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Scrap Quilt Patterns for the Lazy Quilter

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Real talk: as much as we all love quilting, we don’t always love the hassle. So much time is spent cutting, piecing, marking, designing … all the little chores that are part and parcel of making a beautiful quilt. To be honest, sometimes quilting can be cause for therapy as much as it can act as therapy! Luckily, the editors here at FaveQuilts spend most of our time hunting down fast, easy quilt patterns and quilt patterns for beginners so that even the most inexpert among us can make beautiful quilts without too much effort.

So, for those long days when you just need to do something that’s creative but a little mindless, we’ve put together this list of easy scrap patterns that you can make without having to purchase new fabric or even leave the house at all.

scrap-quilt-patterns

Scrappy Quilt Block Patterns

Color Wheel BlockQuilt blocks are a great way to use up your scraps. Whether you turn just one into a coaster, or a few into a placemat, you can whip up some truly beautiful work with minimal time and effort. Blocks like the Color Wheel Block are ideal for using up those too-small scraps that you haven’t been able to use but can’t bring yourself to throw away.

1. Color Wheel Block
2. Twinkle Twinkle Scrappy Star
3. Scrapbuster Rail Fence Block
4. Staggered Strips Scrap Quilt Block
5. Scrappy Rainbow Star Block

Scrap Quilt Patterns

Film at Five Scrap Quilt PatternHave more scraps than you have need for new placemats? We know the feeling. Sometimes that stash pile can get so big that there’s nothing for it but a full-size quilt. Try one of these beautiful scrap quilts, like the Film at Five Scrap Quilt Pattern, which are guaranteed to use up a ton of fabric without causing too much of a headache!

1. Film at Five Scrap Quilt Pattern
2. Scrappy Ocean Waves
3. One Color Scrappy Baby Quilt
4. 11 Patch Scrap Quilt

Easy Quilt Patterns

Bubbly QuiltAnd here they are: the easiest of the easy! All these patterns, from Charlie the Elephant to the Clever Bargello Block, are impossibly easy. Sit back, relax, and let the process of quilting these projects give you the quilt therapy you’ve been looking for.

1. Charlie the Elephant
2. Clever Bargello Block
3. Scraptastic Quilted Tote
4. Bubbly Quilt

Want more awesome scrap patterns? Head over to our Top 10 Free Scrap Quilt Patterns page — now with 10 new favorites!

Follow FaveQuilts’s board Scrap Quilt Patterns on Pinterest.

Fashion & Function: Cute Quilted Bag Patterns for Making Life Easier

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Prada. Chanel. Louis Vuitton. Vera Bradley. These classic designers dominate the fashion world through their highly coveted bags and purses.  While couture handbags look posh, they are not exactly the most functional (or frugal) accessories when you’re grocery shopping with cranky toddlers or cleaning the kitchen while making dinner.

Does needing a practical bag mean you have to sacrifice having a fashionable bag?  FaveQuilts doesn’t think so! We believe that every quilter can put their skills to good use by making their own free quilted tote bag patterns or free purse patterns. To help each busy crafter find their ideal quilted bag pattern, we’ve compiled a list of our most stylish DIY bag patterns for simplifying errands and chores.

Cute-Quilted-Bag-Patterns-for-Making-Life-Easier

Quilted Bag Patterns for Home Organization

Bumblebee Project PouchLets face it — crafters are messy! If you need help keeping scrap quilt fabric and applique patterns organized, then the Crafty Caddy is the perfect tote bag quilt pattern to safely store a wide variety of crafting materials. For storing sharp sewing supplies, the Cutting Mat Caddy is ideal for creative moms in need of a place to stash their tools away from the little ones.

If you love keeping recipe and quilting magazines around your house, but don’t love how cluttered they can get, check out the Darling Dollhouse Case and the Bumblebee Project Pouch (shown). This vintage house quilt design and adorable applique bag allow you hold sewing kits, various magazines, and unfinished quilt projects in both of their tidy pockets.

 

Quilted Tote Bag Patterns for Errands

Easy to Sew Market Tote BagA bigger bag is usually necessary for trips to the grocery store or farmers market. Add style to your weekend errands when you sew a reusable tote bag like an Insulated Market Tote or this Easy to Sew Market Tote (shown). Not only are both of these DIY bags great for going green, they also provide enough room to fit a large amount of food within their sturdy interiors.

If you’re looking for an easy quilted bag pattern to hold many items, you’ll be impressed by the lightweight material and cute coffee pattern featured in Angie’s Big Quilted Tote Bag. When you’re carrying just a few items, like a stack of books, you’ll be glad you made the exquisite Expandable Library Tote for keeping all of your books organized and compact.

 

Homemade Quilted Handbags

Classic English Flex Frame Small quilted pouches and purses make the best presents! For example, the Really Simple Wristlet is one of the most popular quilted gift patterns for a trendy teenager. Similarly, the Quilted Make-up Travel Bag looks just like a Vera Bradley design and is great for holding valuable beauty products. For even smaller and chicer fun, check out this Classic English Flex Frame Pouch (shown) for small coins and keys.

