Scrappy Apples Quilt – Tutorial

The Scrappy Apples Quilt is a delightful project that combines fun, creativity, and a touch of nostalgia.

This quilt pattern showcases charming apple shapes, perfect for using up fabric scraps while creating a beautiful piece of art for your home.

In this tutorial, we’ll guide you through every step needed to create your own Scrappy Apples Quilt, from fabric selection to cutting and assembly. Let’s dive into the world of quilt patterns!

Introduction to the Scrappy Apples Quilt

The Scrappy Apples Quilt is a whimsical design that celebrates the beauty of patchwork and the joys of quilting. It features adorable apple shapes that can be made in various colors, allowing you to play with different fabrics and styles. This quilt is perfect for both beginners and seasoned quilters looking to utilize their fabric stash creatively.

In addition to its playful design, this quilt can serve many purposes. It makes an excellent throw for your living room, a cheerful addition to a child’s room, or a thoughtful gift for a friend who loves apples! The versatility of the Scrappy Apples Quilt means you can adapt it to fit your personal style.

This tutorial will provide detailed instructions, measurements, and tips for crafting your Scrappy Apples Quilt. Let’s get started on this creative journey!

Materials Needed

Before you begin, it’s essential to gather all the materials required for your Scrappy Apples Quilt. Having everything ready will streamline the process and ensure a smooth workflow.

1. Fabrics: Choose a variety of cotton fabrics in different colors and patterns for your apples. You’ll need:
   • 1 yard of green fabric for the apple leaves.
   • 1 yard of brown fabric for the apple stems.
   • 1.5 yards of background fabric (white or light-colored) to let the apples pop.
   • Scraps of various fabrics for the apples, approximately 1/4 yard each.
2. Batting: Choose a cotton batting that is at least 4 inches larger than your finished quilt top on all sides. This will provide warmth and structure to your quilt.
3. Sewing Supplies: Don’t forget essential tools:
   • A rotary cutter and cutting mat.
   • Quilting ruler.
   • Scissors.
   • Pins.
   • Sewing machine and thread.
4. Iron and Ironing Board: Pressing your fabric and seams is crucial for a polished finish.

Gathering these materials will set you up for a successful quilting experience.

Cutting Your Fabric

Now that you have your materials ready, it’s time to cut your fabric. Accurate cutting is crucial in quilting, ensuring all pieces fit together perfectly.

1. Prepare Your Fabric: Before cutting, wash and iron your fabrics to pre-shrink them. This step helps prevent any distortion in the final quilt.
2. Cutting the Apple Shapes: For the apple blocks, cut the following pieces:
   • From your fabric scraps, cut 48 apple shapes (approximately 4″ x 4″).
   • Cut 48 apple leaves (approximately 2″ x 2″).
   • Cut 48 apple stems (approximately 1″ x 3″).
3. Cutting the Background Fabric: For the background, cut:
   • 12 squares measuring 6″ x 6″. These will serve as the base for your apple blocks.
   • Cut additional background fabric strips for borders if desired.

With all your pieces cut accurately, you are ready to start assembling your quilt!

Assembling the Apple Blocks

Now that you have all your pieces cut, it’s time to assemble the apple blocks. This is where your quilt starts to take shape!

1. Sewing the Apples: Begin by sewing the apple shapes together. Place two apple pieces right sides together, and sew along one edge using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the seam open. Repeat until you have pairs of apple shapes.
2. Adding the Leaves and Stems: Take one apple block and place a leaf piece at the top, right sides together. Sew along the edge and press the seam. Next, take the stem piece and sew it to the top center of the apple, pressing the seam again.
3. Finalizing the Block: Once you have added the leaves and stems, attach the apple block to the background square. Align the edges and sew it in place. Repeat this process for all 48 blocks.

This assembly process is where the fun begins, as your apple blocks come to life with each stitch!

 OTHER QUILT PATTERNS HERE 

Arranging the Quilt Top

With all your apple blocks completed, it’s time to arrange them into the quilt top. This step allows you to visualize the overall design before sewing everything together.

