Table of contents for April/May + June/July 2024 in Quick+Easy Quilts

LET’S GET GROWING As the vibrant colors of spring begin to paint our surroundings, it is with great excitement that we present this special double issue to celebrate the season’s renewal, showcasing colorful designs as fresh as the blooming flowers outside your window. You’ll find a bouquet of scrappy and springtime quilts from table runner to bed-size—all quick and easy. Wouldn’t this be the perfect time to do a little spring cleaning in your stash of fabric scraps? We thought so! Play with scrappy squares to make Susan Deshensky’s Memories of Grandmother—her tribute to a favorite childhood stuffed toy. Or cut them into triangles as Deb Graves did for her eye-catching Rainbow Riot. If you’re a newer quilter, check out our 10 Tips for Building a Healthy, Happy Fabric Stash.…

1. Make friends with someone who owns a truck. 2. Get a piece of foam insulation board from the hardware store. Get it home in your friend’s truck. Most insulation boards come in 4’ x 8’ sheets. Cut to size as needed with a craft knife or box cutter (Photo A). 3. Cover with a neutral-colored felt; secure with T-pins. You’d think staples would work, but they don’t. Trust us. (Photos B and C). 4. Prop against the wall or secure onto the wall however you see fit. Throw those blocks and pieces up there—and go, baby, go! (Photos D and E).…

finished size: 55” x 69” finished blocks: 12 (12”) BLOCKS wanted to create a super easy block for foundation paper piecing beginners. Easy Peasy Posies has such a block. Each block is comprised of four rotated 6½” sections. My plan was also to create a monochromatic project, so I chose a variety of pinks. Each giant posie requires one fat quarter and a few scraps. What makes this quilt different is the giant rickrack sewn over the outer border ditch after the quilt is completed. This quilt went together so quickly, but it looks so striking! Mary Plan If you’re new to paper foundation piecing, consider this pattern a great place to start! Follow our step-by-step Sew Easy Lesson to master this technique. Mary selected 12 different pinks, but you…

finished size: 39¾” × 51” finished blocks: 12 (11¼”) BLOCKS I’ve had this idea of rocking boats in my head for a while, and I love the underwater world that snorkeling offers. The bright, deep colors and the boats make this the perfect themed quilt for a baby’s room. Karen Plan Karen added a little motion to her boats by tilting the blocks and trimming. In the photographed quilt, notice how she used a couple of directional fish prints: one in the water and one for the outside border. If you use something similar, pay close attention to how you cut and stitch the patches and strips to be sure the fish are swimming in the right direction...and then it will be smooth sailing! Use an accurate 1/4” seam allowance…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel’s 6½” Fabric Ruler. Fabrics from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Trimming-Oversized-Triangle-Squares…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat and Havel’s 6” Serrated-Blade Fabric Scissors. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP: To keep dark background fabrics from showing through, fuse a white lining fabric to light-colored appliqué fabric before cutting out the shape. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Fusible-Applique…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler. Fabric from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnbeck and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP If combining units from multiple bands, such as for a Nine-Patch block, press seams in bands in alternating directions to “nest” seams. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Making-Bands…

finished size: 45” × 45” finished blocks: 9 (12”) BLOCKS As a summer birthday girl, I love to have something fun to put out for my birthday or other celebrations. The summers are busy, and because mine is close to July 4th, it’s fun to have something a little different than red, white, and blue to celebrate my B-day...or any day with my family. Joanie Plan This colorful quilt is a breeze to assemble! Joanie used 9 assorted prints for the blocks in her quilt. To do the same, select 6 fat eighths* for the block Y’s and 2 fat quarters** for 2 of the block Z’s. The blue print is used for the third block Z plus the binding. We’ve also included instructions for a fun placemat using block…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler, and Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter. Fabric from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP: This method works for any size triangle-square unit. Cut squares twice the finished size of triangle-squares plus 1¾”. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-8-at-a-Time-Triangle-Squares…

Do you have any tips for making scrappy quilts? “I keep my scraps in small plastic drawers next to my sewing machine. Having the drawers close is handy, and the scraps are laid flat. I don’t want to have to press any of those little pieces! Bigger scrapsI put in larger boxes behind my sewing machine—all are sorted by color. Having drawers and boxes for scraps means I can start immediately with something when I want to make a scrap project. No having to pull fabrics from my stash just for little pieces—which is very time-consuming! I also usually start a scrap design with a colored fabric grouping. Maybe the project will be in pastels or fall colors. I can easily pull those colors from my scrap stash.” ~Connie Kauffman “I’ve…

finished size: 62″ × 62″ finished blocks: 16 (14″) BLOCKS Often, my designs come from things I see; this design comes from a memory. When I was a young girl, my great-grandmother gave me and my sisters each a doggy pillow. Mine was yellow with small prints. I still have this doggy pillow today; it is in a box in my attic. My niece hopes to have children soon, and I have been thinking about what kind of baby quilts I could make in anticipation of a new baby in our family. I thought I would try to make a replica doggy pillow, but then I thought about just making a doggy quilt with the same doggy design as my doggy pillow. I told my sister about my idea, and…

