Quilting

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Giveaway: Big Stitch Quilting Needles

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Bit Stitch Quilting Needle PackI scored big at my local quilt shop Saturday when I found this needle pack. Called Big Stitch, Pepper Cory designed these especially for quilters to create utility stitches. Utility stitches are a longer length than conventional stitches and use thicker threads so they can be easily seen on the surface.

An Amazon reviewer said they are so sharp, you don’t need a thimble to go through a quilt sandwich (top, batting, and backing). Impressive. I had no idea these existed, so I want to get the word out. To celebrate this incredible find, I’m giving away a Big Stitch needle pack to a lucky Craft Gossip reader.

How to enter: Leave a comment on this post and tell me your best or worst experience while hand quilting. Mine is when I forgot I’d taken my thimble off and took a stitch with a Between and it pierced my finger. Ouch.

Contest ends: 02/13/2016 at 10:00 PM CST, US Time Zone

Who can enter: Only contiguous U.S. due to shipping costs

Good luck!

Comments

  1. I’m still in the process of completing my 1st quilt. Without the help of a lot of friends, I’d still be at the beginning. These sound perfect!

  2. My worst hand quilting experience was with marking, not stitching. I use a chalk wheel with pink chalk on cream fabric, and it left a stain. Luckily, I was marking just a little ahead of my quilting, and discovered the problem before I’d gone too far. I managed to scrub most of it out, but will never use colored chalk again.

  4. Worst experience…doing so much sewing I actually poked a hole in my finger! Didn’t notice until I started seeing blood on my work. Best experience…actually finishing a small piece to be placed in my dad’s casket. He was my biggest fan and miss him.

  5. I’m still working on my first hand-quilted quilt. From my limited experience, the worst is my inability to get the stitches as straight as I’d like (yet I know this will change with more practice and the recipient will never look as close as I do). My best experience is that I love the texture and look of the hand quilting (even with my uneven stitches)!

  6. My worst experience…trying to finish big stitch quilting a wool quilt for a quilt show. My finger was raw when I was finished…needed to tape it up so it wouldn’t bleed. But the quilt got finished…:o)
    Thanks for the chance to win these needles! Would love to try them out!
    P

  10. Working with white material and took a sip of hot chocolate which spilled and stained the piece that I was 95% done with.

  11. My worst experience was in a quilting class where the instructor “forgot” the order of steps, and everyone had to go back and start over again! I can barely live with my own mistakes:(

    from VT the land of languid flakes,
    the Vermonster

  12. I really got excited when I saw this prize, because the one thing I’d really like to do is make my first hand-made quilt!! To me, machine quilts are pretty, but I think that hand-made are really the way that quilts should be made. I own a frame and have plenty of patterns to give me ideas, but these needles would make the job a lot easier!! Thank you so much for this giveaway!!

  13. Hand quilting my younger sister’s king sized wedding quilt left me with a ‘tattoo’ on my right hand middle finger, even with a leather thimble, that was there for MONTHS!!

  14. Worst – twin sister teaching me how to hand quilt and I used embroidery hoop held in lap. Yup, stitch my shirt tail to back of quilt. We are identical mirror twins, opposites…she’s exceptionslly good at hand quilting and I’m ok :-). And thats ok !

  15. My best experience hand quilting was when I realized it didn’t have to be perfect. I now get a lot more done and it looks fine.

  16. Worst thing happening is when finished all my hand quilting and then having to remove my basting stitches and accidentally cutting a hole in the finished quilt. Omg.

  22. I want to get back into hand stitches; this would be a good fit as I’m also learning to quilt.

  24. I am just re-learning how to quilt from over 20 years ago. I really, really want to improve my hand-quilting skills and these would be so very helpful. I’m anxious to complete my first project, starting with a mini-wall quilt.

  26. Looking back on my first hand quilted baby quilt almost 40 years ago, that was my first experience with hand quilting. It looks like big quilting is now even though i didn’t mean it that way. Boy did I have a lot to learn! Would love these needles!

  27. Quilted my daughter’s baby quilt without a thimble, over 37 years ago, dumb thing to do, my finger tips were a mess! Now, I don’t do a lot of hand quilting, because I never seem to have time!

  28. I have not tried hand quilting yet. I’ve only made two quilts and my sister will be machine quilting them – one for charity & one for a contest. I am now working on a hexagon quilt which I plan to hand quilt when it’s completed.

  29. My worst…meeting a friend at a church hand quilting bee. ..they were experts, I was not. They were very kind but I’m sure they couldn’t wait to rip out my stitches…oh my.

  31. Oh, my worst quilting…hmm…I’m still working on my first full sized quilt and I need to quit procrastinating and just do it! Lol I would love to have the needles because I only hand quilt. Thanks! vickise at gmail dot com

  33. I was hand quilting my first baby quilt for my daughter when I was about 8 1/2 months pregnant, and yes, I stitched it directly to my dress and slip but that wasn’t the worst…she kicked me, I jumped and managed to not only stab myself with that oh-so-sharp needle, but I also dropped my shears from what little lap I had and they literally stabbed straight into my foot! Nine stitches in my foot closed up the hole! I have never rested my shears on my lap since!

