Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Mug rug set of 4 at Listia | Money talk

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As if I don’t already spend enough time on Pinterest, I’ve discovered a new browsing destination today. Must share. It’s a barter website called Listia. Here’s how it works – true story. My daughter’s bestie had a bottle of expensive perfume she had received as a gift but had never used or opened. She listed it on Listia (bidding starts at between 1 and 100) and her auction was successful – meaning she got lots of points, more than expected. She then bid and won a set of used cloth diapers paid for by those auction credits. She plans to refurbish them and give to a friend who wants to cloth diaper but simply cannot afford the start-up costs. She described the experience as a total score.

Just like cloth diapering, getting started in quilting can be expensive. I’m getting on my soapbox here, but if you want to quilt, don’t let a lack of money keep you timidly on the sidelines. I do not own a fancy machine. It’s a mechanical Bernina I bought from a local fabric shop who refurbished them. I paid $200. A new mechanical Bernina costs $800+. I love this machine and it works just fine for my purposes. If you decide to take up “slow” sewing (piecing and quilting by hand) you don’t even need a machine.

All that said, you still need some things – fabric, needles, thread, cutting mat, cutters, scissors, rulers, the list goes on. I had a thought (it happens). Listia might help wanna be quilters get started in this craft with a minimal outlay of cash. Veteran quilters who are thrifty-minded or going through hard economic times might benefit too.

So yes, I joined Listia today. I searched on the word “quilt” and it brought back 119 results. My favorite find tonight is this Mug Rug Set by SarahsQuiltsnCrafts, shown. Her auction ends tomorrow.

If you get a hankering to join follow this link to sign up.

Ed. note 1: In the interest of full disclosure, the Listia link I provided above is my referral link, so feel free not to use it, but if you do, win/win. Wink.

Ed. note 2: SarahsQuiltsnCrafts did not ask for a mention or compensate this post in any way.
Image credit: SarahsQuiltsnCrafts at Listia

Looking for more Mug Rug Patterns? Check out these Mug Rug Patterns on Etsy and These Mug Rug Quilting Books.

Comments

  1. I would love to see how they are made… think they are nice… BUT really am tired of signing up and signing in for any and everything on the internet….

  2. I hear you Trayne. When Bed Bath and Beyond asks for my phone number I say, 999-999-9999. You don’t really miss anything by not signing up for Listia, the seller does not explain how she made it and from what I understand, when you follow the link in my post, you’ll see a photo of the item even if you are not a member. So it’s okay! Warmly, Scarlett

  3. I joined Listia in November and love it. I’ve “sold” so many things that I didn’t use and have won fabric and gift cards with the credits that I earned.

Have you read?

12 Beginner-Friendly Quilt Blocks That Are Perfect for Scraps

If you’re a beginner quilter with a scrap pile that’s starting to look like a small fabric landfill, you’re in the right place. The easiest way to build confidence is to sew quilt blocks that don’t demand perfection — the kind that look better when you mix prints, use leftovers, and embrace that scrappy charm.

This roundup is packed with beginner-friendly quilt blocks that are ideal for stash busting. Think simple squares, strips, and easy triangle units you can make from leftover charm squares, jelly roll strips, and those odd little pieces you keep “just in case.”

Here are 12 scrap-friendly quilt block tutorials (a mix of CraftGossip and high-quality external sources) you can sew without needing an advanced quilting degree.

1) Fractured Nine Patch Quilt Block (Scrap-Friendly Twist on a Classic)

This is a fantastic beginner block because it starts with a familiar nine-patch idea, but gives you a little extra movement and interest. It’s perfect for charm squares, layer cakes, and small scraps that coordinate but don’t “match-match.” If your scrap pile is full of 5” squares, this one is a very satisfying make. It looks more advanced than it feels while sewing it.

2) Perfect 4-Patch Quilt Block (Beginner Staple)

The 4-patch is one of the easiest quilt blocks to sew, which makes it ideal for beginners — and it’s incredibly scrap-friendly. You can use tiny squares, leftover strip sets, or anything you’ve already cut for another project. It’s also great for practicing accurate seams without a lot of complicated piecing. Simple doesn’t mean boring once you start playing with contrast.

3) Disappearing Four-Patch Quilt Block (Beginner “Wow” Block)

If you love a block that feels like magic, this is it. You make a basic four-patch first, then slice and rearrange to create a more complex-looking design. It’s a brilliant scrap buster because mixed prints actually add to the effect. Great for beginners who want a “fancy” result with simple steps.

4) Fast and Easy Half Square Triangles (HSTs)

Half square triangles are one of the most useful quilting skills you can learn, and scraps are perfect for practicing. This tutorial focuses on making lots of HST units efficiently, which is exactly what you want for scrap quilting. Once you’ve got a stack of HSTs, you can spin them into dozens of layouts. It’s one of those techniques that keeps paying off for years.

5) Newbie Pinwheel Blocks (Classic + Scrap Friendly)

Pinwheels are cheerful, classic, and great for beginners because they’re built from half square triangles. They also love scraps — especially high-contrast prints that make the “spin” stand out. This is a fun block if you’re working through leftover charm squares or you just want something playful. Pinwheels look gorgeous repeated across a quilt top.

6) Easy Churn Dash Quilt Block

Churn Dash is one of those traditional blocks that looks impressive but is totally doable for beginners. It’s perfect for scraps because you can use one feature print for the center and mix leftovers for the surrounding pieces. This is also a great confidence-builder for learning how blocks come together cleanly. If you love classic quilts, this is a must-try.

7) Scrappy Log Cabin Block Tutorial

Log cabin blocks are basically made for strip scraps. You build outward from a center square, adding strips like a little fabric onion (in the best way). This tutorial is ideal if you’ve got narrow leftovers from trimming borders or binding. It’s beginner-friendly, addictive to sew, and looks amazing when you repeat it scrappy-style.

8) Garden Fence Quilt Block (Strip Scrap Friendly)

This one is a great choice if your scraps are mostly strips rather than squares. It’s simple piecing, strong lines, and it works beautifully with mixed prints. You can keep the background consistent for a “controlled scrappy” look, or go full chaos-scrap if that’s your vibe. Either way, it’s a beginner-friendly block that doesn’t require fussy precision.

9) Rail Fence Quilt Block Tutorial 

Rail Fence blocks are a beginner favourite because they’re just strips sewn together and cut into units. It’s fast, forgiving, and very scrap-friendly — perfect for leftover jelly roll strips or random lengths you’ve been saving. This tutorial makes it super approachable and easy to repeat. Great “first quilt” block if you want quick wins.

10) Friendship Star Quilt Block Tutorial 

This is an excellent beginner star block because it’s essentially a nine-patch layout with a few half square triangles added in. Scraps work beautifully here — especially if you use one fabric family for the star and let the background be more neutral. It’s a classic block that looks lovely in both modern and traditional quilts. Perfect for using up smaller leftovers while learning star construction.

11) Shoo Fly Quilt Block Tutorial 

Shoo Fly is a traditional, beginner-friendly block that comes together quickly and uses easy units. It’s especially good for scrap quilting because it’s made from squares and half square triangles, so you can pull from leftovers without needing large cuts. This tutorial gives clear sizing options, which is handy when you’re working with whatever scrap sizes you’ve got on hand. A really solid skill-building block.

12) Simple Checkerboard Patchwork Quilt 

If you’re a beginner quilter with a scrap pile that’s starting to look like a small fabric landfill, you’re in the right place. The easiest way to build confidence is to sew quilt blocks that don’t demand perfection — the kind that look better when you mix prints, use leftovers, and embrace that scrappy charm.