Crazy Quilt
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Also see:
Notes From The Workroom & Trail
Quilt Lessons
Embroidery Lessons
Craft & Decor Projects
What Is Crazy Quilting?
Crazy quilting starts with one square of muslin fabric and one small scrap of quilt fabric. The first small scrap is stitched to the muslin.
A second piece is stitched on, then a third, and on until the square is covered.
Pieces are of various shapes and sizes (they need to have straight sides).
Embroidery is often added over the seams as embellishment. This can be done by hand or machine.
It is called “crazy” because you do not have to start with any particular plan or pattern, though patterns are available.
I have made crazy quilt blocks for use as hot pads.
Crazy Quilt Block Size - hot pad, pot holder, or quilt block
Finished size: 8.5” x 8.5”
All seams are 1/4".
NOTE: Adjust measurements to enlarge or shrink your block size.
Hot Pad
Special supplies for hot pad:
If you are using the block to create a hot pad, you will need Insul-Bright and Therma Flec. These materials provide insulation and heat resistance. You will also need backing, batting, and binding to finish the hot pad.
One 8.5” x 8.5” square of Insul-Bright hot pad insulation
binding: approximately 40” of 1.5” wide fabric (longer if you are adding a hanging loop)
One 8.5” x 8.5” square of backing fabric or “Therma Flec” heat resistant cloth (silver fabric to use on the side that comes into contact with the hot surface)
Two squares of 8.5” x 8.5” cotton batting
Supplies - 1 crazy quilt block
4-5 strips of fabric, each measuring approximately 4” x 12”
One 8.5” x 8.5” square of white cotton fabric (or muslin) for the crazy quilt base layer
color coordinated thread or decorative thread for machine embroidery (I like the variegated threads, “Cotton Blendables“ by Sulky), OR hand embroidery thread or floss
various embellishments such as yarn, lace, buttons, ribbon, etc.
Other Sewing Supplies
thread to match background of fabric (stitching the pieces together)
large sewing ruler (optional but nice to have)
scissors or rotary cutter
pins
PRE-WASH AND DRY ALL FABRICS BEFORE USING
DIRECTIONS
use 1/4” seam allowance
Iron between each step. Read through all directions completely before beginning.
1. Lay out all strips of fabric. The following image shows 3 of the 4 fabrics I used.
2. Place the fabric strips in a stack and make three straight cuts at random angles. In the following photo, the cuts are made through all layers.
3. Place one fabric piece in the center of the muslin square. If you wish, you can baste this piece to the muslin, close to the edges of the fabric.
4. Place a second fabric piece right sides together over the first piece, aligning one edge. If you prefer, you can lay the second piece at a random angle, but be sure that when you stitch them together you will totally enclose the one side of the first piece. In other words, don’t leave muslin showing between the two sewn pieces.
Press seams open. Trim seam allowance to 1/4”.
I have enhanced stitching lines in RED.
5. Place the third piece right sides together over the first and second pieces. The edges might not align perfectly - this is fine. Just be sure that there won’t be any gaps once the new piece is stitched.
6 The following photo shows piece 4.
Repeat with more pieces until the entire muslin square is covered. Refer the the image below.
You can even stitch some pieces together BEFORE stitching them to the muslin. Experiment and have fun.
HINTS
Press between each step. Trim seams between each piece.
If you have a piece that contains an edge that will not be sewn into a seam, fold it under before stitching it into place. This way, it will not contain a raw edge. Refer teh the image below.
If you have a long edge to connect to, stitch a few pieces together and then attach them as one longer piece.
Finish Your Crazy Quilt Block
When the muslin piece is totally covered, turn to the back side of the block and trim off all edges. The block should measure 8.5” x 8.5”.
Baste around all edges, 1/8” from the edge, to secure the raw edges.
Embellish!
When the block is finished, embellish with machine embroidery, buttons, lace, hand embroidery, appliques, or other items. Besides being decorative, the stitching will attach any loose edges.
