My Best Quilting Hack for a FAST Finish
From Scrap Fabrics to Show‑Stopping Quilt in One Day
Got Scraps? Make Quilts! Too Much Fabric??? Find Solutions Here! Those beautiful fabric scraps want to become a gorgeous quilt, but they won’t get there without some help. My best quilting hack will give you some great ideas to make your fabric stash disappear. It begins with a Potato Chip Block, probably the simplest quilt to make with the most stunning results. So, if it feels like that leftover fabric pile is secretly multiplying overnight, you need to try my amazing potato chip block secrets!
Let me show you how to transform your fabric stash into a treasure of scrappy potato chip quilt blocks. Once you get started, you can make this scrap quilt in just one day using my favorite quilting hacks listed here. This simple technique lets you create a unique and stunning quilt easily. Plus, there are so many more quilting tips & techniques included below, you’ll be amazed how fast your new quilt will be finished.
So, if your sewing room looks like it’s drowning in a sea of fabric scraps, you’re in the right place!
What is a Potato Chip Block
How to Make a Potato Chip Quilt
This is a scrappy quilt block that is made with a single repeating rectangle. That means you only need to cut once size ‘brick’ to make your entire quilt! How’s that for an easy and time-saving quilt block? Even better is this block doesn’t have any matching seams. Do you see how amazing this quilt block is getting?
You may be thinking this is a strange name for a quilt block. This block is called the potato chip block because you can’t make just one! A bit of a play off the Lay’s potato chip ad, ‘You can’t eat just one!’ You will be surprised at how many ideas will jump into your head once you get started. To make a potato chip quilt you make a pile of same-sized blocks and join them together in the quilt size you want. There are few more tips coming that will explain that even more.
The one rule you must keep in mind is that the same size rectangle is used throughout the quilt. Those rectangle ‘bricks’ need to measure twice as long as they are wide PLUS seam allowances added. You’ll find my favorite sizes included a bit later.
How to Make a Simple Potato Chip Block
Here is a free step-by-step printable PDF tutorial you can download and use for reference, How to Make a Potato Chip Super-Sized Hot Pad. This shows exactly how to make your first block and also includes a pattern using just a single potato chip block that will get you started. You can see more in my post that includes a pictorial tutorial How to Make a Potato Chip Super-Sized Hot Pad.
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TWO Potato Chip Block Layouts in multiple sizes!
My Cutting Method: ‘One Rectangle Controls Them All’
Turn Your Scrappy Fabric Stash into Quilting Treasures
Many of us have that chaotic mountain of fabric leftovers! But what about those larger pieces we haven’t cut into yet? You know what I mean! Those beautiful fat quarter bundles tied up together with a pretty bow. Or that stack of yardage you’ve been saving for ‘the special quilt’? What if I told you that you have everything you need to turn that madness into these stunning potato chip quilt blocks? Once you get started, that overwhelming pile won’t look like a pile of guilty unused fabrics anymore; it’s going to look like your next favorite quilt.
The ‘One Rectangle Controls Them All’ Cutting Method saves time cutting and sewing. You only need to cut one size rectangle which lets you pile up your fabrics fast. Most popular quilt blocks use multiple size squares and rectangles which can take lots of time.
The PCB is made with a rectangle commonly called a brick because it’s finished size is twice as long as it is wide. While it can be used in any PCB pattern, it’s also adaptable into any size. That is, as long as it’s twice as long in one direction as the other.
Remember when cutting your scrap and leftover fabrics to use it all: Scraps, Precuts, and Yardage. More is better! Even orphan blocks may find their way into this gorgeous quilt.
How to Begin a Scrappy Potato Chip Quilt
If you’re unsure where to start, here’s the perfect tutorial for you: Quilt Faster: How to Cut Fat Quarters. This post not only shows how to cut fat quarters into common sizes, but also demonstrates step-by-step how to cut yardage, too. While I explain how to cut the most common size pieces, you can certainly adapt this process to include exactly what you need. I also have a Free Printable PDF Tutorial shown below available for reference.
