Looking for scrappy strip quilt patterns? Here ya go! The first question would be – got scraps?! I bet you do!
Scrappy strip quilting is a delightful way to use up your leftover fabric strips to create beautiful, unique quilts.
This technique involves sewing together strips of fabric, often of varying lengths and widths, to form a larger piece that can then be cut into blocks or used as is.
It’s a fantastic method for quilters of all skill levels, offering endless possibilities for color combinations and patterns.
Whether you’re working with a jelly roll or just a pile of fabric scraps, strip quilting allows you to create stunning designs while making good use of every piece of fabric.
Gather your scrap bin, set up your sewing machine, and get ready to dive into the fun world of scrappy strip quilting!
Believe it or not, your fabric pieces and scraps can make quilts ranging from baby size to a full quilt. Start making your blocks and tossing them onto your design boards and you are going to find that quickly the entire quilt is finished by sewing those smaller scraps together.
Materials and Supplies Needed
- Fabric strips (various lengths and widths)
- Rotary cutter and mat
- Quilting ruler
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Iron and ironing board
- Cutting mat
- Foundation paper (optional for foundation piecing)
- Design wall or boards (optional for planning layouts)
What is Strip Quilting?
Strip quilting involves sewing long strips of fabric together to create a larger piece. These scrap stash strips can be sewn together in a straight line or at an angle, depending on the desired pattern.
The sewn-together strips can then be cut into blocks, shapes, or used whole to form the quilt top.
This technique is ideal for using up scraps and can produce a variety of patterns, from simple stripes to complex designs like log cabins or string quilts.
Organizing Your Scrappy Strips
- Sort by Color: Arrange your fabric strips by color to help with selecting pieces for your quilt.
- Sort by Width: Group strips of similar widths together to make it easier to piece them.
- Iron and Trim: Press your strips flat and trim any uneven edges to ensure straight seams.
- Use a Design Wall: Lay out your strips on a design wall or board to visualize your pattern before sewing.
- Store in Bins: Keep your sorted strips in separate bins or bags to stay organized as you work.
25 Scrappy Strip Quilt Patterns
- String Quilt Create a vibrant and textured quilt using strips of fabric in a random layout. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/how-to-make-a-string-quilt/
- Jelly Roll Race Quilt Whip up a quick and lively quilt using pre-cut jelly roll strips. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/simple-jelly-roll-quilt-tutorial/
- Scrappy Bargello Quilt Piece together strips of fabric to achieve a mesmerizing bargello effect. URL: https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/scrappy-bargello.html
- Crazy Quilt Embrace the chaos with a crazy quilt made from an assortment of fabric scraps. URL: https://createwhimsy.com/projects/how-to-crazy-quilt-guide-and-tutorial-for-beginners/
- Rail Fence Quilt Construct a classic rail fence pattern using scrappy strips for a timeless look. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/free-rail-fence-quilt-pattern-jelly-roll-quilt/
- Scrappy Log Cabin Quilt Add charm to your quilting with a scrappy log cabin design that uses leftover strips. URL: https://sewcanshe.com/log-cabin-quilt-pattern/
- String Spiderweb Quilt Create a stunning spiderweb pattern with colorful strips radiating from a central point. URL: https://quiltville.blogspot.com/2005/06/string-spider-web.html
- Scrappy Trip Around the World Quilt Take a scrappy journey around the world with this variation on the traditional quilt pattern. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nrMjv8n-4G4
- French Braid Quilt Weave together colorful fabric strips into a beautiful French braid design. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/how-to-make-a-herringbone-table-runner/
- Scrappy Lone Star Quilt Create a striking lone star quilt using scrappy strips for a unique twist on a classic pattern. URL: https://betteroffthread.com/2012/08/19/scrappy-lone-star-tutorial-part-1/
- Scrappy Courthouse Steps Quilt Build layers of color and texture with a scrappy courthouse steps block arrangement. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/courthouse-steps-quilt-block/
- Scrappy Pineapple Quilt Craft a playful pineapple block quilt using scrappy strips for added zest. URL: https://auntemsquilts.com/tutorials/scrappy-pineapple-quilt-block-tutorial
- Tumbling Blocks Quilt Construct an optical illusion quilt with tumbling blocks made from scrappy strips. URL: https://leahday.com/pages/tumbling-blocks-quilt-pattern
- Wonky Log Cabin Quilt Get creative with wonky log cabin blocks using a variety of scrap fabrics for a whimsical look. URL: https://corianderquilts.com/wonky-log-cabin-quilt-block-tutorial/