finished size: 77½” x 77 ½” finished blocks: 15(12½”)BLOCKS The block design was inspired by some old blocks that my great-grandmother, Chappel Wallace Jenkins, made—probably in the early 1950s. She never pieced her quilt top. The odd number of blocks wouldn’t have worked out nicely for a traditional quilt size. This design is based on my idea for how to sew them together and would include all the blocks—even though there was a weird number of them. My dimensions were not based on hers; instead, I designed them with sizes that worked nicely with fat quarters. Sarah Plan Get ready to create a timeless quilt with a bundle of fat quarters! You will need 19 fat quarters with a nice variety of light, medium, and dark prints to ensure value…

finished size: 42” × 42” finished blocks: 16 (9”) BLOCKS Whether the mighty jungle sleeps or roars, this toddler-friendly quilt is sure to be a favorite. Strip piecing and square patches make assembly easy peasy! Plan Fun novelty prints make terrific quilts for babies and toddlers. Angie chose 2 large-scale prints for her 5” patches, and she fussy cut the white print #3 for block Z to showcase the jungle animals. If you choose to do the same, you will need more white print #3. Then follow the helpful tips in our Sew Easy Lesson for Fussy Cutting. Use an accurate ¼” seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Shop Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Green…

finished size: 58″ × 58″ finished blocks: 9 (18″) BLOCKS I love 2½″ strip packs. I had a colorful strip collection from Island Batik called Chickadee. The fabrics inspired me! I wanted to make something quick and easy, so I played around with different designs. I liked using a solid white with the colorful fabrics—it makes the colors pop. Can you count ail the squares in the quilt? That'’ a challenge! Connie Plan How many precut strips does it take to make this colorful quilt? Connie did it with 41. Refer to the quilt photo and Assembly Diagram for color placements, then sort and cut your precut strips as indicated. We strongly suggest using a design wall to keep things organized as you assemble your quilt top. You’ll have a…

TIP: Before trimming, unfold the block to ensure the strips lie flat, correcting stitching if necessary. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Mitering-Corners…

finished size: 41” × 41” finished blocks: 52 (4”) UNITS Colleen made this quilt—featuring timeless colors, prints, and textures—for a special little girl. What a fun way to use your favorite collection of precut charm squares! Plan This sweet baby quilt uses a collection of precut 5” charm squares and coordinating prints for the background and binding. Referring to the photographed quilt and noting the color placements, sort 30 (5”) charms into 13 sets of 2 matching for the triangle-square units and 1 set of 4 matching for the corner B patches. Shop Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Assorted prints 30 squares 5” for units and patches (see Plan) • White print 1½ yds. for units, patches, and border • Multicolor stripe…

Stash Statement: Make the Most of Your Fabrics with Easy Improv Quilts by Kelly Young Fox Chapel, 2024 If, like most quilters, you can’t bear to get rid of fabric scraps, strips, and leftovers, then you should turn them into cool, creative, one-of-a-kind quilts! Kelly Young can help—she’s got a lot of creative, modern ideas for scrap quilt patterns and shares 15 of them in this charming, cheerful book. Learn how to organize your scraps so you’re more likely to actually use them, explore design options with multiple color and style variations, and follow the step-by-step instructions to stitch your fabric scraps into treasured heirlooms. landauer.foxchapelpublishing.com Fun with Scraps: 24 Exciting Quilt Patterns To Use Your Scrap Fabrics by Katherine Curtsinger Amazon, 2023 While you can use just about any…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler, and Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter. Fabric from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. TIP: This method works for any size Flying Geese unit. Cut the small squares ⅞” larger than the finished height and the large square 1¼” larger than the finished width. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Quick-Pieced-Flying-Geese-Units…

finished size: 18” × 12” finished blocks: 1 (12”) BLOCK Your celebrations won’t be complete without a few colorful placemats! Cut For each placemat • 2 assorted prints from 1, cut: 2 strips 2½” × WOF for binding from 1, cut: 2 squares 4⅞” (A) 1 square 4½” (B) • White print 1 rectangle 6½” × 12½” (E) 2 squares 4⅞” (A) 4 squares 4½” (B) • Backing and Batting 16” × 22” Sew 1. Follow steps 1 and 2 in the quilt instructions to make 1 block Y. 2. Join white E to block Y to complete placemat top. 3. Layer, baste, and quilt as desired. Bind the placemat.…

