How to Make a Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt with a Free Pattern
Do you love puzzles and quilting? Then you will love this jigsaw puzzle quilt pattern that is easy to make and fun to customize. A jigsaw puzzle quilt is a great way to use up your fabric scraps and create a unique design that looks like a real puzzle. In this article, I will show you how to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt with a free pattern that you can download. I will also share some tips and tricks for choosing fabrics, scaling the pattern, and adding interest to your quilt. Let's get started!
What is a Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt?
A jigsaw puzzle quilt is a type of patchwork quilt that uses simple shapes to create a puzzle-like effect. The basic unit of a jigsaw puzzle quilt is an "H" block, which consists of two rectangles and a square. By rotating and arranging these blocks in different ways, you can create different puzzle pieces that fit together. A jigsaw puzzle quilt is:
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A fun and easy way to use up your scraps
One of the best things about making a jigsaw puzzle quilt is that you can use any fabrics you have in your stash. You don't need to worry about matching colors or prints, because the more variety, the better. You can also use different types of fabrics, such as solids, prints, batiks, flannels, etc. The only thing you need to consider is the size of your pieces, which should be consistent throughout your quilt.
A unique and customizable design
Another great thing about making a jigsaw puzzle quilt is that you can make it as unique as you want. You can choose how many blocks you want to make, how big you want your quilt to be, and how you want to arrange your pieces. You can also add some black or white pieces to create contrast and depth in your design. You can even make each puzzle piece in a different color or fabric, if you like. The possibilities are endless!
What You Need to Make a Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt
To make a jigsaw puzzle quilt, you will need the following materials and tools:
Fabric requirements and cutting instructions
The fabric requirements for making a jigsaw puzzle quilt depend on the size of your blocks and the number of blocks you want to make. For this tutorial, I will show you how to make a small quilt with 6-inch square blocks, which finishes at about 30 x 42 inches. You will need:
Three solid fabrics and five patterned fabrics for the blocks. You can use more or less fabrics depending on your preference.
About 1 1/2 yards of white quilting cotton for the backing and binding.
About 40 x 52 inches of cotton/poly batting.
To cut the fabric pieces for each block, you will need:
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Two 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch rectangles from one solid fabric.
One 2 1/2 x 6 1/2 inch rectangle from another solid fabric.
One 2 1/2 inch square from a patterned fabric.
You will need to cut a total of 35 blocks for this quilt, which means you will need to cut:
70 rectangles from the first solid fabric.
35 rectangles from the second solid fabric.
35 squares from the patterned fabrics. You can use different fabrics for each square, or repeat some fabrics as you like.
AccuQuilt Go! dies or rotary cutter and ruler
To cut the fabric pieces, you can use either an AccuQuilt Go! die cutting machine or a rotary cutter and ruler. If you have an AccuQuilt Go!, you can use the following dies to cut your pieces:
AccuQuilt GO! Strip Cutter-2 1/2" (2" Finished) (55017 or 55014)
AccuQuilt GO! Square-2 1/2" (2" Finished) (55018 or 55022)
If you don't have an AccuQuilt Go!, you can use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut your pieces. Just make sure to measure and cut accurately, and use a 1/4 inch seam allowance when sewing.
Sewing machine and basic supplies
To sew the quilt, you will need a sewing machine and some basic supplies, such as:
Thread in a neutral color.
Pins or clips to hold the pieces together.
Scissors or rotary cutter to trim the seams.
Iron and ironing board to press the seams.
Design wall or large flat surface to arrange the blocks.
How to Sew a Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt
Now that you have all your materials and tools ready, it's time to sew your jigsaw puzzle quilt. Here are the steps to follow:
Step 1: Cut the fabric pieces
Cut the fabric pieces according to the cutting instructions above, using either the AccuQuilt Go! dies or the rotary cutter and ruler. You should have 70 rectangles from the first solid fabric, 35 rectangles from the second solid fabric, and 35 squares from the patterned fabrics. Label each piece with a letter or number to keep track of them.
Step 2: Arrange the pieces on a design wall
The next step is to arrange the pieces on a design wall or a large flat surface. You can use any layout you like, but here is one possible way to do it:
Lay out five rows of seven blocks each, alternating between horizontal and vertical blocks.
To make a horizontal block, sew two rectangles from the first solid fabric on either side of a square from a patterned fabric. Press the seams toward the rectangles.
To make a vertical block, sew one rectangle from the first solid fabric on top of a rectangle from the second solid fabric. Press the seam toward the bottom rectangle. Then sew a square from a patterned fabric on top of the bottom rectangle. Press the seam toward the square.
Rotate and flip some of the blocks to create different puzzle pieces. You can also swap some of the squares or rectangles with other blocks to create more variety.