  34. I quilted a flannel quilt with heavy pearl cotton once. I loved the look, but trying to pull that cotton through two layers of flannel and a layer of batting was slow and exhausting. Next time I would use finer thread. Thanks for the chance to win these great needles! I love the look of big stitch quilting.

  35. I have trouble using a thimble so I get sore fingers a lot. I would love to try this needle.
    Thanks for the chance to win.

  36. My worst was bleeding on a quilt while binding when I didn’t even know I had been “injured” — I hate bleeding on quilts!!!

  38. I haven’t hand quilted but have hand pieced a queen size quilt. Breaking the eye of a needle is the worse, I experienced.

  39. My best experience with hand quilting was when I gave myself permission to use embroidery stitches to quilt with instead of just straight stitches. I had so much fun quilting that quilt and still do it today! Taking bigger stitches is also a big bonus. Thank You for the opportunity to win these. Have a fantastic creative day!

  40. The problem I have is I can’t find a thimble large enough for my finger. But I did fix the problem with a finger guard that I taped to my finger. It worked well enoughbut I needto learn how to sew a stright line. No onehas said anythingabout it but I know it is there. Thanks fora chance.

  41. I ‘ve never seen these before. while quilting with a leather thimble the needle went all the way through it and stabbed my finger..

  42. Have only hand quilted a small wall quilt..did ok..slow, and not real straight stitches…and stuck my finger many times too. lol These needles sound Awesome! Thanks for chance to win! 🙂

  43. I guess my stitches don’t always look so great and once I was really happy with a quilt and a friend told me you’ll get better someday. We’re still friends.

  44. My worst experience is also my first quilt or should I say blocks. They are done and quilted but when I went to join them it said hand stitch and I know they will come apart at the first washing.

  45. After 6 failed pregnancies, when I got pregnant with #7, my doctor ordered complete bed rest. That meant not getting out of bed or off the couch unless I needed to use the bathroom. I even ate in a horizontal recliner chair! Needless to say, I hand quilted and made hand sewn clothes throughout the entire pregnancy. When my son finally arrived, he had the most outstanding wardrobe of clothing, blankets, quilts and bibs as proof of my reclining months. sewing saved my sanity. Well ,my “Baby” is now a 27 year old Chemist. And although I am yet to be a grandmother…..I’m ready. Till then I still sew every day but now its for grand-nieces and also an occasional weird Halloween costume for my “baby” boy.

  46. I didn’t realize that my cat had added one of their soft toys to where i was stitching. It looked pretty funny.

Have you read?

15 Best Quilts to Make Using Your Scraps (Beautiful Scrap Quilt Ideas That Actually Work)

If you’ve ever stood in your sewing room staring at a basket of fabric scraps thinking, “I should do something with these,” this article is for you.

Scrap quilts aren’t just practical — they’re often the most joyful quilts we make. They’re forgiving, colorful, and deeply personal. Every leftover piece carries a memory from a past project.

If you’re searching for the best quilts to make using your scraps, this guide goes beyond inspiration. We’ll talk about which patterns truly work for scraps, how to keep them looking cohesive, how much fabric you actually need, and which scrap sizes suit which designs.

Let’s turn that scrap pile into something intentional.

Why Scrap Quilts Are So Popular (And Why They Work)

Scrap quilts continue to trend because they:

  • Reduce fabric waste
     • Use leftovers from past projects
     • Feel nostalgic and personal
     • Save money
     • Encourage creativity without pressure

Unlike tightly planned quilts, scrap quilts allow flexibility. Slight variations in tone, scale, and print aren’t flaws — they’re part of the charm.

And for many of us, they’re emotionally satisfying. That tiny floral from a baby quilt? It shows up again in a new design.

What Makes a Quilt Pattern Truly Scrap-Friendly?

Not every quilt pattern works well with mixed fabrics.

The best scrap quilt patterns share these traits:

  • Repeated simple blocks
     • Uniform block size
     • No reliance on large focal prints
     • Strong layout grid
     • Balance of light and dark values

The structure holds the design together while the scraps bring personality.

If a pattern depends on exact color placement or large uninterrupted shapes, it’s usually not ideal for scraps.

1. Half Square Triangle Scrap Quilt

This is the ultimate scrap quilt.

Half square triangles (HSTs) use small squares and create endless layout possibilities.

Why it works beautifully for scraps:

  • Uses small pieces efficiently
     • Easy to chain piece
     • Allows strong contrast
     • Works with controlled or random color placement

You can create:

  • Chevron layouts
     • Diamonds
     • Broken dishes
     • Pinwheels
     • Modern gradient quilts

If you’re unsure what to do with your scraps, start here.

2. Crumb Quilt (Tiny Scraps Welcome)

If your scraps are small and irregular, crumb quilting is magic.

Instead of cutting into precise shapes, you sew scraps together randomly into larger “slabs,” then trim into blocks.

Why crumb quilts shine:

  • Uses the smallest pieces
     • No strict measuring
     • Highly forgiving
     • Great for improv lovers

Crumb quilts look chaotic mid-process — but once assembled, they’re surprisingly cohesive.

