the quilt.
I made my first rainbow binding for this Bar Code quilt and love how it looks with the quilt, so I knew I was going to do it again for this rainbow Scrappy Love. I explained how I did it in the Bar Code post in case you would like to do something similar. I'm not sure I'd call it a full tutorial, but it explains the way I went about. I even did the same thing again for the blue ombre Scrappy Love quilt. I always thought it would be super difficult to do, but it's not and I am pretty sure I will be doing that for as many quilts with colour gradients as I can.
]]>This quilt pattern is the perfect scrap buster, but can be made with yardage or any combination of precuts, scraps, stash or fat quarters as well. It's got almost unlimited possibilities, from true scrappy to ombre gradations, a rainbow, or showing off a favourite fabric collection, the sky's the limit.
Scrappy Love comes with instructions for 5 sizes and is pretty quick to sew up. It's a beginner-friendly pattern that has lots of clear diagrams and instructions, and colouring pages for every size so you can play with your own favourite colour schemes.
Scrappy Love is available in the pattern shop.
The Scrappy Love pattern has instructions for using scraps, precuts or yardage, for both the hearts and the background and can be made as scrappy or coordinated as you like.
I designed it because I wanted something fun and slightly out of the ordinary to make with all the 2.5" squares I cut my scraps into (if you don't already, I highly recommend precutting your scraps), and these fun scrappy hearts were the perfect solution. If you don't have enough scraps to do this with, consider using mini charms, or chopping charm squares into quarters to use. Or a jelly roll would be perfect, too.
If you prefer a more coordinated look or have a fabric collection that you want to use, there are also instructions for using fat quarters or yardage, and strip-piecing the hearts to make the piecing faster and simpler. So if you had a stack of fat quarters on your shelf waiting for that perfect opportunity, Scrappy Love is it.
Scrappy Love comes with instructions for 5 sizes:
Scrappy Love is a block based quilt and a fun one to sew up. Use all your scraps and make a block a day as a mindfulness project, or use yardage and strip-piece it for a faster finish. And if the available sizes don't work for you, you can easily make it bigger or smaller simply by adding more blocks, and making fewer.
When I was picking out my scraps for this cover sample, I was just planning on mixing all the blues together randomly and seeing what came out of it. I accidentally set the colours out in an ombre fashion on my cutting table and, as it happens so often, decided that i was going to try an ombre gradation instead of just random hearts. So I grouped lighter blues, more turquoise-y ones, medium blues, and dark navy and then arranged them from lightest to darkest going down the quilt.
I quilted this one on my domestic sewing machine (a Bernina Aurora 440 QE, if you're curious) with my favourite wavy stitch. I think it's officially called a serpentine stitch, but I just call it the wavy stitch in my mind. It's simple like straight line quilting, but more interesting and gives the quilt the crinkly appearance after washing that I love so much.
The first time I made a binding to match the changing colours on a quilt top was with my rainbow Bar Code quilt. I loved it so much I knew I was going to do it again for another rainbow quilt, but didn't really think of any other colourways. When I decided to arrange the hearts in this Scrappy Love quilt in an ombre gradation, the first thing I thought of was to make the binding to match, as well. So the quilt has lighter blue binding at the top, where the hearts are lighter, and darker navy binding at the top to match the dark blue hearts. If you want to try the same, check out the Bar Code blog post I linked above, it has a tutorial of sorts on how to do it. I always thought it was difficult to do, but it actually turned out to be quite easy, with no math involved.
]]>Patti has been a quilter for about 20 years, and has been sewing since she was a little girl. She owns Sleeping Cat Creations, where she sells her original patterns, offers longarm services, and makes Memory Quilts for customers – and she's the founder of the International Quilters’ Guild, a free Facebook group where members swap blocks, mini quilts, mug rugs, potholders, and she offers Mystery Quilts, Quilt Alongs, Classes, and Demos.
Click the link above to join her!
I'm Patti Laird and I have been sewing for more than 50 years and quilting for about 20. My mother was a professional seamstress, and she taught me to sew at a young age. I began by sewing my own clothes (as well as clothes for my dolls and Barbies). I sewed all my own clothes through junior and high school and into college. When I married, I sewed curtains for every room in our house and set about learning to make slipcovers and do upholstery.