Make sure that each block has at least one side that matches with another block. You can use pins or clips to hold them together temporarily.
This is how your design wall might look like after arranging the blocks:
Step 3: Sew the pieces together into blocks
Once you are happy with your layout, it's time to sew the pieces together into blocks. You can sew them in rows or columns, whichever is easier for you. Just make sure to keep track of your order and orientation. Here are some tips for sewing the blocks:
Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance and a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
Sew with right sides together and match the edges and corners as best as you can.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.
Trim any excess fabric or threads after sewing each seam.
Press the seams to one side, or open them if you prefer.
Check the size of each block and trim it to 6 1/2 inches square if needed.
This is how your blocks might look like after sewing them:
Step 4: Sew the blocks together into rows
The next step is to sew the blocks together into rows. You can sew them in the same order as you arranged them on the design wall, or you can change the order if you want. Here are some tips for sewing the rows:
Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance and a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
Sew with right sides together and match the edges and corners as best as you can.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.
Trim any excess fabric or threads after sewing each seam.
Press the seams to one side, or open them if you prefer.
Nest the seams when joining the blocks to reduce bulk and improve accuracy.
This is how your rows might look like after sewing them:
Step 5: Sew the rows together into a quilt top
The final step is to sew the rows together into a quilt top. You can sew them in the same order as you arranged them on the design wall, or you can change the order if you want. Here are some tips for sewing the quilt top:
Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance and a straight stitch on your sewing machine.
Sew with right sides together and match the edges and corners as best as you can.
Backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to secure it.
Trim any excess fabric or threads after sewing each seam.
Press the seams to one side, or open them if you prefer.
Nest the seams when joining the rows to reduce bulk and improve accuracy.
This is how your quilt top might look like after sewing it:
Step 6: Prepare the quilt sandwich and quilt as desired
Now that you have your quilt top ready, it's time to prepare the quilt sandwich and quilt it as desired. Here are the steps to follow:
Cut a piece of white quilting cotton for the backing that is at least 4 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides.
Cut a piece of cotton/poly batting that is at least 2 inches larger than your quilt top on all sides.
Lay the backing fabric on a large flat surface, right side down, and smooth out any wrinkles. Tape or pin it to the surface to keep it in place.
Lay the batting on top of the backing fabric, and smooth out any wrinkles. Trim any excess batting if needed.
Lay the quilt top on top of the batting, right side up, and smooth out any wrinkles. Center it on the backing fabric and batting, and pin or baste it to secure it.
Quilt your quilt sandwich using your preferred method. You can use a walking foot or a free motion foot on your sewing machine, or hand quilt it if you like. You can also use any quilting design you like, such as straight lines, curves, stippling, etc. Just make sure to quilt evenly across your quilt sandwich and avoid puckering or tucking.
This is how your quilt sandwich might look like after quilting it:
Step 7: Add binding and label to finish the quilt
The last step is to add binding and label to finish your jigsaw puzzle quilt. Here are the steps to follow:
Cut four strips of white quilting cotton that are 2 1/2 inches wide and long enough to go around your quilt. Sew them together end to end with diagonal seams to make one long strip. Press the seams open and fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press again to make a double-fold binding.
Sew the binding to the front of the quilt, aligning the raw edges and leaving a 6-inch tail at the beginning. Start from the middle of one side and use a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Stop 1/4 inch from each corner and pivot to make a mitered corner. Leave a 10-inch gap at the end and trim the excess binding.
Join the two ends of the binding with a diagonal seam and press it open. Finish sewing the binding to the quilt.
Flip the binding to the back of the quilt and hand stitch it in place, covering the stitching line. Make sure to fold the corners neatly and securely.
Cut a piece of white quilting cotton that is about 4 x 6 inches and write your name, date, and any other information you want to include on your quilt label. Fold the edges under 1/4 inch and press them. Hand stitch the label to the back of the quilt, near one corner.
This is how your finished jigsaw puzzle quilt might look like:
Tips and Tricks for Making a Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt
Now that you know how to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt, here are some tips and tricks to make it even better:
How to choose fabrics and colors for your quilt
One of the fun parts of making a jigsaw puzzle quilt is choosing fabrics and colors for your quilt. You can use any fabrics you like, but here are some suggestions to make your quilt more interesting:
Use fabrics that have different textures, patterns, and scales. For example, you can mix solids, prints, batiks, flannels, etc.
Use fabrics that have different values, or lightness and darkness. For example, you can use light, medium, and dark fabrics to create contrast and depth.
Use fabrics that have different hues, or colors. For example, you can use warm colors (red, orange, yellow) or cool colors (blue, green, purple) or a combination of both.
