Patchwork Projects in Unexpected Fabrics

Use What You Have On Hand

These quilted patchwork and applique projects are much easier than one would first guess. Chenille, felt, or denim fabrics would not be my first quilting choice, unless it was all I had to work with.

After looking at these easy, yet unexpected projects, you will be encouraged to fearlessly tackle some of your own. The following patterns are free, which ought to add more incentive to use up all those fabric scraps, left over from other projects.

Chenille or Other Pile-Fabric Quilts

Cheerful patchworks and appliques brighten up soft chenille pile-fabrics in this "Cherries & Pinwheels Pattern" quilt block from Robert Kaufman Fabrics. Why not make a pot-holder (or several) and stitch them all together for a luxuriously soft pillow top or bed quilt?

Felt Applique & Embroidered Rugs

An embroidered applique felt rug is a real surprise, and easy to make, because with felt there are no raw seams to fray, only embroidered stitches are required, to hold shapes in place (without having to turn seams under). See the cheerful country-styled design "Penny Rug", with complete instructions, by RJR fabrics. For a detailing of embroidery stitches, and where to find free downloads online, see "Learning Hand Stitching & Decorative Embroidery Stitches".

Gingham Check or Dotted Fabric Quilts

Who would expect lightweight cotton gingham checks, or polka-dotted fabrics, to be used on a warm, patchwork-quilted blanket? You will be able to see how these gorgeous designer springtime quilts come to life, when using dotted and checked fabrics, as shown in a "Fresh Picked Posies Pattern", highlighting a cheerful mix of pastel gingham checks, as well as this blended floral/polka-dot patchwork quilt "Dresden Blooms Pattern", both from Robert Kaufman Fabrics.

Safari Animal Printed Pattern Quilts

At first glance this wall-hanging quilt in color blocks of burgundy red, and pine-tree green, resembles a Christmas-theme quilt, but upon closer inspection you will find hidden lions, tigers, elephants, and zebras within quilt blocks, surrounded by scenes of the Serengeti, in this Robert Kaufman Fabrics quilt "Kilimanjaro Pattern".

Warm Snugly Flannel Quilts

Create a delightful red and green Christmas striped, and checkered quilt, in warm, soft, and snugly flannel fabrics, as presented by Robert Kaufman Fabrics in this "Cozy Grinchmas Pattern".

Worn-Out Blue-Jeans Quilts

Use your children's old, and worn out blue jeans on this project, or just the portion you cut off the bottom (once knees are ripped) before turning them into walking shorts. Make a surprise heirloom "Blue Jeans Quilt" from AllPeopleQuilt.com, to send with your child when they go off to college, consisting of all their old, favorite jeans.

With so many unique project patterns and instructions, you may not have otherwise attempted, you can now forge ahead, using your favorite crafting fabrics. Craft confidently!