Ideas for Creating a Scrappy Sampler Quilt
A scrappy sampler quilt is a fun and creative project that lets you incorporate a variety of fabric scraps into different block patterns. It’s an excellent way to use up leftover fabrics while creating something beautiful and unique. I will be adding more 12″ blocks to the block library so you can create your own Scrappy Sampler Quilt.
Here are some tips to help you get started:
Choose Your Color Scheme
- While a scrappy quilt is meant to use different fabrics, having a cohesive color scheme can help the quilt feel unified. You can go for a rainbow theme, a seasonal palette, or even mix in fabrics from a particular collection if you like.
- Look at your scrap fabrics or fat quarters and start pulling colors together. Do you “see” your scrappy sampler quilt with a light background or dark background?
- Don’t be afraid to change your mind. I will often pull my fabrics, then stand back and decide that isn’t what I wanted.
- Alternatively, you can opt for a “low-volume” background with pops of bright fabrics to create a contrast.
- First, look at the blocks that you like. Then, decide how many colors you need. I often shoot for 3 to 4 colors and then a background fabric.
- I started by using Fat Quarters and the same background. Using the same background helps to ground a scrappy quilt. But, in saying that, if you have very similar background fabrics, you can go scrappy there, too.
- If you aren’t sure about pulling your scrappy fabrics, start with a two-color quilt. You can have one color as the background and a constant. Then, choose your favorite color family to go with it. Two color scrappy quilts are beautiful.
Select Block Patterns
- A sampler quilt is made up of different quilt blocks, so choosing various patterns will give you a wonderful mix of designs. If you need some help, check out the QWT Block Library.
- While it isn’t necessary to use just 12″ blocks, it does help the process if this is your first scrappy sampler.
- You can use some smaller units, 4-Patch, Half Square Triangles, Quarter Square Triangles, Flying Geese, etc., to fill in as a pieced sashing or pieced border.
- You can also include modern blocks or improv piecing for a more eclectic feel. The fun part of a Scrappy Sampler Quilt is you can mix in whatever type of blocks you want.
The beauty of a scrappy sampler quilt is that it’s a chance to play with patterns, fabrics, and colors in a carefree way. Don’t worry too much about making everything perfect—embrace the uniqueness of each block!
I will be adding more quilt blocks to the library this year. Selecting one block at a time is the first step towards your Sampler Quilt.
If you want something to do, check out the 2025 Mystery Quilt and Scrappy Pattern page. There is always something new to do. Step 2 of the Mystery Quilt 2025 will be posted on Friday.
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Until next time.