1. Everyone loves a “wowie-zowie” or trendy pattern, but don’t forget basics. You’ll need solids, shirting prints, neutrals, and small prints (like checks, tiny polka dots, etc.) to contrast with those prints. It’s a real bummer when you don’t have these less-exciting but essential fabrics on hand. 2. When you buy fabric for a specific project (and you’re feeling flush), purchase an extra 1/4 yard. You’ll quickly find your stash growing. 3. If you’re head-over-heels in love with a particular fabric, purchasing 4 yards is about right. You’ll use most of it in one or two projects, but will likely leave enough scraps to work with for a long time to come. 4. Buy what you like. If you love your fabrics you’ll use them. 5. ...That said, don’t be…

finished size: 60” × 74” finished blocks: 20 (14”) BLOCKS Gather your favorite springtime prints to make this charming throw for a special loved one. At first glance, Emily’s quilt may look complicated— but the design is just one simple block that is rotated. Her shortcut of making bands for some units is a genius way to speed up the assembly process. Plan For best results when joining strips, follow the tips in the Sew Easy Lesson for Making Bands. Use an accurate 1/4” seam allowance throughout to ensure all elements of the quilt fit together well. Shop Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • Ivory print 2⅛ yds. for blocks • Red print #1 1⅛ yds. for blocks • Black print #1 3/4…

Products used: Martelli’s Color-Contrasting Cutting Mat, Martelli’s 45mm Ergonomic Rotary Cutter, Martelli’s Square Fussy-Cut Windows, and Martelli’s No-Slip Square Templates. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand and Gulls Just Want to Have Fun collection, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Fussy-Cutting…

PREPARING BINDING Strips for quilt binding may be cut either on the straight of grain or on the bias. For the quilts in this issue, cut strips on the straight of grain. 1. Measure the perimeter of your quilt and add approximately 24” to allow for mitered corners and finished ends. 2.Cut the necessary number of strips (the total in step 1 divided by the usable width of your fabric) to achieve desired length. We like to cut binding strips 2¼” wide, but some folks prefer 2½”. It’s your choice. Experiment! 3. Join your strips into 1 continuous length using diagonal seams (Photo A). Press seams open. 4.Press binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides facing, to make double-fold binding (Photo B). ATTACHING BINDING 1. Choose a starting point along one…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6½” Fabric Ruler, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel’s 3½” Straight-Tip Embroidery Scissors. Fabric from Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback and Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/sew-easy-paper-foundation-piecing…

TIP: This method works for any size triangle-square. Cut squares the finished size of trianglesquares plus ⅞”. Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler, and Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter. Fabric from Abstract Collage collection by Ampersand and Garden Glory collection by Maja Ronnback, both for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Quick-Pieced-Triangle-Squares…

finished size: 22” × 22” finished blocks: 1 (22”) BLOCK Tulips are so colorful! One of my biggest bucket list wishes is to travel to Holland and see them one day. I think of tulips as the first sign of spring, the first signs of life after winter. Gina Plan Tulips are a sure sign of spring! And this petite table topper is ideal for greeting it. For a fun twist to her simple fusible appliqué design, Gina chose rickrack for the tulip stems. To help reduce bulk and stiffness in some appliqué pieces, follow our Beginner Bootcamp lesson for Windowing Fusible Appliqué. Fun and fast! Shop Fabric yardage assumes 40” usable width of fabric (WOF) unless otherwise noted. • White tonal3/4 % yd. for background • Dark green tonal…

finished size: 69” × 69” finished blocks: 25 (12”) BLOCKS Nana’s Garden is based on simple, traditional blocks that have been updated with a slightly more modern design to resemble flowers in a garden. I wanted to create something that reminded me of all the beautiful flowers my grandmother and great-grandmother grew—and thought traditional blocks would be a great starting point. I love that this can be made in solids to give it a bright, airy, modern feel or done in florals to create a wonderful garden-within-a-garden look. It really is a design that allows a quilter to make it feel like their own. It would even be possible for a scrappy finish by doing each pink ’flower’ in a different color! Siobhan Plan Choose bright solids, tonals, or prints…

Products used: Havel’s Self-Healing Cutting Mat, Havel’s 45mm Rotary Cutter, and Havel’s 6” × 24” Fabric Ruler. Fabric from Garden Glory by Maja Ronnback collection and Abstract Collage by Ampersand collection for Paintbrush Studio Fabrics. Watch this Sew Easy™ Lesson at QuiltingDaily.com/Sew-Easy-Stitch-and-Flip-Corners…

finished size: 79” × 79” finished blocks: 16 (16”) BLOCKS I am a US Army Veteran and have participated in Quilts of Valor® both as a recipient and a donor. Some of my favorite memories were coming home from a deployment and curling up under a quilt after a long, hot shower. This quilt was inspired by an antique Jacob’s ladder quilt my husband’s granny made in the 1950s and my favorite star block. I used my EQ software and worked with the traditional blocks to create a visually striking quilt that could be made quickly or by quilters who may be new to quilting. It uses 16” blocks to make light work for a Quilt of Valor®. Ivonne This pattern meets the guidelines established by the Quilts of Valor®…