• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

Pieced Brain

All about quilting, knitting, crochet, embroidery, free tutorials, quilting and crafting book reviews.

  • Start Here
  • Design a Quilt
  • Featured
  • Patterns
    • Patterns
    • Pattern Updates
    • Free Patterns
  • Tutorials
  • Programs & Workshops
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search

Orphan Block Central

By Denise Russell

Hey, have you dug all your orphan blocks out yet? Here is another project using them. This table topper measures 23″ x 23″ with fabrics that I absolutely love and have had in my stash for quite a while.

It all started when I found this leftover border. I had 3 pieced just like this one. Using a triangle ruler I cut six triangles and I made this:

Now what? Well, I ironed fusible web on the back of the block, fused it to a white background and machine appliqued using blanket stitch and heavy weight thread (Aurifil 12 wt).

The design came about as I went along adding a piece of this and a piece of that. The ricrac, my go-to vine material, was stitched down with Aurifil monofilament in a zigzag pattern, from edge to edge, to keep those little scallops from bending. It works like a charm. I used a zigzag stitch to applique’ the corner hearts, and tiny tiny meandering to quilt it all and and make the [unquilted] borders pop.

The binding, this time, was applied by machine. After the quilting, I trimmed the excess batting along the edges of the quilt, trimmed the backing down to 3/4″, folded the backing towards the quilt and folded it again over the quilt, pinned and stitched. Easy and fast.

It looks like I have another Christmas gift ready ahead of time. I am really enjoying working with orphan blocks (or orphan borders!) to turn them into quilted beauties. What have you made lately with those blocks and borders pieces I know you have in your stash? Send me a picture.

I will link this post to Crazy Mom Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict on Friday. I hope your day is filled with happy colors!

Share This:

Share
Pin
Post
Print

Filed Under: quilting, Uncategorized

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Brenda says

    at

    I just recently started following your blog and have been impressed each time I have read a post! Today, I am especially spellbound by the beauty and specialty of how this table topper shows off each fabrics charm and how the appliques are placed so perfectly making your eyes continually go to each section and enjoy every detail! Thank you for sharing this spectacular process and the final splendor! I hope that you have a fantastic creative day!

    • Denise Russell says

      at

      Awww… thank you! I am so glad you are enjoying the blog. I show and blog about what I really love, and hope it inspires everyone to create things of beauty!

  2. Ramona says

    at

    Beautiful table topper! I love the ric-rac vine.

    • Denise Russell says

      at

      Thanks! And that is my favorite color of ricrac for vines!

  3. Alison says

    at

    This is so neat! I have a whole box of orphan blocks that could be used in projects like this!

  4. Jenny says

    at

    What a great idea, your table topper has turned out great. I'm of the same opinion as you about using ric-rac for a vine. It always looks good, and saves all that trouble of making a real vine. Give me easy every time!

  5. Wendy Tuma says

    at

    What a cute table topper. I'm amazed at how simply you just pulled that quilt together! Wish my brain worked like that!!

  6. Janice Holton says

    at

    I found you on Crazy Mom Quilts linky party (even though I didn't post anything there this time) and LOVE your orphan block table topper. Wow! I think you will be a fun one to follow. 🙂

Primary Sidebar

Denise Russell

Hello, I’m Denise and I love to design and make quilts. You can also find me knitting, crocheting, and making other crafts. Join me!
  • Bloglovin
  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS

Get free quilt patterns and tutorials, as well as blocks and quilts designed exclusively for subscribers.

Find out what is trending in the quilting world and learn new techniques to take your quilting to the next level!

My Patterns On ETSY!

Fantastic Sales! Click to Save!

Fat Quarter Shop Quilting Fabrics and Supplies
Lowest prices on the best yarn - guaranteed at knitpicks.com
Various Logos for Indygo Junction
300 X 250 banner

QuilterBlogs

Footer

Disclosure of Material Connection:

The links above and some of the links in my posts are affiliate links: if you click on the link and decide to purchase something, I may receive a commission. I often receive books from publishers so I can review them on my blog and, at times, I may receive products to use and write about my experience with them. Read my privacy policy.

Recent Posts

  • Scrappy quilt with stars
  • Flannel quilt for beginners
  • Black and White modern quilt
  • Free star quilt pattern
  • Free pattern for a panel quilt
  • Scrappy Quilt with Liberty of London

Search

Archives

Categories

Copyright © 2025 Pieced Brain Quilt Designs LLC. All rights reserved. · Designed by Wacky Jacqui's Designs