“Scrappy” may sound like a small but fierce puppy’s name. Or it could describe a child who doesn’t let a few bullies stop them. But in quilt circles it refers to a quilt top made from many fabrics or scraps leftover from other sewing projects. At the County Fair judges have a category for “quilts with more than 15 fabrics”. More PC?
Scrappy quilts are not boring! Lots of colors and designs to admire. “I Spy Quilts” use fussy cut prints of trains, kittens, butterflies, baseballs, etc. to entertain children. Fabric from sewing garments for one person, a family or a groups of friends can preserve memories.
Many vintage quilts were made from scraps because the housewives who were making a utilitarian quilt could not afford to buy fabric. The Quilters at First have been the lucky recipients of gifted fabric. We shop our stash for many of our projects. New fabric ranges between $10 and $13 a yard. A lap size quilt would use three to four yards and a quilt back uses between three and five yards.
Setting and patterns can pull a scrappy quilt together also. This simple rail fence block is organized by the sashing between the sets of blocks. The quilt is 45″ x 51″ and long arm quilted. It is for sale for $100.
Fabric with the same theme such as Christmas or Halloween creates a unified look even though dozens of different fabrics are used.
This Halloween quilt is 60″ x 60″. The squares are “set on point” with diagonal corners. It is for sale for $125.
You can’t count all the different Christmas prints available!
Zillons of different Christmas prints but they have one theme. The holiday quilt pictured above is 53″ x 72″. The back is one print of tiny Christmas stockings. It is $150.
Lots of white fabric ties this scrappy design together. It is 60″ x 70″ and long armed quilted with a Christmas tree design. It is for sale $125.
The scrappy look is tied together by using the same group of fabrics. This quilt used flannel plaid and chambray to pull together a wrap up perfect for winter nights.
The back and binding are flannel scraps also. It is 52″ x 70″ and is offered for $75.
Quilt tops using fabric from the same color values give a coherent feel. “Magnolia Cottage” in the next photo does this with pastel and floral prints.
Magnolia Cabin is made up of many hour glass blocks. It is 61″ x 63″ and long-arm quilted with a feather motif.
I am intrigued by this border. The binding is scrappy also. It can be yours for $250.
This true vintage scrappy quilt is a traditional four patch with setting triangles. The strip of blocks echos the stripe sashing used. The quilt is 82″x 89″ and is hand quilted.
This treasure is being offered for $400. Where do you see this quilt being used? Guest room, antique bed set, granddaughter’s room?
Remember, scrappy quilts are “green”–fabric is re-used–not thrown into the land fill. Win-Win!!!
Quilts, Etc. 