There are lots of great blocks that allow you to use up all those strings and crumbs that are in your scrap bin, but my favourite is the Chaos Crumb block. I first saw the idea of chaos crumb blocks on Patti’s blog back in 2007 and it is by far my most favourite way to use up the little scraps that are too odd or too small to be used in a more traditional way. I’ve made these blocks multicoloured in the past, but my preferred method is to group them by colour. Here is a pattern for a quilt using these blocks which I think has a rather modern take on the traditional scrap quilt.
This quilt finishes at 44” x47” but could easily be made bigger by adding more blocks and/or more rows.
42 - scrap chaos crumb blocks squared up to 6”.
If you plan on using bans of colour then each row uses 7 chaos blocks.
Using a fabric that reads as a solid cut
6 - 6” squares
7 - 2½” by 44½” strips
Assembly is really straight forward.
Sew the chaos crumb blocks into rows.
7 blocks to each row.
Then sew a plain 6” square to the end of each row.
Sew the 2½” by 44½” strips between each row.
Remember to rotate each row as you go so your solid squares alternate down the quilt.
Here is a link to a printer-friendly-version of these instructions.
Incidentally if you change the background fabric you get a different effect ...check out these three versions I’ve made.
There is a lot you can do with these colour blocks...just check out Amanda Jean’s version and Caroline’s version!
Thanks again Madame Samm for the opportunity to post...as always it’s been great fun to share with your readers!
okay, pretty darn sweet :) One of these days I'm just gonna half to get my poop in a group and organize my scraps to do this. I love the same color-type blocks ... I'm too Type-A to try the first blocks you showed. Chaos would be my brain :) Thank you for sharing!!
ReplyDeleteI had forgotten about crumb blocks..thanks for reminding me..And your instructions are great. It really takes time and effort to create a post like this.
ReplyDeleteI love making crumb blocks - throw out those rules. My grandson (4yrs. old) loves to help, cuz NaNa dumps the bin and he pulls the colors and bits to go next. I like the way you layed out the blocks in your quilt tops. I looked at all the others too - some I had already seen, but fun to revisit. Thank you for a great post on for showing you don't have to join A to B -
ReplyDeleteGreate block, I love it. I'll have to try to make this block :o)
ReplyDeleteNow that is pretty cool. I have a ton of scraps and will definately give this a try. Love the post and the references to others works. You sure got my mind a working! :-)
ReplyDeleteGood Morning Jane....well you certainly are no square when it comes to design and layouts...These are wonderful and although I still don't have enough scraps to speak of..( use to throw those away) lol. I think I could make me a small runner using this pattern. Ok, sew string quilts are what everyone is calling strips correct? You ladies certainly keep me on my toes...lovely post and adding the google docs is nice too....great post..
ReplyDeleteJane, thanks for a great post and the layout ideas! I had seen the controlled chaos tut before but couldn't remember where, thanks for the reminder. At my last guild meeting I took several bags of scraps to arrange by color - when some of the ladies saw my bags, they immediately started digging in LOL. They thought the scraps were "freebies."
ReplyDeleteLinda
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteWOW!!!! WORKS OF ART that is for sure....makes me wish I knew how to do this, or shall I say, had the time to learn.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday and Happy Stitching,
Amy (Mom to the Four Sisters)
Thank you for the pattern :) I am loving the one where all of the colors are grouped together.. it looks beautiful.. the impact is amazing! LOVE IT!! Thank you for sharing with us.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing. This really envokes food for thought as I look at my box of bits and pieces!
ReplyDeleteI make a lot of donation quilts for children and care homes and this is a great new idea for me. Plus it uses up all of those little pieces, thanks so much Jane!
ReplyDeleteMarie
I love the crumb quilts. right now I have ALOT of scraps sorted by color to do this or a ticker tape quilt.not sure yet. but will get busy soon.thanks for sharing,Amy
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post...interesting idea. Most of all thanks for the printer friendly directions...love that...wish more folks would do that.
ReplyDeleteFun quilts Jane...does this mean I now have to sort my scraps by color? Ya'll are just going to force me to organize aren't ya?!
ReplyDeleteJane, your quilts are like eye candy. Love the modern touch to the quilts. Quilts from your strings and the best. Thanks for sharing a printer friendly link too.
ReplyDeleteI loved seeing the different versions of your quilts - thanks for the great idea! xo, Nan
ReplyDeletelove this layout for crumb quilt blocks - thanks for a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteI just love making crumb blocks - your layout ideas are great!!
ReplyDeleteThese colour block quilts are really pretty. I'm saving scraps now, so one day this idea may make it into my mental queue of projects!
ReplyDeleteI love these quilts. They are gorgeous!! The perfect way to use up those bits and pieces. I have so many scraps, this is the perfect project for them. Thanks for sharing this with us. Hugs Ariane
ReplyDeleteI find these more interesting than quilts bought with intentional fabric placement. I think that I just like variety.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day!
Oh what a treat! You showed us how to make these. :) Thank you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea - to make them by colors. I always think scrappy, I'm stuck in a rut I think. :) I love the way you put them together. blessings, marlene
ReplyDeleteGood tutorial for a good idea! Thank you for a great post.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the good tutorial. I like the idea of color rows.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jane :-)) This pattern sure has impact, and I just love your colour choices. You sure get around!
ReplyDelete