Hello, sewing friends! Are you looking for a project that’s both fun to make and fun to use? I have something special for you today. We are going to create a beautiful DIY quilted travel game board.
Imagine having a soft, roll-up board for checkers or chess that you can take anywhere. But wait, there’s more! On the back, we’ll add a tic-tac-toe board. And to keep all your game pieces safe, we’ll sew a handy zipper pouch right onto it.
This is the perfect fat quarter sewing project. It’s a great way to use those pretty fabric bundles you’ve been saving. Plus, it makes a wonderful handmade gift for family and friends. So, grab your sewing machine, and let’s get started on this amazing project together. It’s easier than you think!
What You’ll Need for Your Game Board Project
Before we start cutting, let’s gather our supplies. This project is designed to make great use of fat quarters, which are pre-cut pieces of fabric that are fun to mix and match. You’ll also need some basic sewing tools.
Here is a simple list of everything you’ll need to make your DIY quilted travel game board.
| Item | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Fat Quarters | 6 total | Choose a mix of light, dark, and colorful prints. |
| Batting | 1 piece | About 20 x 20 inches. Scraps work for the game pieces. |
| Zipper | 1 | Around 12 to 13 inches long. |
| Ribbon | 4 pieces | About 20 inches long each. For tying the board closed. |
| Contrasting Thread | 1 spool | For sewing the tic-tac-toe lines so they stand out. |
| Basic Sewing Tools | – | Sewing machine, scissors, ruler, pins, fabric marker. |
Remember to save all your fabric scraps as we go! We will use them to create the zipper pouch.
Part 1: Let’s Sew the Quilted Checkers Board Top
The first step is to create the beautiful checkerboard top. This part looks complicated, but it’s really just sewing straight lines. This is how we’ll sew a checkers board that looks clean and professional.
Cutting and Sewing Your Fabric Strips
First, pick two fat quarters that have a nice contrast, like a light color and a dark color. From each fabric, cut four strips that are 2.5 inches wide. You will have eight strips in total.
Now, lay your strips out, alternating the colors. Place one dark strip, then one light strip, then dark, and so on. Sew all eight strips together along the long edges. It’s best to use a quarter-inch seam for this. A good tip is to press all your seams open with an iron as you go. This will help your checkerboard lay flat and look neat.
Creating the Checkerboard Pattern
Once you have your striped fabric panel, it’s time for the magic. Take your panel and cut it into eight new strips, each one 2.5 inches wide. You will be cutting across the seams you just sewed.
Now, take these new strips and lay them out side-by-side. To create the checkerboard pattern, simply flip every other strip upside down. You will see the checkerboard appear right before your eyes! Carefully sew these eight strips together, making sure to line up the seams. Press the seams open again for a crisp finish.
Adding the Border and Quilting
Your checkerboard center is done! To frame it, grab a third fat quarter and cut four 2.5-inch strips from it. Sew these strips around the edges of your checkerboard to create a border.
Next, it’s time to quilt. Lay your checkerboard top on your piece of batting. You can use a temporary fabric spray or safety pins to hold it in place. Then, sew lines across the board to hold the layers together. I like to sew lines diagonally from corner to corner through the squares. It creates a lovely quilted texture.
Part 2: Making the Fun Tic-Tac-Toe Back
Now for the other side of our DIY quilted travel game board. We’re going to make a simple tic-tac-toe board. This part is much quicker!
Choose a fat quarter for the center of the board. A solid or simple print works best so your stitches will show up. Cut this fabric into a square that is about 15.75 inches by 15.75 inches. Then, take another fat quarter and cut four 2.5-inch strips to create a border, just like you did for the checkerboard.
To make the game lines, use a thread color that contrasts with your fabric. We want the lines to look like they were playfully scribbled on. Mark your lines to create a nine-square grid. Then, on your sewing machine, sew back and forth over each line about three times. Don’t worry about being perfectly straight—the “scribbled” look is what makes it charming!
Part 3: A Zipper Pouch to Hold Your Game Pieces
Every good travel game needs a place to store the pieces. This is where we learn how to make a zipper pouch using our leftover fabric scraps.
Gather the scraps from the four fabrics you used for the board tops. Cut four pieces that are 8 inches by 16 inches. Two will be for the outside of the pouch, and two will be for the lining.
To make the zipper easy to sew, add small fabric tabs to each end. Then, attach your fabric pieces to the zipper. Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to get a nice, close stitch. Sew around the edges of the pouch, but leave the bottom edge of the outer fabric open for now.
Putting It All Together: The Final Assembly
You’re almost done! It’s time to put all the pieces of your travel game board together.
- Lay your quilted checkerboard on your table, right side facing up.
- Place your zipper pouch along one edge, with the raw edge lined up with the edge of the checkerboard.
- On the opposite edge, place your four ribbons so they are pointing toward the center.
- Finally, lay your tic-tac-toe board on top, with the right side facing down.
Pin everything together and sew all the way around the outside. Make sure to leave a 4-inch opening along one side. This is how you will turn the whole project right side out.
After sewing, clip the corners and turn your game board right side out through the opening. Gently push out the corners so they are sharp. Give it a good press with your iron. To finish, sew a nice topstitch all the way around the entire edge of the board. This will close the opening and give your project a clean, finished look.
FAQs
How to make checkers board game?
You can sew a checkers board. First, cut strips of fabric. Use two different colors. Sew the strips together in a pattern. Then cut new strips from that piece. Flip every other strip. Sew them all back together. This makes the classic checkerboard look.
How to make a handmade board game?
First, choose a game you like. You can use fabric to make the board. Our guide shows you how. Then, make your game pieces. You can sew small fabric shapes. Or you can use buttons or beads. Finally, write down the rules for your game.
How to play Chinese checkers board game?
Chinese checkers uses a star-shaped board. Each player has ten pieces. Your goal is to move your pieces across the board. You want to get to the opposite point of the star. You can move one space at a time. You can also jump over other pieces. The first person to move all their pieces wins.
How do you lay out checkers?
You only play on the dark squares. Each player gets 12 pieces. One player uses the light pieces. The other uses the dark pieces. Place your pieces on the dark squares in the first three rows on your side of the board.
How do I design a board game?
Start with a simple idea. Think about how a player can win your game. Then, write some basic rules. Make a test version of the game. Use paper to draw the board. Use coins for the pieces. Play the game with friends. See what is fun. Then you can make changes.
A Game Board That Makes Memories
This project is more than just a craft; it’s a way to bring people together. I left my finished board on my coffee table, and it wasn’t long before my kids asked me to play a game. We ended up having so much fun. A simple sewing project turned into a sweet family moment. I hope this DIY quilted travel game board brings you and your loved ones just as much joy.
You now have a beautiful, handmade game board that’s ready for trips, picnics, or just a quiet afternoon at home. You should be so proud of what you’ve made!
What game will you play first? Let me know in the comments below. I love hearing about your sewing adventures. Happy sewing