I took a basic quilting class through my local Viking sewing dealer. The instructor quit halfway through the class, but I was lucky enough to get some help later that summer from a quilting instructor at Mid-Appalachian Quilters (MAQ). The year was 2003 or 2004 (I didn’t know then to put a label on my quilts!).
I don’t make many scrappy quilts, but I do save my scraps for use in applique and string blocks.
Fabric that is a fat quarter or smaller but still large enough to wrap goes on comic book cards sorted by color on shelves. I keep batiks on a different set of shelves, and novelty prints have their own shelf.
Smaller pieces are sorted by color and tossed into bins. It’s not “organized” except by color and I don’t cut scraps into specific sizes.
“Strings” (long, narrow scraps) are sorted by color in bigger bins. They are not cut to a size or sorted in any way other than by color. This is where I put the edges I trim from quilts and my leftover binding.
My favorite use for scraps is to make string blocks. String blocks are mindless sewing, easy to make (there’s no ¼” seam allowance required), and can be put together in many ways.
I visit with friends for a week each spring and we sew for charity. I make string blocks all year, and my friend Patty likes to put them together into quilts.
There is some debate about whether a foundation is needed. I find that it is easier for me to use a foundation. I don’t have to worry about bias and I know the size I’m going for.
Foundations can be paper (which must be removed), used dryer sheets (which are left in the quilt), or fabric. I prefer to use muslin as my foundation. I buy bolts of it on sale or with a coupon at Joann’s. Of course, blocks made on a fabric foundation are heavier than blocks without a foundation–making the final quilt heavier. Something to consider if you live in a warm climate!
What size should your blocks be? You can make string blocks any size. The size is somewhat determined by the size of your strings.
I like to make mine the size of one of my rulers, which makes them quick to trim. So, I tend to make mine 6-½” square, 8-½” square, or 8-½” x 12-½” rectangles.
Because I use muslin as my foundation, sometimes I just cut the muslin into blocks that are easily divisible. For example, I might cut 42”/44” wide fabric into four squares that are about 11” each. Then, I’ll trim those after I’ve covered them.
How wide should each string be? That’s up to you. I recommend that they be no narrower than 1”, but the maximum width is a matter of preference. I cut my bindings at 2-½” and I think that’s too wide for strings, so I cut those in half lengthwise. My strings are generally 1” - 2” wide. Strings don’t have to be equal width within the strip either. Using wonky strips gives a different look.
Most of the time, I just pull a scrap from the bin and sew it on without looking–resulting in totally scrappy blocks.
However, at times, I go for a color palette or values, like this pastel version.
Also, as you can see in these two photos, choosing one dominant color to start each block can create a secondary pattern.
1. Decide whether you will use foundation or not. If using a foundation, cut it to size. I prefer to “rough cut” my muslin, cover it with strings, and then trim it.
2. Mark a diagonal line on each foundation (not necessary, but recommended)--you can “eyeball” it if you want.
3. Choose two strings that will cover your foundation diagonally.Place the first one right side up along the diagonal line.
4. Place the second string right side down on top of the first string (so the two strings are right sides together).
5. Sew along one edge to the foundation. Use a ¼” seam, but you do not need to be precise.
6. Finger press or iron.
7. Add a string to each side of the sewn strings, and press.
8. I chain piece these blocks and then press them after adding a string to each side.
9. Continue adding strings until the foundation is covered.
10. Trim each block to the final size.
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This month I have a Cupcake quilt block for you and, as always, it will be free for you to download the whole month. Just scroll down to the signup form and you'll get the pattern sent straight to your email inbox.
Like all my Quilt Block Mania blocks, the Cupcake quilt block is foundation paper pieced. It's a beginner-friendly pattern that will work for anyone with an FPP pattern or two under their belt. The simple design is perfect to show off a fun print for the paper cup, or sprinkles on the icing.
Here are a couple of variations to kick start your imagination.
How about some chocolate buttercream on top? It's my personal favourite.
And if you prefer more cake and less icing, feel free to change the colour of the bottom layer of icing to something like chocolate or vanilla and make the cake poke out of the paper cup.
