Do you have a growing pile of fabric scraps that are too pretty to throw away? Do you want to try free motion quilting but feel nervous about starting on a big project? If you said yes, then I have the perfect technique for you. It’s a fun, playful method that lets you be creative without any pressure.
Today, we are going to explore the wonderful world of free motion quilting with scraps. This “quilt as you go” style means you will piece your fabric and quilt it all at the same time. There are no complicated rules here. It’s the perfect way to practice your quilting skills, use up that beloved scrap collection, and create something truly unique and beautiful. Let’s grab some scraps and have some fun!
Why You’ll Love This Scrappy Quilting Method
This technique is a favorite among quilters of all levels for a few simple reasons. It takes the stress out of quilting and brings back the pure joy of creating.
First, it’s the best way to practice. Free motion quilting can feel a little tricky at first. Working on a small, scrappy block means you can try new designs without worrying about messing up a large quilt. If a swirl comes out wobbly, who cares? It’s just practice!
Second, you finally get to use those scraps! Every quilter has a stash of leftover fabric strips and odd shapes. This project turns that pile of clutter into beautiful, textured fabric. It’s a fantastic way to give those little pieces a new life.
Finally, it’s fast and efficient. Because you piece and quilt in one step, your project comes together much more quickly. You don’t have to make a full quilt top and then quilt it later. You do it all at once, which is incredibly satisfying.
Getting Your Supplies Ready
You don’t need much to get started on this fun project. Most of what you need, you probably already have in your sewing room. Here is a simple table of what to gather.
| Supply | Why You Need It |
|---|---|
| Fabric Scraps | The stars of the show! Gather strips and small pieces in colors you love. |
| Batting Scraps | Leftover pieces of batting are perfect. Cut them into squares. |
| Sewing Machine | Your machine needs to be set up for free motion quilting. |
| Free Motion Foot | Also called a “darning foot” or “hopping foot,” this lets you move the fabric freely. |
| Thread | Choose a color that blends in or one that pops. It’s up to you! |
| Fabric Scissors | A sharp pair of scissors makes cutting your scraps neat and easy. |
Before you begin, make sure you attach your free motion foot to your sewing machine and lower the feed dogs. The feed dogs are the little teeth under the needle that usually pull your fabric forward. Lowering them allows you to move the fabric in any direction you want.
Step-by-Step: Your First Free Motion Quilted Block
Ready to sew? Let’s walk through how to make your very first block. We’ll start by making a small square, perfect for a coaster.
Step 1: Prepare Your Base
Start with a square of batting. A good size for practice is about 7 inches by 7 inches. This gives you extra room around the edges to hold onto while you quilt.
Next, choose your first fabric scrap. It can be any shape you like. Place it somewhere on top of your batting square. This is your starting point.
Step 2: Add a Second Scrap and Sew
Now, pick another scrap. Place it right-sides-together along one edge of your first scrap. The raw edges should be lined up.
Take it to your sewing machine and stitch along that edge with about a quarter-inch seam. You are sewing through both fabric scraps and the batting underneath. This is the “quilt as you go” magic! Your seam doesn’t have to be perfectly straight. Just follow the edge of your presser foot as a guide.
Step 3: Press and Quilt!
Once the seam is sewn, take your block and flip the second scrap over so its right side is facing up. You can press it with an iron or just press it flat with your fingers.
Now for the best part! With your machine still set up for free motion, you can immediately start quilting. Stitch some fun designs, like swirls or loops, all over the two scraps you just attached. You can go back and forth between piecing and quilting without ever changing your machine’s setup.
Step 4: Keep Adding and Quilting
When you’re done quilting that section, it’s time to add another scrap. Place a new piece of fabric right-sides-together on the edge of your growing block. Sew it down, flip it open, and quilt it.
You can keep adding scraps in any direction you like. You can build your block in straight lines like a log cabin or add pieces at odd angles for a wild, improvisational look. This is your chance to play with free motion quilting with scraps and find what you enjoy.
A great tip is to avoid breaking your thread after each step. You can simply stitch off into the extra batting on the side, add your next piece of fabric, and then stitch right back onto your block to quilt the new section.
From Practice Blocks to Amazing Projects
You might be wondering what to do with these fun, scrappy blocks once you’re done. The possibilities are truly endless! You’re not just practicing; you’re creating usable fabric.
| Project Idea | How to Make It |
|---|---|
| Quilted Coasters | Trim your finished block into a neat square. Place a piece of backing fabric on top (right sides together), sew around the edge, and leave a small opening to turn. Turn it right-side-out, press, and topstitch the edge closed. |
| Placemats or a Table Runner | Start with a larger, rectangular piece of batting and use the same technique to cover the whole thing with scraps. |
| A Scrappy Pillow | Make one large block or sew a few smaller ones together to create a unique pillow front. |
| A Full Quilt | This is the ultimate goal for quilt as you go. Make many blocks and then sew them together to create a stunning, one-of-a-kind scrappy quilt. |
FAQs
What is free motion quilting?
Free motion quilting is a special sewing technique. You guide the fabric freely under the needle. Your machine’s feed dogs are lowered. This lets you draw designs with thread.
How do you do the free motion quilting technique?
First, you need a free motion foot. You attach this foot to your sewing machine. Then, you lower the feed dogs. You move the fabric with your hands. This creates the quilted stitches.
How long does it take to learn free motion quilting?
Everyone learns at a different speed. It takes practice to feel comfortable. You can learn the basics in an afternoon. Getting good takes a bit more time. Small projects help you learn faster.
How hard is free motion quilting?
It can feel tricky when you first start. Your hands have to move the fabric smoothly. It gets much easier with practice. Don’t worry about being perfect. Just have fun with it.
What is the Indian quilting technique?
A famous Indian quilting technique is Kantha. It uses a simple running stitch. Crafters sew old fabrics together in layers. This creates beautiful and unique quilts.
You’re Ready to Create!
See how simple that is? Free motion quilting with scraps is more than just a technique; it’s a mindset. It’s about letting go of perfection, having fun with your sewing machine, and turning something old into something new and beautiful.
You now have the skills to tackle that scrap bin with confidence and improve your quilting at the same time. So go ahead, give it a try. Let your creativity run wild!
What project are you inspired to make first? Share your ideas or any questions you have in the comments below. Happy quilting