3. String Quilt

String quilts use narrow strips sewn onto a foundation.

Perfect for:

  • Long skinny leftovers
     • Binding offcuts
     • Strips trimmed from squaring blocks

You can sew strips diagonally, vertically, or randomly. When blocks are squared up, the quilt looks deliberate.

String quilts are fantastic for beginners because seam accuracy is less stressful.

4. Log Cabin Scrap Quilt

A true classic.

Log cabin blocks use strips built around a center square.

Why it works for scraps:

  • Uses varying strip lengths
     • Creates strong light/dark contrast
     • Looks intentional even when scrappy

Keep your center squares consistent for visual balance.

5. Nine Patch Scrap Quilt

Simple.
 Reliable.
 Endlessly adaptable.

Nine patch blocks use small squares — perfect for 2½” or 3½” scrap cuts.

Why it works:

  • Quick to assemble
     • Easy chain piecing
     • Beginner-friendly

Alternate with solid blocks or add sashing for structure.

6. Flying Geese Scrap Quilt

If you have medium-sized scraps, flying geese blocks are ideal.

Scrappy geese with a consistent background fabric prevent visual overload.

They create strong directional movement across a quilt top.

7. Irish Chain Scrap Quilt

This block balances structure with randomness.

Scrappy chain units combined with solid blocks create breathing space.

It’s a beautiful option if you want scrap charm without chaos.

8. Checkerboard Scrap Quilt

Sometimes the simplest layouts are the most powerful.

Equal-sized squares in alternating placement create a bold grid.

This design works best when you pay attention to light vs dark balance.

9. Sawtooth Star Scrap Quilt

Scrappy star points paired with solid backgrounds create stunning contrast.

You can keep star centers consistent for cohesion.

It feels classic but works beautifully in modern color palettes.

10. Rail Fence Scrap Quilt

Strip-based and fast to assemble.

Rotate blocks to create zigzags or woven effects.

This quilt is ideal for 2½” strip scraps.

11. Postage Stamp Quilt

If you love tiny pieces, this is your project.

Small squares sewn into a dense grid create a pixelated effect.

Time-consuming — but breathtaking.

12. Broken Dishes Quilt

Made entirely from half square triangles.

It creates a shattered-glass pattern that looks far more complex than it is.

High-contrast scraps work best here.

13. Pineapple Scrap Quilt

For confident quilters.

This design uses small strips in layered rotation around a center.

It’s intricate and dramatic — perfect for organized scrap bins.

14. Modern Negative Space Scrap Quilt

Use scrap blocks surrounded by solid white or low-volume background.

The empty space allows the scrap sections to shine without overwhelming the eye.

15. Sampler Scrap Quilt

Combine multiple scrap-friendly blocks into one quilt.

It keeps things interesting and prevents fabric fatigue.

Perfect if you enjoy variety.

How to Keep Scrap Quilts From Looking Too Busy

This is where many scrap quilts struggle.

Here’s how to maintain cohesion:

  • Use a consistent background fabric
     • Limit to 2–3 color families
     • Balance warm and cool tones
     • Keep block size uniform
     • Add sashing if needed

Even the wildest scrap quilt benefits from repetition.

Sorting Your Scraps Before You Start

Instead of dumping everything into one pile, try sorting by:

  • Light / medium / dark
     • Color family
     • Strip vs square vs crumb
     • Tone (warm vs cool)

This makes choosing patterns easier.

If your scraps are mostly small:
 Choose crumb, nine patch, or postage stamp.

If mostly strips:
 Choose string, log cabin, rail fence.

If medium cuts:
 Flying geese or HSTs are ideal.

How Much Fabric Do You Actually Need?

One common question is:

“How many scraps do I need for a quilt?”

Here’s a rough estimate for a throw-size scrap quilt (60″ x 72″):

  • Approximately 4–5 yards total scrap volume combined
     • Background fabric may require 2–3 yards
     • Binding ½ yard
     • Backing 4 yards

Because scraps vary in size, it’s better to measure by total coverage rather than count.

Scrap Quilt Color Strategy That Works

The secret to beautiful scrap quilts isn’t matching fabrics — it’s controlling value.

Value contrast (light vs dark) matters more than print style.

If everything is medium tone, the quilt will look flat.

Make sure you have:

  • Strong dark fabrics
     • Clear lights
     • A few medium fillers

Squint at your layout. If shapes disappear, you need stronger contrast.

Why Scrap Quilts Feel So Special

Scrap quilts aren’t just practical.

They’re memory quilts without trying to be.

That floral from your daughter’s skirt.
 That neutral from a farmhouse pillow.
 That bold print from a modern quilt you tried.

They all come together in one place.

That’s why scrap quilts feel layered with story.

Final Thoughts on the Best Quilts Using Your Scraps

The best scrap quilt isn’t the fanciest one.

It’s the one that uses what you already have.

Start simple.
 Focus on contrast.
 Trim carefully.
 Trust the repetition.

Your scrap pile isn’t clutter.
 It’s potential.