Use fabrics that have different saturation, or intensity. For example, you can use bright or muted colors to create different effects.
Use fabrics that have different tones, or shades. For example, you can use pure colors or colors that have some black or white added to them.
You can also use a color wheel or a fabric bundle to help you choose fabrics and colors for your quilt.
How to scale the pattern to different sizes and layouts
If you want to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt in a different size or layout than the one shown in this tutorial, you can easily scale the pattern by changing the number or size of your blocks. Here are some examples of how to do it:
If you want to make a larger quilt, you can increase the number of blocks in each row and column. For example, if you want to make a twin size quilt (66 x 88 inches), you can make 11 rows of 15 blocks each, using 8-inch square blocks.
If you want to make a smaller quilt, you can decrease the number of blocks in each row and column. For example, if you want to make a baby size quilt (36 x 48 inches), you can make six rows of eight blocks each, using 6-inch square blocks.
If you want to make a square quilt, you can make the same number of blocks in each row and column. For example, if you want to make a lap size quilt (60 x 60 inches), you can make 10 rows of 10 blocks each, using 6-inch square blocks.
If you want to make a rectangular quilt with a different aspect ratio than the one shown in this tutorial, you can adjust the number of blocks in each row and column accordingly. For example, if you want to make a throw size quilt (50 x 70 inches), you can make nine rows of 12 blocks each, using 6-inch square blocks.
You can also use a quilt calculator or a quilt design software to help you scale the pattern to different sizes and layouts.
How to add interest and depth with black or white pieces
If you want to add some interest and depth to your jigsaw puzzle quilt, you can use some black or white pieces in your design. Black or white pieces can create contrast and highlight the shapes of your puzzle pieces. Here are some ways to use black or white pieces in your quilt:
You can use black or white fabric for some of the squares in your blocks. For example, you can use one black or white square for every four blocks, or you can use a random pattern of black or white squares throughout your quilt.
You can use black or white fabric for some of the rectangles in your blocks. For example, you can use one black or white rectangle for every two blocks, or you can use a random pattern of black or white rectangles throughout your quilt.
You can use black or white fabric for the background of your quilt. For example, you can use black fabric for the backing and binding of your quilt, or you can use white fabric for the backing and binding of your quilt.
You can also use other colors that contrast with your main fabrics, such as gray, navy, or beige, to create a similar effect.
Conclusion
A jigsaw puzzle quilt is a fun and easy project that you can make with any fabrics you have in your stash. You can use a free pattern that uses simple shapes to create a puzzle-like effect. You can also customize your quilt by choosing different fabrics, colors, sizes, and layouts. You can even add some black or white pieces to create contrast and depth in your design. A jigsaw puzzle quilt is a great way to express your creativity and make a unique gift for yourself or someone else.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about making a jigsaw puzzle quilt:
Q: How long does it take to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt?
A: The time it takes to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt depends on several factors, such as the size of your quilt, the number of blocks you make, the speed of your cutting and sewing, and the complexity of your quilting. However, as a general estimate, you can expect to spend about 10 to 15 hours on making a small jigsaw puzzle quilt (30 x 42 inches) with 35 blocks.
Q: How much does it cost to make a jigsaw puzzle quilt?
A: The cost of making a jigsaw puzzle quilt depends on several factors, such as the quality and quantity of your fabrics, the type and size of your batting, the method and design of your quilting, and the tools and supplies you use. However, as a general estimate, you can expect to spend about $50 to $100 on making a small jigsaw puzzle quilt (30 x 42 inches) with 35 blocks.
Q: How do I wash and care for my jigsaw puzzle quilt?
A: To wash and care for your jigsaw puzzle quilt, you should follow these steps:
Wash your quilt in cold water on a gentle cycle with mild detergent. Do not bleach or dry clean.
Dry your quilt on low heat or air dry. Do not iron.
Store your quilt in a cool and dry place. Avoid direct sunlight and moisture.
Q: Where can I find more jigsaw puzzle quilt patterns and ideas?
A: If you are looking for more jigsaw puzzle quilt patterns and ideas, you can check out these resources:
[Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Pattern by AccuQuilt]
[Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Tutorial by Quilting Cubby]
[Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Gallery by Quilt Inspiration]
[Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Patterns by Pinterest]
[Jigsaw Puzzle Quilt Books by Amazon]
Q: How do I share my jigsaw puzzle quilt with others?
A: If you want to share your jigsaw puzzle quilt with others, you can do so by:
Taking photos of your quilt and posting them on social media platforms, such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. You can also tag #jigsawpuzzlequilt to join the community of other quilters who have made this project. 44f88ac181