If you are new to foundation paper piecing, I wrote an FPP tutorial for the Clover blog to help you get started with the technique. It's a full photo tutorial and comes with a free, simple pine tree block to get you started.
If you just need to gain a little more quilty confidence, I have a few patterns in the shop that make perfect starter blocks to warm up with before diving in to the more complicated blocks. Check out the Twisted Log Cabin, Popsicle, and Ice Cream Bar blocks to dip your toes in, or the Festive Forest table runner.
*Quilt Block Mania blocks are free to download for the duration of the month they were designed for. After that, they are available in the pattern shop.
Don't forget to check out all the other quilt blocks for the month, too!
Jelly Roll Quilt Block by Carolina Moore
Birthday Layer Cake by Crafty Staci
Ice Cream by Inquiring Quilter
Thumbprint Cookie at Inflorescence
Cupcake Block by BoBerry Design Co.
Cakestand by Scrapdash
Rocket Pop at Sugar Sand Quilt Co.
Banana Split by QuiltFabrication
Guava Empanadas by Paleofish Designs
Butter Dominoes at Patti's Patchwork
Cupcake by Penny Spool Quilts
Macarons at Lovingly, Lissa
Ice Cream Cone at The (not so) Dramatic Life
Rainbow Gelatin by Patchwork Breeze
Sherbet Pop by The Quilting Room with Mel
Peppermint by Katie Mae Quilts
Smarties By Sally's Sewing Circle
Rainbow Sprinkles
Cake on Stand
Cherry Pie by Flowerdog Designs
Raspberry Cheesecake block by Blue Bear Quilts
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I try to keep my stash to a minimum, and only buy fabrics when I have a project in mind for it. I do that partly to keep my budget in check and to be mindful of the limited space I have, but also because I will inevitably buy the wrong amount for whatever project I decide to use it on down the line.
Most of my stash is actually fat quarters and leftovers from larger cuts, and mostly used for scrappy quilts. I keep those fat quarters and the likes folded like they do at the quilt shops, and sorted by colour, and any half yards and bigger get a slightly bigger footprint. This helps me to know at a glance what I have, and I don't have to look through an entire stack to see if I have enough yardage of something. I keep prints and solids separated, too. I sometimes mix them in a quilt, but I like the overview over what solids I have.
The only fabrics I'll buy without a plan is backing when there is a big sale on, because I know how much I'll need for my preferred quilt sizes. And I'll buy a few fat quarters here and there when I'm running low on a certain colour in my stash. The backings, flannels/linens, and themed fabrics (I have a little bit of christmas and baby fabrics) all have their own cubbies on my shelf.
All this means that my scrap bins actually take up nearly as much room as my stash and need to be organized, because I don't do well with chaos, creative or otherwise ;-)
I used to keep all my scraps in big bins sorted by colour. But I noticed with that system that I rarely used the scraps because it was too much work to get them ready. I'd have dig through the bins, pull out everything that looked big enough, iron all the pieces because they were totally scrunched up from being shoved in the bins for months, and then see if they were even big enough to cut what I wanted. Often they ended up being a hair too small, so I had to go back through the bins to find more pieces in a colour that worked, and I often found myself just grabbing fabrics from my stash instead.
That is, until I heard of the precuts method. A colleague of mine at the quilt shop was doing that, and I thought the idea was brilliant. She cut all her scraps into squares and strips she knew she would use before putting them away in bins. I knew I would use scraps more if they came in a usable size and without the need to iron first, and since I use a lot of similarly sized pieces in my quilts, that whole idea made so much sense.
I've been cutting up my scraps into my own personal precuts ever since, and I am almost finished cutting up all the "backlog" from my big bin days.
In addition, I keep a small (!) scrap basket on the cutting table so it fills up quickly and I'm forced to deal with scraps often, in small amounts, before they all pile up and it becomes an overwhelming task.
I love this method because my scraps are ready to go as soon as I want to make a quilt. All I need to do is look through the stacks to find the colours I need, and I know whatever I pull out is the right size.
I also like the fact that I can cut the sizes I know I will use, which are not just the standard precut sizes that are available from fabric manufacturers. You're not limited to charm squares or mini charms, or even squares at all. Rectangles, triangles, strips - you can cut whatever you know you will use.