 

 

Remember fellow quilters — any quilt project can be functional, frugal and fashionable if you use creativity.

If you’re interested in more quilted bag patterns, check out these 11 free quilted drawstring, messenger, and tote bag patterns.

 

 What would you use a quilted bag for?

 

 

 

FaveQuilts Giveaway: Jangles Sewing Bundle from Jennifer Heymen

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I’ve always loved how quilting can be totally versatile depending upon the types of  fabrics, accessories, and textures you want to use. Whether you’re currently obsessed with fluffy embellishments, shiny ceramics, or painted buttons, you’re able to let your imagination run wild and add almost any type of  sweet, personalized touches to everything from quilted bags to bedspreads. The editors of FaveQuilts want to celebrate this creative freedom by giving away this Jangles Sewing Bundle full of some of most original quilting accessories that we’ve ever seen! This springtime-inspired bundle of designs by Jennifer Heymen makes a funky addition to your quilting workspace as well as a super trendy gift package you can give to a fellow quilter.

Ice-Cream-Sundae-Pin-Cushion
The first quilted accessory you’ll notice in this bundle will definitely be the scrumptious-looking quilted pin cushion. This inventive idea for an ice cream pin cushion sits upon a glazed ceramic “saucer” with four fluffy cushions pieced together to look like a slightly melted (but still delicious) sundae. All across these puffy tiers of fabric are circular embellishments, swirly buttons, and even a bright red cherry on top. Small quilted pin cushion patterns as unique as this Jangles original are hard to come by; give this fabulous quilted accessory as a sweet gift to a sewist in need of a cute pin cushion.

OkeyDokeyOwlBack

If you’re looking for new sewing inspiration, you’ll love the four nature-themed sewing patterns included in the Jangles bundle. Small children will love the chubby quilted toy you make from the Okey Dokey Owl pattern instructions. For an older child, the Okey Dokey Owl and Friends Applique Quilt is a fantastic quilted blanket pattern to help you brush up on your applique technique. Perhaps you’re in need of a few whimsical quilted tote bags? Make durable and useful quilted bags by using the Little Ditties sewing tutorial to learn how  to create four different quilted drawstring bags in the shape of a crab, cupcake, toadstool, or turtle. Finally, this fantastic bundle includes instructions on how to make your own Daisy Pin Cushion.
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Last but not least, Jangles has kindly included four small, yet equally adorable handmade ceramic buttons. Showcasing swirly designs and girly polka dot patterns, these pretty little accessories are the perfect final addition to any quilted shirt or small drawstring bag.

The eclectic material mix that is so unique to quilting and sewing serves as great inspiration for new quilting projects. In the spirit of this creativity, FaveQuilts is giving away a Jangles Sewing Bundle to one lucky winner this week. Enter to win by July 9nd for your chance to receive this charming sewing pattern, handmade pin cushion, and lovely button bundle that you or a friend are sure to adore.

Get Ready for Stunning Summer-Inspired Quilt Patterns

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The grill is hot, the kids are home on vacation, and you’re in the mood for some summer inspiration for your next seasonal quilt project. Whether your favorite summer pastime is relaxing at the beach or working in your garden, the editors at FaveQuilts are pleased to present this selection of our favorite quilts with summer themes.

Sun Quilt Patterns

sunflower-table-topperCheery Sunshine PillowSunburst picnicblanket

 

 

 

What would summertime be without having fun in the sun? From joyful quilted table toppers to gloriously yellow and orange quilted blankets, you’ll be glad you checked out these three sunny quilted projects that are as bright and cheery as the balmy weather outside. If you want joyful and happy-colored quilted patterns, check out these sunny day quilted projects:

Sunshine Sunflower Table Topper

Cheery Sunshine Pillow

Sunburst Picnic Blanket

 

Beach Quilt Patterns

Drawstring Beach BagBeachy-Baby-Strip-Quilt-thGinormous Beach Bag

 

 

 

Entertain the kids by making these easy and vibrant beach-themed quilted projects. Whether you want to make a seasonal quilt pattern with cool ocean blues and little scrap quilt fish or you need a cute beach bag to store your sunblock in, beach quilt patterns are sure to be a major trend this season. If your favorite summertime hot spot is the beach, try these cute beachy patterns:

Charming Drawstring Beach Bag

Beachy Baby Strip Quilt

Ginormous Quilted Beach Bag

 

Quilted Picnic Baskets

Garden DistrictFarm-Fresh-Picnic-Quilt-thSummer Lovin' Picnic Quilt

 

 

 

Spend a few summer afternoons enjoying deliciously grilled burgers and hotdogs on your homemade summer-inspired picnic quilt. Friends and neighbors will be especially impressed by your handiwork and ingenuity when they see your patriotic picnic quilts or garden-inspired quilted blankets. While you’re hanging out with the kids on an afternoon picnic, you’ll enjoy the comfort and beauty of your own summer-themed picnic blanket. Some of these refreshing quilted blankets can even function as nifty wall quilts during the colder months. Do these quilt patterns sound appetizing? If so, check out these garden-inspired quilt patterns:

