Have you been following along with our Sewing with Scraps series, and thought "well sure, crumb quilting and foundation paper piecing sound fun...but I don't make quilts. What would I do with these techniques?"
The answer? Anything you can imagine!
Scrappy sewing is definitely not limited to "just quilts", and can in fact, be utilised by all sewists to create one-of-a-kind, eco-conscious, and budget-friendly projects of any type, all while keeping the scrap bin at bay. Whether you are creating blocks or panels using traditional quilting methods, crumb quilting, foundation paper piecing, or any other technique, there's a way to use it to make your Twig + Tale® sewing projects inimitable. Come along, and see some amazing inspiration from our creative community!
(And, if you're feeling inspired by the new Toadstool FPP quilt block, make sure you get it soon - until December 8th, it's FREE with any $10 purchase!)
Some techniques to try
Depending on the size of your quilt block, and what sort of project you are making, there are a number of ways to incorporate quilting into your sewing projects.
If you are sewing a small item, such as Satchels, footwear, Hip Pouches, eBook projects, or others, your quilt block may be big enough to simply cut your pattern piece from. Just lay your pattern onto your pieced panel, considering seam allowance and any spots you'd like featured, and cut as if it were regular fabric. Larger crumb-quilted panels may even be large enough for things like sleeves, bodice panels, etc.
It can be good to also consider the placement of your block on your piece - if sewing something like a bag that will box out at the bottom, you may want to consider piecing some extra fabric at the bottom so your design will end up placed appropriately, or vice-versa.
Cosy crumb-quilted Tie Back Boots by Jen M.; a traditionally-pieced Making eBook drawstring bag by Fanny S.
If you are sewing a larger item, like garments, Leaf Blankets, or anything else, the technique you use will depend a bit on your desired outcome, and the block you are working with. Feel free to get creative, but here are a couple of things to keep in mind.
If you'd like to make your quilt block a special feature in your project, you can use it to create pockets, small facings, or center it on a garment panel as an applique. Alternatively, you could turn under the edges and topstitch it on, for a little added dimension, or use techniques like needle turned applique for more seamless look. You can even turn them into patches, using the techniques presented in the Patch Embroideries!
Two traditional quilt blocks featured beautifully on garments: A Meadow Skirt by Esther W., and shortened Shore Pants by Sashanna H.
However, if you'd rather have your quilting a more integral part of your garment, you can simply build it up into a bigger panel, which is large enough to cut your full pattern pieces from. For a crumb-quilted block, or to add some extra fun around another quilt block, you can simply crumb-quilt more scraps to it until it is large enough for your needs. Or, add solid-color "sashing" between or around smaller blocks for a classic, geometric quilt style. For instance, to make this Scenic Top, I just added large pieces of white to the top and sides of my FPP block, to make myself a one-of-a-kind "t-shirt panel"!
But what about the seams?
This is one of the special things to consider when it comes to including quilting in garments. Unfinished or unprotected seams in your blocks may have a tendency to fray over time from wear, so you will need to consider how to prevent this.
Most often, it's easiest to turn quilt blocks into lined garments and accessories. The lining will automatically protect the seams and require no additional finishing. This makes items like vests, coats, bags and more ideal quilting projects.
A striking traditionally-pieced Overland Cloak by Sashanna H.
There are, however, other alternatives for unlined items as well. Some pieced panels, especially when made with larger scraps, can use traditional seam finishes for neatened, protected stitching; but smaller blocks may require some additional treatment.
A modified Scenic Top featuring large-scale crumb quilting by Carol K.
If seam finishes are impractical for your quilt block, you can consider adding a backing to the just the block, and then using alternate seam finishes around it. That's what I did for the Scenic Top above, and it has stood the test of time beautifully. This is also a great use-case for featuring your blocks as an applique or patch.
Inspiration for Using Crumb Quilting, Foundation Paper Piecing, and Traditional Quilting In Your T+T Projects
Quilted blocks + panels can be used in so many ways across our range of PDF patterns. Here are a few ideas to inspire you:
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Add a pop of surprise to a Fable Dress, Meadow Skirt, or Driftwood Blouse (shown here) by using crumb-quilted fabric inside a pocket lining, neckline facing or trim...
Photo: Chiew Mei Law
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...or, let your pieced panels shine and create one of a kind pockets on Scouts, Coves (shown here), or anything you add Kea or Tui pockets to!
Photo: Marie K. -
Small projects can be a match made in heaven for quilt blocks, as they are so simple to achieve. Perhaps a pieced Satchel, Leaf Hip Pouch, or Wayfarer Shoes would strike your fancy? Our eBook projects make great choices as well, like this FPP Zippered Pouch.
Photo: Jesara S. - You don't have to stop there though - it's even possible to piece enough scraps or blocks together to create full-size pieces, like these shortened Shore Pants and Leaf Blanket!
Photo: Sashanna H.
- Make your appliqués truly one of a kind - cut shapes from crumb-quilted fabric and use them as decorative appliqué on anything you can imagine, like this ornament-inspired Making eBook drawstring bag (nestled among a variety of other crumb-quilted and FPP bags!)
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Not only do these quilting techniques reduce waste, but they infuse each make with a layer of handmade charm and eco-conscious care. Stay small, or go big - the possibilities are endless! Will you give quilting a try? What will you make first? We'd love to see it!
You can share in the all-new T+T Treehouse community, or tag us @twigandtale on Instagram, Bluesky, and Youtube, as well as sharing it in our Twig + Tale Chat group on Facebook.
