My Scrappy Patchwork Quilt

Do you ever have a simple project you plan to do, but just need a big nudge to get started? I have been meaning to whip up some scrappy patchwork quilts for years…yes years, but the plan always seemed to land low on the list of priorities, until now.

I have far more fabric scraps than I feel comfortable with, and rather than just throw them away, I love the idea of turning them into a charming, and super easy patchwork quilt. When I saw that Natalie at Sew Hungry Hippie (@sewhungryhippie) was hosting a totally free Easy Patchwork Quilt Along #easypatchworkqal, I jumped at the chance to sew along, knowing this would keep me on a steady schedule and force me to get this project started and finished and off my to-make-someday list.

This is the most beginner, basic quilt, so there were no big surprises or new techniques — just a lot of encouragement and motivation, which I absolutely loved and needed. I did love the way Natalie planned out the quilt portions. Instead of sewing the squares into long rows, she had us sew them into 16 patch blocks. I love this because it helped keep the fabrics more randomly situated in the quilt, and the blocks helped to retain the shape and structure of the squares, whereas sewing in long rows can result in squares getting a little stretched out or uneven in their finished measurements.

The quilt top was finished in no time at all, and I was so enamored with it, I decided to fold it up, stash it in my backpack, and take it with me on a hike — the last hike I would get to Silver Lake before winter closures. Of course, I always take my trusty hiking buddy, Tim, and just like at home, Tim immediately jumped up onto the quilt top as I was trying to photograph it. What is it with dogs and quilts?

I asked my daughter to hold up the quilt top for me for a full progress shot, but she said her arms were too tired. Lol!

My husband is always the best and most willing quilt holder, so I roped him along to hold up the finished quilt. I kept the quilting super simple — just straight lines following along each side of the horizontal and vertical seams. I do love densely quilted quilts, but I plan to gift this to family members who would ideally use it everyday, so I really wanted this one to wash up as soft and cuddly as possible.

For the quilt back, I used some old Amy Butler yardage I had from her Midwest Modern collection. I adore the retro mid-century feel of this print!. Binding is a fun aqua plaid — I believe from Michael Miller.

I LOVE this! I think scrappy is my absolute favorite look. I’ll be starting on another one soon, and I think I’ll even plan for a scrappy puff quilt in my near future. Stay tuned and happy quilting!