That's the beauty of this method, you can literally cut whatever you want.
I stick with some standard sizes, because a lot of patterns use them. So I have 2.5" and 5" squares, and I keep 2.5" wide strips as well.
I also cut a few additional sizes to give me room to play. There are 3" squares because they make 2.5" HSTs to go with the 2.5" squares. I also like 4" and 6" squares because they'll work with the standard 5" charm squares in many ways.
For strips, I'll keep 2.5" or wider strips whole, to be able to cut sashings or generally larger pieces. Narrower strips get trimmed to 6" long for a project I've had in mind for a long while now.
Anything smaller than a 2.5" square, or wonky shapes like triangles etc. go into a bin for crumbs. These I'll use for making crumb blocks, or for FPP. Although my cut-off is at about 1.5" square. If a scrap is smaller than that, it goes in the garbage. I know some people keep those bits for pillow stuffing, but I don't.
And lastly, anything that's bigger than 6" one way or the other stays whole and goes into a box of large scraps. These are the pieces that are too small to go on my shelf, but I want to keep them whole so I can cut larger pieces from it for backgrounds, or flying geese, log cabin blocks etc.
I keep my precuts in various clear bins, sorted by size. I have a bin for long strips, a small one each for the crumbs and the 6" strips, and a couple of them for the various sizes of squares.
I try to keep them sorted by colour, too, but some days I'm too lazy to sort the newly cut squares into the right order so I'll just put them on the top of the bin, and sort them some day when I have time and feel like it.
In those bins I also don't keep my solids and prints separated, because I know I'm more likely to look for colour or value than print vs. solid when selecting fabrics for a project.
I've written a few patterns that use precuts, and I've made my samples for almost all of them using my cut up scraps. Hopefully they will inspire you for a next project, or even to give the precut method a try if it's new to you.
These two free tutorials on my blog use 2.5" squares and 2.5" strips, respectively, and are perfect for using up scraps. The apple pillow is here, and the Friendship Braid table runner is here.
The Tumbled Love table runner is specifically written for scraps and uses 2.5" squares for the hearts (and some 3" squares for HSTs).
Staccato and Facets both have some sizes that use standard precuts, but the pattern is written for yardage. I've linked to the blog posts for those patterns so you can see the many different options.
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I don’t pre-cut my scraps, since I never know what sizes I might want to use, but I do sort by color! I found these three drawer carts at Target that fit perfectly under my longarm, Patricia. As you can see, there’s…a lot of them. I separate by the typical colors, then further into light or dark blue, pure whites vs creams, stripes or dots that don’t have a firm color, and I keep my nerdy scraps separated by genre.
The good part of these drawers is that I can easily tell when one is overly full (since I can’t shove it back into its spot anymore.)
The bad part of these drawers is that when it’s overly full, it’s basically a scrap explosion when I decide to do something about it!
Since it’s the holiday season, I decided it was time to tackle the green bin by making some Christmas trees! We all have those random small gift occasions this season - hostess gifts, teacher gifts, the poor UPS driver who comes to my house on the daily…
My neighbor hosted the annual-but-hasn’t-happened-since-we-moved-here-because-we-moved-here-in-2020 Christmas cookie exchange last weekend, and I wanted to bring her something nice for a thank you. So I rummaged through my green scraps and put together this little tree, which turned out to be not so little. Since it was slightly bigger than a pot holder or mug rug, I lined it with Insul-Brite and called it a trivet. (And cautioned her not to put it in the microwave!)
To make your own scrappy little tree, you need:
Use the 3” squares to make (10) half square triangles. Lay out the block as shown, starting with the (2) 4.5x2.5” background rectangles in the top row and working your way down in sizes. As an added holiday bonus, the seams are all staggered, so it doesn’t matter if you press them open or to the side - no one has to nest! Press the top HST seams open or in opposing directions, though.
Or, if you like a fancy looking pattern you can download, you can get the free PDF to make the block here! And if you’re making more than one, you can mix up the half square triangles between blocks and it looks even scrappier.
Some other small things I’ve been sewing for the holidays this year are on my blog, as well!
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