Scrappy Quilt Ideas, Simple Blocks with Scrap Fabric

Quilting is not just a craft, it’s a way for us to express our creativity and make something beautiful out of leftover fabrics, scraps, and orphan blocks. Try some of these scrappy quilt block ideas for your next quilt. In this blog post, we’ll explore some scrappy quilt ideas featuring easy appliqué hearts. Try some of these for your next quilt. This project is perfect for using low volume fabrics from your scrap stash, incorporating leftover materials, and giving purpose to those orphan blocks you’ve been saving.

Today’s assignment is scrappy quilt ideas only using my scrap fabric. Scrap quilting is a labor of love, especially if you only try to use low volume fabrics and stuff from your stash. Trying to use any piece of fabric for this scrap project as long as it’s not new. Not dipping into new fabric waiting to be used, no sir. Just using fabric leftover from other quilts and quilting projects to see what I can create.

Using stuff from your scrap pile and playing around with blocks is a great way to come up with new scrap quilt patterns. You can experiment and make a smaller version of a fun quilt element and see how it looks laid out differently.  It’s a place to play and see what kinds of different blocks you can create. I’ve discovered some great ideas to make a beautiful quilt. Maybe even offer a free scrap quilt pattern soon with things I made up playing with my scrap fabrics. Be on the look out, you never know when a new free pattern will be released. 

Improvisational quilting at it’s best, no pressure, easy pace, and loving every minute of this stress free scrap buster. Let me show you what I’ve made, what I’ve tried for the first time and tips learned along the way. 

Here are some scrappy quilt ideas to turn your scrap fabric into a quilt or something useful. Challenging myself to only using fabric in my scrap bins, not buying anything new for this scrappy project. Let me show you what I’ve been working on.  Taking small pieces of fabric scraps, making quilt blocks. Then turning those quilt blocks into something, I have several ideas up my sleeve.  

This is a free scrappy quilt pattern made with quilt blocks, easy applique hearts and low volume fabrics. I need to start using up my scrap stash, leftover fabrics and any orphan blocks that fit my color palette. Scrappy quilts are the perfect way to use up those small pieces of scrap fabric and turn them into something beautiful. These scrappy quilt ideas are made using low volume fabrics but you can use any color palette you want.

Over the last year, I really fell in love with low volume fabric and when I would get home from the fabric store the majority of my purchases were low volume fabric choices. There are actually quilts called low volume quilts. They are all over Pinterest and it’s time I tried using them in one of my quilt projects. Patchwork quilting is the only way I quilt so these “applique heats” are just sewn directly onto the quilt block, no interfacing or anything special.  I’ll show you how to do that and give you ideas to make your own scrappy blocks. 

Make sure you check this out!

After you read this post, make sure you also check out How To Learn How To Quilt: Beginner Quilting Guide. It’s jam packed with even more information, links and resources that are so helpful when you’re first learning. It also has a section with free quilt patterns that are great for beginners. So make sure you check this out, seriously don’t forget!

Grab a copy of my Quilt Planning Journal, filled with graph paper and some note pages to help you design at least 4 quilts or sewing projects! I have been using mine for a little while and already I am jotting down ideas as I see them and reminders about websites where I have seen some ‘must have’ fabric, so I think this can be so much more than just a design book. Pin in fabric swatches, photos of your finished quilts and enjoy your creative process! Click the bar below.

Scrappy Quilt Ideas – TUTORIAL

Now I had some larger scraps of 10″ x 9″ muslin pieces. I can’t even remember what project these were for but I was trying to create a string quilt project and thought I would use the muslin to sew fabric strips to. Sewing onto these muslin pieces was a great base for my scrappy quilt ideas. We all have cut fabric incorrectly or started a project and then didn’t like it so we stopped. What better way than to use these as larger pieces and turn them into blocks. Making a quilt out of blocks is easy, so many ways you can lay out the blocks on point or with sashing. Here’s a scrappy block or blocks that you can see and duplicate if you like.  Any skill level can create these, then turn these blocks into a lovely scrap quilt!

Materials Needed:

1. Scraps of low volume fabrics
2. Leftover fabrics from previous projects
3. Orphan blocks in coordinating colors
4. Background fabric
5. Sewing machine
6. Iron
7. Basic quilting supplies

Step-by-Step Process for Making a Single Block:

Start by collecting an assortment of low volume fabrics from your scrap stash. These fabrics will serve as the backdrop for your appliqué hearts. Feel free to mix and match patterns, colors, and textures to create a visually interesting quilt.

​If you have orphan blocks lying around, choose ones that complement your low volume fabrics. These blocks will add variety to your quilt and give a unique touch to each quilt block.

Organize your fabric scraps into sizes and shapes. You need to know what you are working with. Then you need a design or scrappy quilt block ideas before you can sew onto the scrappy block. Cut your background fabric into squares, rectangles or strips, depending on the size of the orphan blocks or the desired finished quilt block size.

