Crazy Quilt Patchwork Basics
Use Up Scrap Fabric in Easy Scrap Quilting Projects for Beginners
Turn those leftover scraps into stunning crazy patchwork clothing, quilts, throw pilllows, and other items for the home.
Lush crazy patchwork is a perfect project for the winter months. Easy and simple, this is suitable for beginners.
This project allows you to put all sorts of leftover scraps to good use. For those on a tight budget, this thrifty method uses fabrics you normally wouldn’t include in quilts. Choose a mix of different kinds, including cottons, luxurious velvet, romantic taffeta, linen, wool, polyester prints, silk, satin, and so on.
Crazy refers to the random, irregular shapes and sizes of the scraps. Though crazy patchwork is traditionally used for quilts, this method is versatile enough for other projects, such as clothing, throw pillows, pot holders, toaster covers and place mats.
This painting from the National Gallery of Art captures the unique beauty of crazy quilts.
Organize Your Scraps
Sort the scraps by color, type or size of print, or fabric line. For quilts, you can even make a separate pile for each individual block. Though square and rectangular scraps are typically used for crazy quilts, curved pieces are suitable for some projects. If needed, scraps can be trimmed to fit.
Foundation Fabrics for Crazy Patchwork
Though crazy patchwork can be done without a foundation, a foundation fabric is required if you plan to add embroidery. Scraps are sewn onto the foundation piece, which is usually sturdy cotton, muslin, or cotton flannel.
Smaller items like place mats and throw pillows will only require one foundation piece, but you'll need a separate foundation piece for each quilt block in a larger project. These should be slightly larger than the completed blocks. This extra allowance will be needed for trimming the edges.
For crazy patchwork clothing, use the pattern pieces to cut your foundation fabrics. It is easier to start with a pattern designed specifically for patchwork. An example is the Scrap It Jacket, one of the Easy Street Garment patterns from Four Corners. This fits Misses Small to XL and Women’s 1X to 3X.
Piecing Crazy Patchwork
There are several ways to start crazy patchwork projects. One is to place a four or five-sided piece in the center of the foundation fabric. Place the second scrap so it overlaps one edge of the first piece. Continue adding scraps in a clockwise fashion. Each new piece should overlap one edge of the previous scrap.
The second method is to start in one of the corners, particularly for a quilt block.
Crazy patchwork seams can be finished in various ways. You can make the usual hidden seams by sewing with the right sides of the scraps together.
Another option is to turn the raw edge of the top piece under and stitch by hand. A final method is to cover the raw exposed edge with decorative machine or hand embroidery stitching.
For a quilt, sew the completed blocks together for the quilt top. Backing is needed though batting is optional, particularly if cotton flannel is used for the foundation.
For placemats and other small projects, the raw edges can be finished with bias tape. Patchwork garments are sewn together like any other piece of clothing once the piecing is done.
For an ornate touch, add lace, buttons, beads, monograms, or ribbon work.
