Postage Stamp Quilt Tutorial

My scrappy postage stamp quilt begins with a variety of 2 1/2" squares of fabric.

I picked up this box of pre-cut fabric and miscellaneous blocks at an auction for $3.00. 

I'm all about eliminating clutter, so these quilt blocks are being recycled.

It did not take long to discover that some of the auction squares were not

totally "square". To resolve this issue, I cut a white square 2 1/2" x 2 1/2".

You can see it in the photo above on the right.

When the auction fabric is laid on top of the white square,

it is easy to determine if each piece of  fabric measures true to 2 1/2 inches.

The squares that did not measure up were set aside for another day.

The auction fabric was then sorted into piles according to color.

The squares fit perfectly into this wooden silverware box

making it easy to select various color combinations.

Materials List

• various scraps cut 2 1/2" square (total of 183)
• white or neutral fabric cut 2 1/2" square (total of 182)
• 2 strips of fabric cut 2 1/2" x 29 3/4" (for top and bottom of inner border)
• 2 strips of fabric cut 2 1/2" x 41 (for sides of inner border)
• 2 strips of fabric cut 3 1/2" x 37 1/2" (for top and bottom of outer border)
• 2 strips of fabric cut 3 1/2" x 51 1/2" ( for sides of outer border)
• batting 46" x 54"
• fabric cut 48" x 56" for backing
• fabric cut 2 1/2" and sewn into 190" strip for binding
• finished quilt measures approximately 42 1/2" x 50 1/2"

Step 1: Sewing the Center

 

•  Sew squares using 1/4" seam allowance alternating one white fabric with one scrappy fabric.
•  There are 15 squares in each row.
•  There are a total of 19 rows.
•  When this step is completed your project should measure approximately 29 1/2" x 37 1/2".
•  Press seams.

Step 2: Attach Inner Border

• Attach inner border (A) by sewing a strip of the 2 1/2" x 29 3/4" to the top and bottom.
• Attach inner border (B) by sewing a strip of the 2 1/2" x 41" to the sides.
• Press seams.

Step 3: Attach Scrappy Border

• Attach scrappy border (A) by sewing 17 squares to the top and bottom.
• Attach scrappy border (B) by sewing 23 squares to the sides.
• (Please note: I could not display the correct number of squares for the border in the above diagram.)
• Press seams.

Step 4: Attach Outer Border

• Attach outer border (A) by sewing a strip of the 3 1/2" x 37 1/2" to the top and bottom.
• Attach outer border (B) by sewing a strip of the 3 1/2" x 51 1/2" to the sides.
• Press seams.
• Finished quilt top should measure approximately 42 1/2" x 50 1/2"

                                       

Square up corners.

Pin quilt top to batting and backing.

Click here learn how to pin baste a quilt.

Painters tape is an easy way to mark a quilt for straight line quilting.

Complete quilt by attaching 2 1/2" binding.

Enjoy!

May you always Sew in Peace!

Sandra