What is the size of a Potato Chip Block
PCB Block Size Choices: The ‘One Rectangle’ Method
Larger quilt block pieces definitely finish faster! Easy quilt blocks finish even quicker! Now you can combine both of these techniques for the fastest quilt blocks you’ve ever made with the most incredible design options for any level quilting experience.
If you’ve ever struggled with complicated quilt blocks, then you’ll really appreciate this super simple scrappy pattern. I want to share my modified potato chip block shortcuts. You’ll not only be making your blocks faster but there are even wonderful design options for some amazing quilts.
First, the ‘One Rectangle’ method turns random scraps into uniform pieces that fit together easily. Often called a ‘brick’ in quilting, you’ll see many quilt blocks that include pieces like this. Plus, there are countless quilts made simply by ‘building’ a brick wall or path. These rectangles create very pleasing patterns when they are offset and stacked together. One of the most common is a simple rail fence. Check out my How to Make an Easy Rail Fence Quilt post and see what I mean.
You may have seen that most PCB quilts tend to cut everything into one common 2.5 by 4.5-inch size rectangle. It works great but don’t lock yourself into just one option. The simple trick to cut your block any size is to make sure one side is twice as long as it is wide. This proportion ensures a perfect fit every time. Here is a list of the four different rectangles that I’ve used from small to large. TAKE NOTE THAT BEFORE CUTTING THE SEAM ALLOWANCES MUST BE ADDED TO THE FINISHED SIZE OF THE BLOCK!
Common Potato Chip Block Sizes
Choose Your Favorite PCB Size
After making hundreds of PCBs, I found some simple tricks to making your PCB quilt easier and faster to finish. From changing block sizes to pre-sewing strips, PCB quilts are the perfect scrappy Quilt. Let’s start with PCB sizes first.
Potato Chip Block Rectangle Sizes I’ve Used
Rectangles measuring 1.5-inches x 2.5-inches will finish at 1-inch by 2-inches. The center square will measure 2-inches, and each round will add 2-inches to the finished block size. This block with one round will finish at 4-inches and 2 rounds will finish at 6-inches. You can simply keep adding more rounds for the size you want.
While these little gems are adorable, if you have larger scrap fabric pieces then take advantage of a larger rectangle. A rectangle measuring 2-inches by 3.5-inches will make a finished 3-inch center square. Each round will add an additional 3-inches. The finished block with one round will be 6-inches and the second round will be 9-inches.
The most common brick used in most potato chip block quilts I’ve seen are rectangles measuring 2.5-inches by 4.5-inches. These will make a finished 4-inch center square with each additional round adding 4-inches. The finished block with one round will be 8-inches and the 2nd round will be 12-inches. You can see how using a bigger rectangle will result in larger quilt blocks. This is one way to speed up your quilting process!
My Largest Potato Chip Block Quilt
This is the largest PCB Quilt I’ve made. It’s made with 3.5-inch by 6.5-inch rectangles which is also the fastest quilt I’ve made! The larger size means less cutting and sewing. Even better is to make a quilt with one super-sized square. This size rectangle is a great way to make a quick, scrappy quilt. The center finished square will measure 6-inches and each additional round will add 6-inches. You can see how fast this quilt can grow!
To use up extra little fabric pieces in this this quilt, I also took a bit of creative liberty to join smaller strip pieces into the length I needed. This worked so well, I used 3.5-inch strips even longer than 6.5-inches. So it became a cross between a PCB and a log cabin. This is a great way to make a toddler or lap quilt with lots of different fabrics!
A bit later, I’ll show you step-by-step how to create my modified potato chip quilt block so you can see how simple it is. You’ll be making lots of these blocks before you know it! This is a fun quilting technique that you can use over and over again.
Precut Fat Quarter Templates Free Download:
How to Cut Fat Quarters
How Many Rectangles are in Potato Chip Block
You CANNOT Cut Too Many Rectangles
It simply isn’t possible to cut too many rectangles. They are used in all kinds of quilt patterns, not just the potato chip quilt. As mentioned above, cut varying sizes so you always have options, Even better though, is with those extra cut pieces you’ll be ready to start a PCB quilt faster than ever! That’s especially beneficial when you need to gift a quilt this weekend. What a fantastic win!