Experiment with the placement of your low volume fabrics, scraps, and orphan blocks. Create a balanced and visually appealing composition for each quilt block. Because I’m using muslin pieces cut into 10″ x 9″ pieces as a base to sew on, it makes this a fun time of sewing.

Select two pieces, please right side together, lay one piece wrong side down and sew 1/4″ seam allowance down one side to attach to muslin. Trim fabric if needed, you can do this before or after you sew to muslin piece.

Continuing adding one piece at a time using the same method as above until the muslin is completely covered with fabric.

Press with iron when needed. Once you are done, press again then square up.

Turn block upside down and trim all four sides using the muslin as your guide. Use a scissors or rotary cutter, cutting mat and straight quilting ruler to complete.

Continue making blocks using the muslin pieces until you have enough for your project. Below are some examples of the blocks I made:

My favorite scrappy block is on point because it creates a secondary design when you join blocks together. Orphan block turned on point and then adding fabric scraps around it, so easy.

Four patch block as base, then building around it with fabric scraps. This was my favorite method when I wasn’t attaching the applique hearts to the blocks.

Scrappy Quilt Block Ideas – Direct Stitch Applique Hearts

I’m lazy, so if you’re looking for an easy way to add applique hearts to your quilt blocks then check this out. No interfacing used on these and they will be just fine. Let me walk you through sewing appliqué hearts directly onto those scrappy quilt block ideas, and how layering these hearts can create a sweet added element that makes your blocks pop. These are sewn on but they look appliqued.

Use fabric scissors to cut out heart shapes directly from your chosen fabrics.  You can draw your heart shapes or find templates online.

Cut out the hearts and arrange them on your background fabric. For a more eclectic look, vary the sizes and shapes of the hearts. This step allows for a raw and organic feel to your appliqué.

Using your sewing machine, stitch around the edges of each heart directly onto the background fabric. You can choose a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, or any decorative stitch that enhances the overall aesthetic.

To make a bold statement, consider layering hearts on top of each other. Stitch one heart onto the background fabric, then place another heart on top and stitch around its edges. This technique adds dimension and texture to your quilt.

Don’t be afraid to mix and match colors and patterns. You don’t have to do hearts, you can do any shape you want. The direct stitching method allows for a more spontaneous and eclectic design, making it a perfect opportunity to showcase your creativity.

Continue the process of arranging and stitching hearts until you’ve covered the entire quilt top or achieved your desired design. Adjust the density of hearts based on your preference.

Once the appliqué hearts are stitched onto the quilt top, proceed with quilting using your preferred method. Finally, bind the edges to complete your unique and statement-making quilt. Check out my resource section for tutorials on each step in the quilting process if you need help.

Direct stitching appliqué hearts onto quilt blocks provides a hands-on and artistic approach to quilting. This method allows for creativity to flow freely, resulting in a quilt that not only tells a story but also makes a bold statement. Embrace the imperfections and unique textures created by this technique, and enjoy the process of turning fabric scraps into a one-of-a-kind masterpiece.

Scrappy Quilt Ideas – BEGINNER QUILTING SUPPLIES

Here are some quilting tools and supplies I recommend. I make a small commission if you purchase through the links, this helps to support this free content. For more info, check out Supplies for Beginners (Best Tools To Start).

• Rotary Mat Cutting Mat (Self-Healing Mat)
• 28 mm Rotary Cutter
• 28 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
• 45 mm Rotary Cutter with Sharp Blade (start with this one)
• 45 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades (start with this one)
• 60 mm Rotary Cutter
• 60 mm Rotary Cutter Replacement Blades
• 5″ x 20″ Quilting Straight Line Ruler
• 4.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for half square triangles
• 12.5″ Quilting Square Ruler for quilt blocks
• Cut Resistant Gloves
• Stiletto
• Straight Pins
• Sewing Thread
• Universal Sewing Needles
• Cotton Batting
• Sewing Machine Beginner (see my about me page for more info on sewing machines for beginners to the one I use today)

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ABOUT SEW NIKKI

If this is your first time stopping by, welcome! My name is Nikki. I’m a weekend quilter, have a super small sewing space and taught myself how to sew and quilt by watching YouTube videos! My blog has How-To’s, Free Patterns and Pattern Reviews. Read more about me here.

Creating a scrappy quilt with easy appliqué hearts is not only a fantastic way to use up your fabric scraps but also an opportunity to showcase your unique style. Embrace the creative process, experiment with different combinations, and enjoy the journey of turning leftover materials into a stunning quilt that tells your quilting story.

Follow me on social media (Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter) so you get notifications when I post new patterns and tutorials. 

Want to learn how to crochet? Then check out this post, How to Learn How to Crochet – Guide for Beginners.

Sew, quilt, crochet and repeat!