Scrappy quilt patterns to love forever

I am always looking for scrappy quilt patterns that I can repeat over and over again so the 12 designs I found fit the bill: I carry with me the yardage requirements of the quilts I like for when I am at the quilt store and ready to replenish my fabric stash.

The quilts here are all from the book “Sunday Best Quilts” by Sherri L. McConnell and Corey Yoder, published by Martingale. I had a difficult time looking for one or two quilts that I liked… because I liked them all! So, indulge me as I post the photos of 12 quilts to make and love, and then decide if you agree with me or not.

The techniques vary from simple piecing to paper piecing – it all depends on how much time you have available for your next project. Fabric, I know, you have plenty!

Let me begin with my favorite quilt pattern: On a Whim by Sherri McConnell. It measures 48-1/2″ x 48-1/2″ and it is fat quarter friendly, for those of us who buy those bundles and need ways to use them (just displaying them in your studio and looking at them for years is also allowed – I may or may not be guilty of it).

Why I love this pattern? Because of the amazing star blocks! I made three of them a couple of days ago – one for me and one for Deb and Lisa – for the star quilt we are making. We surprise one another with star blocks (here is one star block I made, and here is another). How many star blocks are there for us to choose from?

How to assemble the star block

Here are my blocks stacked and ready to be stitched together. The easiest way to put quilt blocks together is to, first, assemble the patches – in this case, the small and large flying-geese units and the corner 4-patches (making the half-square triangles first, then adding the plain squares).

You can select low volume or solid color for the background. I could not resist this cute print (We are working with Gretel by Amy Smart for Penny Rose Fabrics).

Second, I stitch together the smaller star by adding the flying geese to opposite sides of the center square, then the top and bottom strips.

Third, I chain piece each block in rows: stitch the top large flying geese to the corner unit on the left, continue stitching the center star to the side flying geese, then onto the bottom flying geese and the bottom left corner patch. I then add the ‘third column’ of the block in the same manner. Easy, huh?

Ah, but I promised to show you 12 Must-Make Quilts to love forever. This is the second one: Sweet Confetti by Corey Yoder. This is another fantastic pattern to put a dent on your fabric stash. Squares as small as 2-1/4″ can be used! The 9″ blocks are beautiful with a fun twist on the traditional flying geese.

Driftwood Drive has a very simple design and the instructions show us a no-hassle way to sew partial seams. Sherri’s color palette is beautiful – just decide on your own colors and select your scraps. Alternatively, you can always shop for the newest fabrics!

Brent Kane, this amazing photographer, pays attention to the smallest details when staging the photos. The name of the quilt is not lost on him and so, driftwood is brought in for the shoot.

Remembrance, by Sherri, features none other than the star block – another version which I must try. Think of all the customization opportunities as you can tailor it to all holidays! Even when using only one main color, you can still take advantage of scrappy quilt patterns – just make it with all your favorite color scraps!

Linen and Berries, by Corey, complements any home decor. I love its binding! This is another one whose yardage will make it into the little book I carry around. Scrappy quilt patterns are the best, arent’ they?

Lest you think Sunday Best Quilts has no intricate quilts, look at Pier 44. The colors are bright, vibrant, and cheerful! The blocks finish at 8″ and the quilt measures 56-1/2″ x 64-1/2″ – perfect as a lap quilt.

Gladdening has a muted palette with mint, taupe, and red. Made with a jelly roll, the block is rotated to create the pinwheels as secondary design. Love it!

Nantucket colors bring to mind Summers at the beach. Yet, how about making it with pastel fabrics for a picnic quilt? The Courthouse Steps block is timeless, quick to sew together (chain piece it), and part of every quilter’s arsenal of tried-and-true blocks. Red and blue and the ultimate scrappy quilt pattern!

Starling’s blocks are made with the square in the square patches in different sizes. The result is spectacular! Think of all the possible variations if you are not ready for a bright palette – whatever fabrics you use they will shine because of all the negative space.

Have you just a little time? Then, get started on Delight! Precut 2-1/2″ strips will speed up construction and the diagonal assembly will ensure a masterpiece, regardless of the fabrics you choose. I do like Sherri’s selection of two medium value fabrics and neutrals in the middle.

Rainwashed would look beautiful in the guest room or in a girl’s bedroom… Notice how Corey played with the width of the strips and color placement for a modern look!

To round up my list, here is Dayflower. The blocks are large (18″) and that makes stitching them a breeze. You will not need any special rulers for this one – just 2-1/2″ strips and lots of 2-1/2″ squares.

And these are the 12 scrappy quilt patterns as I promised. It is just amazing that they are all packaged in one book, Sunday Best Quilts. I do not make any money if you decide to purchase it – I received the book for consideration and wrote about it because I am delighted with its patterns. However, it is an invaluable addition to my quilt library and I think you will agree with me.

Now that I gave you all this inspiration, have a great sewing weekend!