More Resources
Go to Spring Basket Hot Pad for instructions on finishing your hot pad or pot holder.
Go to Assemble And Bind Quilt for instructions on binding, layering, and backing a quilt.
Sewing Lessons
Protect your lap from hot or cold dishes. Soft yarn and perfect size. Can also use for blankets or scarves.
Learn how to add detail with free motion embroidery using a regular sewing machine and darning foot.
Learn how to turn a simple tee shirt pattern into a robe with buttons and pockets - or a dress! One pattern - many uses.
Learn how to use an applique pressing sheet to create intricate applique. Free pattern provided.
Choose the correct sewing machine for your needs. Learn about features and functions. Free checklist to download.
Learn to crazy quilt! Hot pad, quilt block, or decorative pillow block. Fun way to use fabric scraps.
Learn how to attach elastic. Properly attached elastic will create a nice fit around a leg opening of a gymnastic suit or swimsuit.
Sewing lesson: learn how to work with nap, fabric direction, and plaid prints. Align plaids so they match up correctly.
Learn reverse applique. Quilt, hot pad or pillow. The top layer is cut away to reveal an underlying layer. Create a beautiful, layered valentine.
Learn two methods for sewing mitered corners for cushion covers, tote bags, mattress covers.
Applique lesson and pattern. Learn how to use fusible web. Create a spring wall hanging.
Learn the art of huck weaving - also known as Swedish weaving. Use inexpensive huck toweling to create beautifully decorated items.
Lesson 4. Learn how to sew a cuff and properly attach it to a pant leg. Free instructions for pajama pants.
Lesson 2. Learn the correct method for tracing an existing pair of pants to create a new sewing pattern. .
Lesson 1: Create Custom Pattern. Total of 4 lessons including making and altering a pattern, add elastic or drawstring waistband, sewing the PJ pants.
Kitchen Sewing
Rustic table round. Quick and easy crochet using bulky yarn. Add rows to create placemat; omit rows to create coasters.
Woven design crochet table trivet. Printable pattern grid. Intarsia crochet. Sized for table trivet; enlarge as needed.
Swedish Dala Horse with surface crochet embellishment. Printable pattern and instructions. Intarsia and Tapestry crochet. Sized for table trivet. Also use in a blanket.
Learn Intarsia and Tapestry crochet. Bring Hygge into your home with this cozy, Scandinavian minimalist Christmas tree design. Use for wash cloths, pillows, hot pads.
Learn the Ohio Star quilt block while making this Independence Day placemat with watermelon applique. Included: instructions for solid center block.
Learn to crazy quilt! Hot pad, quilt block, or decorative pillow block. Fun way to use fabric scraps.
Saucepan fudge brownie mix gift set. Gift Bag sewing pattern, recipe, and printable label. Valentine gift - or any special day.
Adorable 4-inch mini quilt patterns for use as coasters or doll bed. Ohio Star and center diamond.
Valentine’s Day or Independence day. Heart or full flag applique with directions for hot pad and shirt applique.
2 patterns! Pieced hot pad, and appliqued trivet. Use for quilt, hot pad, trivet, pillows.
Easy pattern for sewing a kitchenaid appliance cover. Instructions for seam binding or border finishing. Can be modified to fit any kitchen appliance.
Super Simple and Fast placemat pattern. Sew or no-sew. Uses pre-quilted fabric. DIY pre-quilted fabric instructions included.
Reversible placemat pattern with borders. Use fusible fleece for a quick and easy, padded placemat.
Learn the art of huck weaving - also known as Swedish weaving. Use inexpensive huck toweling to create beautifully decorated items.
Super easy decorative table trivet or hot pad free sewing pattern. Create for each holiday.
Learn Intarsia and Tapestry crochet. Bring Hygge into your home with this cozy, Scandinavian minimalist Christmas tree design. Use for wash cloths, pillows, hot pads.