1. Layout Your Blocks: On a large flat surface, arrange your apple blocks in a grid pattern. Consider alternating colors and patterns to create visual interest. You might want to lay them out in rows of 4 blocks wide by 12 blocks high.
2. Adjusting the Arrangement: Take your time adjusting the layout until you’re satisfied with how it looks. Remember that each block is unique, and the scrappy nature of this quilt allows for flexibility in arrangement.
3. Pinning the Layout: Once you’re happy with the arrangement, take a photo for reference, then start pinning the blocks together in rows. This will help keep them organized as you sew.

This stage is essential for ensuring that the final quilt top is visually appealing and reflects your personal style.

Sewing the Quilt Top Together

Now it’s time to sew your arranged blocks into the quilt top. This step requires careful attention to detail to ensure everything lines up perfectly.

1. Sewing Rows: Start by sewing the blocks in each row together. Use a 1/4″ seam allowance and press the seams open after sewing. Work systematically from one row to the next.
2. Joining the Rows: Once all rows are sewn, join the rows together to form the complete quilt top. Again, make sure to pin the seams together for accuracy.
3. Final Pressing: After you’ve sewn the entire quilt top, give it a final press with your iron to ensure that everything lays flat and looks neat.

With the quilt top assembled, you’re well on your way to completing your Scrappy Apples Quilt!

Layering the Quilt

Once your quilt top is complete, it’s time to layer the quilt with batting and backing fabric. Layering is an essential step that provides structure and warmth to your quilt.

1. Prepare the Batting and Backing: Lay your backing fabric right side down on a flat surface. Place the batting on top of the backing, ensuring it is smooth and wrinkle-free.
2. Position the Quilt Top: Carefully place the quilt top right side up on top of the batting. Ensure all edges are aligned, and smooth out any wrinkles.
3. Basting the Layers: To keep the layers in place while you quilt, use safety pins or basting spray. Pin every 6-8 inches throughout the quilt to secure the layers and prevent shifting.

Layering your quilt properly is crucial for a successful quilting process and will help you achieve a beautiful finish.

Quilting the Layers

Now that your quilt is layered, it’s time to quilt! This step adds texture and keeps the layers together.

1. Choose Your Quilting Design: Decide on a quilting pattern that complements your Scrappy Apples Quilt. You can opt for straight lines, a meandering design, or even outline each apple for added definition.
2. Start Quilting: Using your sewing machine, start quilting through all three layers. Begin from the center and work your way outwards to avoid puckering. Take your time and enjoy the process!
3. Finish Quilting: Continue quilting until you have covered the entire quilt. Once finished, trim any excess batting and backing fabric that extends beyond the quilt top.

Quilting not only adds visual interest but also enhances the durability of your Scrappy Apples Quilt.

Binding the Quilt

The final step in creating your Scrappy Apples Quilt is to add the binding. This step finishes the edges and gives your quilt a polished look.

1. Prepare the Binding: Cut strips of fabric measuring 2.5″ wide from your chosen binding fabric. You will need enough strips to go around the entire quilt. Sew the strips together end-to-end to create one long continuous strip.
2. Attach the Binding: Start at the midpoint of one side of the quilt. Align the binding strip with the raw edge of the quilt and sew it in place, leaving a few inches free at the beginning.
3. Finishing the Binding: Once you’ve sewn the binding around the quilt, fold it over to the back and hand stitch it down. This creates a clean, finished look.

Binding your quilt is an essential final touch that enhances both its beauty and durability.

PATTERN HERE

Conclusion: Enjoying Your Scrappy Apples Quilt

Congratulations! You’ve completed your Scrappy Apples Quilt, a unique and beautiful piece that reflects your creativity and effort. Each apple block you made is a testament to your quilting skills and your ability to transform fabric scraps into something wonderful.

Take a moment to appreciate your handiwork. Whether you choose to use your quilt as a decorative throw, a functional blanket, or a thoughtful gift, it’s sure to bring joy and warmth to any space.

Remember, quilting is an art that allows for endless exploration and creativity. Don’t hesitate to try new patterns and techniques in your future projects. Happy quilting, and may your journey be filled with beautiful creations!