Quilt Blocks, What Can You Do with Them?

Quilt Blocks, What Can You Do with Them?
By: Chris Dahl of Quilting Weekly

Free block patterns, books about quilt blocks, classes on and off line, block swaps are just a few of the ways we quilters get caught up in the making of quilt blocks.

If you like to try new block patterns, but don't want to commit to making an entire quilt with each block what can you do? What are your choices for using up all these quilt blocks? Especially if they are of different sizes!

Here are just a few ideas to get you from quilt block to finished projects in no time at all!

1. Create Placemats - use a block for the center and add other blocks to frame the center one


2. Create table Runners - can use up several blocks, or just one or two with a large novelty print


3. Create Wall hangings - one block with borders can be framed as wall art


4. Create a tote bag, with one block on the front and one on the back


5. Another option for tote bags - Use several blocks and piece together for a scrappy looking bag. These can be used as grocery bags if you make them larger


6. Pillows


7. Pot Holders or Trivets


8. Add fusible to the back of the block, then re-cut into shapes for applique


9. Make a sampler quilt - this can be with similar blocks, similar colors or a completely scrappy look with all different colors and blocks.


10. Add as decoration to clothing by appliqueing or fusing them onto jackets, sweatshirts etc.

As you can see there are many possibilities for using up your quilt blocks. Don't let them pile up in a box or drawer get them out and put them to good use. Need a sampler quilt pattern idea? Try Block Beginnings from Quilting Weekly. This class not only provides you with a great sampler quilt pattern, but you actually learn how to draft your own quilt blocks by the end of class!

Tree Skirt Patterns

Want to make a skirt for your Christmas tree? I have found a few fun links for you to do just that. There are many patterns on the web today, but if you don't have time to search for them yourself then look no further.

How stuff works - This site has a great easy pattern done with fleece. It would be great to do with young children.

McCall's Quilting - You can always count on McCall's to come up with great patterns. This little beauty has cute Santa faces appliquéd on it.

BellaOnline - This site not only has tree skirt patterns, but you will also find many other useful patterns for all your holiday decorating. A must see list!


FreeQuilt.com - Another great site full of free pattrns, for tree skirts and more!


Happy Holidays! It is not too late to make those last minute gifts if you know where to look for help.

Do you have a great pattern for a tree skirt you want to share? Leave me a comment and I will add it to the list. Thanks for stopping by!

Free Holiday Quilt Patterns

Looking for some free holiday gifts? Want easy patterns at your fingertips? Then you need to check out Bella Online.

That's right if you go to this site you will find over 50 links to free Christmas patterns for everything from tree skirts to table runners and more. Click a link and see the project complete with instructions! And the best part is these are all free for the taking.

So stop trying so hard to figure out your own patterns, let your fingers do the walking. By the way Bella Online has lots of other useful links as well. Categories like Health and Fitness, Food and Wine, Computers, Family, Education, and careers to name a few. Go to Bella Online, The voice of Women seriously you won't be disappointed.

Comments? Questions? Just click comments it's that easy! By the way if you want more useful quilting tips, sign up for my newsletter by filling in the form at the top of this page.

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