Make a Quick, Patchwork Quilt Game Board – Quilting Daily
Patchwork Checkerboard, from 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts |
With summer approaching and the school year ending, a lot of parents I know are looking for projects to keep their kids busy (and somewhat unplugged) in the coming weeks.
This patchwork checkerboard designed by our assistant editor for special projects, Lindsey Murray, is perfect for teaching quilting and hand stitching skills to beginners of any age.
Lindsey, who is quickly becoming a quilting expert, has also logged many hours babysitting, so she knows how to keep children engaged.
Plus, kids have an incentive to finish this project as they can play with it as soon as they’ve finished making it. (Best to teach young quilters to avoid those UFOs from the outset, don’t you think?)
Patchwork Checkerboard
From 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts
(Note: This project is washable, but be sure to wash your fabrics before cutting and stitching to pre-shrink.)
Materials
- 2 contrasting fat quarters for checkerboard squares
- 1/2 yard for backing
- Fabric for binding
- Batting
- 2 contrasting fat eighths for checkerboard pieces
- A quarter, or similar coin/object to use as a template
- Polyester fiberfill
Directions
Checkerboard
1. Cut (4) 2 1/2″ strips from each of the fat quarters, cutting parallel to the longest side, so that the strips are approximately 22″ long.
2. Alternating fabrics, piece the strips together along their long sides so that you have a rectangle of 8 alternating strips. Press the seam allowances toward the darker strips.
3. Cut (8) 2 1/2″-wide strips of squares from the pieced rectangle.
4. Piece the strips together, alternating the top square color.
5. Cut a piece of batting and backing to match the size of the pieced block, which should measure 16 1/2″ x 16 1/2″. Layer and baste your quilt sandwich.
6. Stitch in the ditch, enhancing the squares.
7. Bind as desired.
Checkerboard pieces
1. Trace 24 circles on 1 of the fat eighths using a quarter or similar template and cut them out.
2. Layer pairs of circles with wrong sides together, so that you have 12 pairs of circles.
3. Use a needle and embroidery floss to stitch around the edge of the circles, leaving a slight opening.
4. Stuff the circles with batting and stitch the opening closed.
5. Repeat with the other fat eighth fabric.
Lindsey models an easy-to-make patchwork headband designed by Vivika Hansen DeNegre. |
I love patchwork quilting because you can make it as simple or complicated as you like. 101 Patchwork Projects + Quilts is filled with easy, fun, and fast contemporary patchwork projects for kids and teens to make and use, like friendship bracelets, bean bags, and head bands.
It will keep them—and you—busy all summer.
You’re welcome!
P.S. What was your first quilting project? How did it go? What did you learn? Share in the comments section below.
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