Three quilt block designs suitable for novice sewers, available freely for use!
Are you looking for a fun and efficient way to use your fabric scraps while learning the art of quilting? Look no further! This article presents three beginner-friendly scrap-busting quilt block patterns that rely on half square triangles (HSTs).
**Preparing Half Square Triangles (HSTs)**
To begin, cut pairs of fabric scraps into squares and sew them right sides together diagonally, with a seam allowance of 1/4in. After stitching, cut along the diagonal line to create two HST units. Press the seams open or to one side. Using multiple sizes of HSTs allows for varied block designs and effectively uses fabric scraps with minimal waste.
**Choosing Beginner-Friendly Block Patterns Using HSTs**
Here are three free beginner-friendly scrap-busting quilt block patterns that rely largely on HST units:
1. **Simple Scrap Buster Patchwork Quilt:** This pattern uses all easy HSTs arranged in various simple geometric layouts to create an appealing patchwork design.
2. **Pineapple Scrap Buster Quilt:** Though it appears complex, it’s constructed entirely from easy HST units made from scraps. This pattern is great for stash busting and learning HST basics.
3. **Orange Peel Quilt Block:** A fresh and delightful block using HSTs to highlight scraps creatively. It’s beginner-friendly and perfect for showcasing scrap fabrics.
**Assembling the Quilt**
Arrange the HST blocks according to your chosen pattern on a design wall or flat surface to visualize the final look. Sew blocks into rows and then assemble rows. Add borders or sashing if desired to frame your scrap-busting design.
**Finishing the Quilt**
Layer your quilt top with batting and backing fabric, then quilt by machine or hand. Bind the edges to complete your quilt.
**Additional Tips**
- Use scraps of various sizes and colours, mixing light and dark fabrics for contrast. - For no-trim faux-HST methods combining panels and borders for scrappy quilts, consider alternative techniques. - Foundation paper piecing versions of scrap-busting HST blocks are available as downloadable patterns to maintain accuracy using scrap fabrics. - Explore scrap quilt tutorials on YouTube for visual guidance on making HSTs and scrappy quilts quickly and effectively.
These free quilt block patterns are perfect for beginners to get hooked on quilting and master techniques before making quilts, home accessories, and clothing. For direct links to PDFs or video tutorials for these patterns, check out quilting blogs and platforms like Etsy and YouTube focused on scrap quilting.
**The Fly Away Quilt Block Pattern**
To make the Fly Away quilt block pattern, follow the HST method to create four HSTs from each pair of blue square/background square. Arrange four HSTs as shown in Figure 2 and sew them together in two rows of two, then sew the rows together. Repeat with each set of four HSTs.
**The Cross Patch Quilt Block Pattern**
To make the Cross patch quilt block, follow the HST method to create four HSTs from each pair of dark grey/light blue, light grey/medium blue, and light grey/dark blue squares. Arrange the HSTs as shown in the Layout Diagram and sew them together to complete the block.
**The Easy Arrows Quilt Block Pattern**
For the Easy arrows quilt block, three light grey, three dark blue, one dark grey, and one light blue 4in squares are needed. Arrange the HSTs as shown in the Layout Diagram and sew them together to complete the block.
These patterns, provided by Fabric Rehab and using solids from the Hawthorne Threads' Hawthorne Hues collection, are a great way to experiment with different fabrics and techniques. Happy quilting!
- Venture into the world of crochet and fashion by transforming extra fabric scraps into a stylish crochet bag or accessories, such as purses, scarves, or hats.
- Elevate your home lifestyle with quilting projects beyond quilts; consider creating custom DIY pillows, wall hangings, or table runners using your newly developed HST skills and leftover fabric pieces.
- Combine quilting with knitting or macrame to create a unique fashion-and-beauty piece, like a quilted hair tie holder with knitted or macrame trim, or a crocheted headband adorned with tiny quilted flowers.