Garden District Picnic Blanket

Farm Fresh Picnic Quilt

Summer Lovin’ Picnic Quilt

 

Fourth of July Quilt Patterns

Patriotic-Pinwheel-Quilt-Runner-Tutorial-thPatriotic-Stars-QuiltAmerican-Flag-Wall-Hanging

 

 

 

Light up your Independence Day with these 4th of July quilts. From red, white, and blue wall hangings to table runners depicting America’s famous stars and stripes, each of these Fourth of July quilt patterns are sure to make this year’s firework show extra special! Show off your patriotism with these fun Fourth of July quilt projects:

Patriotic Pinwheel Quilt Runner

Patriotic Stars Quilt

American Flag Wall Hanging

 

Summer-themed quilts can be a fantastic project to take some personal time to enjoy your favorite hobby and a great way to commemorate this year’s summer for years to come. The great thing about these diverse seasonal quilt patterns is that they allow you to express your love of all things warm and summery through your preferred quilting techniques.

What kind of summer quilt pattern are you going to make this year?

Meet and Make: Gayla Carlson

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This week’s Meet and Make designer is Gayla Carlson. Gayla is the talented rag quilter behind Jubilee Creative Studio. She sells homespun fabric designed specifically for rag quilting on JubileeFabric.com. Her ragged style patterns and tutorials can be found on Jubilee Homespun Inspiration.

Let’s meet Gayla!

10 Fun Facts about Gayla:

  1. I am a baseball Mom and a basketball Mom.  One of my favorite activities is to watch my son and his friends compete and have fun.
  2. I can tie a cherry stem into a knot with my tongue.  It’s a rare skill.
  3. I have a framed poster of Rod Stewart in my studio and love his Great American Songbook albums.
  4. I was a full-time city postal carrier for seven years and often walked 10-12 miles in one day with a satchel full of mail.
  5. I have a “mug-go-‘round” in my cabinet (the lazy susan in the corner unit) filled with my collection of fun mugs.  I pick my coffee mug each day based on my mood.
  6. We also have a “cereal-go-‘round” in the lower cabinet.  A bowl of cereal is appropriate any time of day in this household.
  7. I collect domain names.  If I think of a good name, I register it “just in case.”  My husband says he can always please me on my birthday by just buying me a new domain name.
  8. We once converted an abandoned, unfinished underground house into a livable space and lived it in for one year while we build a “real” house on top.  The kids still have fun memories of the year in “the cave.”
  9. My favorite tv shows are Storage Wars, Pawn Stars, American Pickers and Swamp People.  I have a t-shirt that says “Choot ‘em, Lizbit.”
  10. I got my first real job in a deli when I was 15.  Had a huge crush on the manager and 32 years later we are still happily married.

 

Here’s Gayla’s Project:

Quilted Homespun Tote Bag

Finished Size: 15 inches wide x 16 inches long

Primary Technique: Pieced

Difficulty Level: Easy


MATERIALS:

  • 144-150 Homespun 4″ Precut Quilt Squares
  • 1 yard stiff, dense quilt batting
  • 1 purchased canvas tote bag, approx 15″ x 16″
  • optional- buttons to embellish tote

INSTRUCTIONS:

  1. For the front, set together 36 doubled (two layers) homespun squares to form a panel that is 6 squares wide and 6 squares tall. Do the same to form the back. Use a small, tight stitch and secure the seams with backstitching. Clip all the seam allowances about 1/2 inch deep and about 1/2 inch apart. This is what will make the “fray”.
  2. Backstitching to secure the seams must be done 5/8″ from all edges. Otherwise the backstitching will be lost when the homespun frays.
  3. Iron the front and back panels flat. Trim the edges of the front and back panels to match the size of your tote. The panels should extend about 1.5 inches beyond the tote in all directions. See photo below.
  4. Cut a piece of quilt batting about 1 inch smaller than the front/back panels.  Pin well.
  5. With the fabric side up, stitch from one side to the other across all the squares diagonally to ultimately form an X on each square. The back will have a diamond pattern as shown below when finished.
  6. Stitch front to back with batting sides together. Stitch the sides and the bottom, leaving the top open. Clip the side and bottom seam allowances 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  7. Turn your canvas bag inside out and insert it into the patchwork bag. The homespun portion will be slightly larger/longer than the canvas. This is so that the canvas tote will carry the weight of the contents and protect the homespun seams from stress.
  8. Pin along the top and stitch with a small tight stitch. The homespun will again be larger than the canvas so stitch some small pleats at the side seams. Clip the top seam allowance 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch apart.  Be careful that you do not clip into the stitching.
  9. Machine wash on cold with detergent and a liquid fabric softener (optional). After washing, shake loose strings out before drying.
  10. An optional pocket may be added to the inside by stitching it to the canvas bag before the bag is stitched to the homespun. Random buttons may be added for embellishment.

 

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