Learn about this true scrappy quilt!
Hi Quilters!
As we all know, buying high-quality fabric from a quilt shop can be quite costly. That's why I'm excited to share my experience with a quilt I recently finished - a True Scrappy Quilt.
The best part! This quilt didn't cost me a single penny to make. I used fabric I already had on hand - plenty of fabric scraps from previous projects, backing fabric from my stash and leftover binding fabric from an earlier quilt.
![Totally Scrappy Quilt - fb]()
The inspiration for this quilt came from Heather Kojan's pattern called, "The January Project". While the finished quilt size is a nice size, I wanted something larger to suit my needs. So I made some revisions to the pattern, which I'll explain in detail later.
If you have an abundance of scrap fabric and are looking for a creative way to use them, consider making your own version of my "Totally Scrappy Quilt" OR check out our Free Scrappy Quilt Patterns page with over 20 free projects.
You can learn all about this Totally Scrappy Quilt by watching this video and checking out this post which includes additional photos and detailed information.
COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to
watch the whole video tutorial, click the link Totally Scrappy Quilt to watch in Youtube.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate
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let's learn about the totally scrappy quilt
![Totally Scrappy Quilt on Bed]()
WHAT YOU NEED:
- The January Project by Heather Kojan (scroll to the end of this post for product link)
- Primary Color Scraps for Diagonal Strips
- Neutral Color Scraps for Background Fabric
- Binding Fabric from Previous Project
- Backing Fabric (Check Your Stash)
- Batting
- Rotary Cutting Tool (Purchase from Amazon or Joann)
- 6" x 24" Ruler (Amazon or Joann)
- 12 1/2" Square Ruler (Amazon or Joann)
- Scissors (Amazon or Joann)
- Sewing Machine
The inspiration
This quilt was inspired by The January Project pattern by Heather Kojan. The scrappy quilt pattern features individual 12 1/2" blocks with a diagonal strip set against a solid background. A link to purchase the pattern is at the end of the article.
![Totally Scrappy Quilt Pattern]()
For my quilt version, I used a color palette of green, tan, brown and yellow scrap fabrics for the diagonal strips, paired with an assortment of neutral solids scrap fabrics for the background.
summary of how it's made
QUILT BLOCKS
The process for making the 12 1/2" block starts with a strip set. The pattern instructions tell you to sew together fabric scraps at least 7" wide into a column at least 19" long. Once the strip set is sewn, it is trimmed to exactly 6" wide.
![Totally Scrappy Quilt Block]()
Next, is the preparation of a background block. For my quilt, I used leftover neutral solid fabrics which I sewed together and trimmed into a square as specified in the pattern.
NOTE: Alternatively, you could just use some solid neutral fabric without piecing them.
This background square was then cut in half diagonally, creating two triangles.
The triangles were sewn to either side of the strip set.
A 12 1/2" square ruler was used to create a 12 1/2" block.
QUILT SIZE
The original pattern calls for 36 blocks (6 blocks wide by 6 blocks long) to create a 72" x 72" quilt.
I modified the size to better fix my bed by making 42 blocks, arranged 6 blocks wide by 7 blocks long. Additionally, I added a 5" scrappy border made with leftover fabric scraps all the way around the quilt.
![Totally Scrappy Quilt Corner Miter]()
The borders were joined at the corners using mitered seams, giving the quilt a polished look.
Final quilt size: 82" x 94".
THE BACKING
Before purchasing backing fabric, check your fabric stash. I checked my stash and found a piece of fabric that was long enough but not wide enough. To solve this, I dove into my scraps again and pieced together a scrappy strip set to widen the backing.
![Totally Scrappy Quilt Long Strip]()
If you don't have a piece of fabric wide or long enough, consider using more scraps to piece together a unique scrappy backing. This approach ties in beautifully with the theme of the quilt.
THE QUILTING
After preparing the quilt sandwich, quilt as desired.
I quilted it with straight-line quilting in the strip sets and border,![Totally Scrappy Quilt Quilting Closeup]()
then free-motion machine quilting (stippling) in the background area.![Totally Scrappy Quilt Quilting]()
THE BINDING
I made the binding from leftover fabric from another project, adding a cohesive touch without the need to purchase any material. ![Totally Scrappy Quilt Corner Closeup]()
Binding strips were cut 2 1/2-inches wide, joined together, sewn to the front of the quilt and then hand-stitched to the back using a blind hem stitch.
THE OUTCOME
The mix of colors has really brought this quilt to life, ![Totally Scrappy Quilt on Bed2]()
making it the ultimate scrap quilt. Even better, I made the entire quilt without spending a dime!
THE FUNNY PART
Despite this quilt's generous size (82" x 94"), I still have lots of scraps.
This quilt project was a joy to make and I love how it highlights the creativity and eco-friendlyness of scrap quilting. If you're looking for an economical and fun quilting project, try making your own totally unique scrappy quilt with The January Project pattern and adding your personal flair.
I hope you enjoyed this guide and found some inspiration for your next quilt.
Happy Quilting!
QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video
comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.
MORE SCRAPPY PROJECTS YOU MAY LIKE
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