- Scrappy Dresden Plate Quilt Fashion a delightful Dresden plate pattern with scrappy strips for each petal. URL: https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutorials-f10/dresden-plate-tutorial-t181085.html
- String Heart Quilt Share the love with a string heart quilt featuring a heart motif made from scrappy strips. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HvZ2fln8VXw
- Scrappy Flying Geese Quilt Soar to new heights with a scrappy flying geese pattern that uses strips for the wings. URL: https://www.quiltylove.com/scrappy-patchwork-flying-geese-quilt-stash-buster/
- Improv Quilt Embrace improvisational quilting with a scrappy design that allows for creative freedom. URL: https://homemadeemilyjane.com/easy-improv-quilting-tutorial/
- Scrappy Irish Chain Quilt Weave together a traditional Irish chain quilt using scrappy strips for a fresh take on a classic. URL: https://www.generations-quilt-patterns.com/irish-chain-quilt-pattern.html
- Modern Rainbow Strip Quilt Create a bold and modern quilt using rainbow-colored strips for a vibrant finish. URL: https://www.modernlymorgan.com/rainbow-quilt-tutorial/
- Scrappy Hexagon Quilt Piece together scrappy strips into hexagon blocks for a dynamic and geometric quilt design. URL: https://www.redpepperquilts.com/2019/07/a-scrappy-hexagon-quilt-part-1.html
- Scrappy Basket Weave Quilt Construct a textured basket weave pattern using scrappy strips for a cozy quilt. URL: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ttoVFDWqhk
- Scrappy Pine Tree Quilt Celebrate the seasons with a pine tree block pattern using scrappy strips for a festive quilt. URL: https://www.diaryofaquilter.com/improv-patchwork-trees-quilt/
- Scrappy Double Wedding Ring Quilt Piece together scrappy strips into a double wedding ring design for a romantic and intricate quilt. URL: https://www.robesdecoeur.com/blog/scrappy-double-wedding-ring-quilt
- Scrappy Modern Sampler Quilt Combine different block designs with scrappy strips for a modern sampler quilt full of texture and color. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/25-scrappy-strip-quilt-patterns/
- Crumb Quilts Make your little pieces of quilt fabric into a beautiful quilt. These crumb quilts are a great way to get quilts made without spending a lot of money. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/over-15-crumb-quilt-ideas/
- Gee Bend Quilts Using quilting fabric as well as adding fun corduroy, linen and other types of fabric (like clothing) sew up improv quilts that can be art inspired. URL: https://www.patchworkposse.com/gees-bend-quilts/
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What size of scrap should my fabric strips be for strip quilting?
Fabric strips can vary in width and length, but commonly used widths range from 1.5 to 2.5 inches. Lengths can be adjusted based on the specific pattern and quilt size.
How do I organize my fabric strips for a scrappy strip quilt?
Sort your fabric strips by color, width, or length, and store them in separate bins or bags. Use a design wall to lay out your strips and visualize the pattern before sewing.
Can I use leftover jelly roll strips for a scrappy strip quilt?
Yes, jelly roll strips are perfect for scrappy strip quilts. They are pre-cut to a uniform width, making them easy to work with and ideal for various strip quilt patterns.
Do I need to use a foundation paper for string quilting?
Foundation paper can help stabilize your strips and ensure accurate seams, but it’s optional. You can also use fabric as a foundation or sew the strips directly together without a foundation.
How do I ensure my strips stay straight while sewing?
Use a quilting ruler and rotary cutter to trim your strips accurately. Pin the strips together before sewing and use a consistent seam allowance to keep them straight.
MORE QUILTING RESOURCES
- “Scrap Busting: 5 Projects to Use Up Your Fabric Stash”
- Learn about five fun projects that will help you use up your fabric scraps, perfect for those looking to declutter their stash.
- https://www.patchworkposse.com/over-15-crumb-quilt-ideas/
- “How to Make a Scrappy Quilt”
- This guide covers the basics of making a scrappy quilt, including tips on selecting fabrics and arranging your scraps for a cohesive look.
- https://www.patchworkposse.com/how-to-make-a-scrap-quilt/
- “10 Tips for Organizing Your Fabric Stash”
- Discover practical tips for organizing your fabric stash, making it easier to find and use your scraps for quilting projects.
- https://www.patchworkposse.com/storing-fabric-scraps/
- “50 Quilts for Using Jelly Roll Strips”
- Explore creative ways to use jelly roll strips in your quilting projects, ideal for incorporating into scrappy strip quilts.
- https://www.patchworkposse.com/50-jelly-roll-quilt-tutorials/
- “Scrappy Quilting: 5 Easy Blocks to Make”
- Find instructions for making five easy scrappy blocks, perfect for incorporating into your scrappy strip quilt projects.
- https://www.patchworkposse.com/?s=quilt+block
Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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