At this point, let me share a bit of experienced advice. First when cutting your rectangles it’s likely you’ll be cutting from many fabrics at once. That means you’ll want to stack them for better efficiency. Think about creating two or three stacks of your cut blocks. That way each pile will have a combination of different fabric groups. This can be a huge asset when assembling your quilt later. I’ll tell you more about that below when we get to the ‘Chain-Piecing Speed Run’.
How Many Rectangles are in Potato Chip Block
You CANNOT Cut Too Many Rectangles
It simply isn’t possible to cut too many rectangles. They are used in all kinds of quilt patterns, not just the potato chip quilt. As mentioned above, cut varying sizes so you always have options, Even better though, is with those extra cut pieces you’ll be ready to start a PCB quilt faster than ever! That’s especially beneficial when you need to gift a quilt this weekend. What a fantastic win!
At this point, let me share a bit of experienced advice. First when cutting your rectangles it’s likely you’ll be cutting from many fabrics at once. That means you’ll want to stack them for better efficiency. Think about creating two or three stacks of your cut blocks. That way each pile will have a combination of different fabric groups. This can be a huge asset when assembling your quilt later. I’ll tell you more about that below when we get to the ‘Chain-Piecing Speed Run’.
My Favorite PCB Quilting Hack: The ‘Center Square Combo’“
The Simplest Quilting Time Saver Ever
When it comes to Potato Chip Blocks, this is not only my first best quilting hack for a fast finish but also my favorite quilting secret to make larger squares. After making over 20 of these wonderful quilts, from small to large, this trick is an amazing time-saver. It cuts my cutting and sewing time, plus, I get to use my favorite fabrics as a large center square. You know those fabrics you don’t want to cut into? This block is your perfect choice!
It’s so simple but you won’t find a potato chip quilt pattern that show this shortcut! It certainly isn’t a life changing difference. Though for me, anytime I can reduce one seam in every quilt block of any size quilt is a huge win. What better way to start each block than with a square instead of two rectangles? It’s as if you’re getting a head start every time, and it’s a special fabric that you love seeing in your new quilt!
For these blocks shown above, simply use a single 8.5-inch square in the middle of a 2.5-inch x 4.5-inch PCB. This quilting trick will easily replace eight individual bricks with one larger square. HUGE WIN! Plus, this is great for larger scraps or showcasing a favorite fabric. You’ll see me using this method in a lot of my quilts, including the one up top. Be sure to write this tip down so you don’t forget it!
This is also perfect for using focal fabrics you don’t want to cut into smaller pieces, memory quilts made with clothing, images printed on fabric, or for quilting panels. You can also watch the video tutorial for this block layout for this technique.
If you want to have splashes of color throughout your quilt, think about replacing the two center rectangles with a single 4.5-inch square of solid fabric. Using lots of different colors will add lots of interest to your finished quilt. Also, those bright squares will absolutely stand out from all those rectangles.
Click Here for My FREE Color Guide PDF Download:
‘5 Creative Tips for Stunning Scrappy Quilts’
What to do with Regrettable Fabric
The ‘Ugly Fabric Vanishing Act’
While this is particularly useful in PCB quilts, it’s actually a quilting hack you can use in most any scrappy quilt. The trick is to hide fabrics you don’t love in smaller pieces. This works because they tend to blend in with other fabrics around them. My favorite way to do this is by placing that poor, unfortunate fabric next to another piece with a bit of the same color. Especially if you can join them together with that common color at the seam, or close to it. Blending is a beautiful thing in quilting, and this is one big reason why, as it brings the color into focus, not the fabric!
What if one of the quilt blocks just doesn’t make the cut? Maybe the colors are off a bit or maybe the seam ended up a bit crooked. My tried-and-true method is to keep that block to the outer edge. Not in a corner where it’ll be frequently viewed, but along the side slightly off center. It works like magic!
How to Assemble a Potato Chip Block Quilt
Faster Quilting with the ‘Chain-Piecing Speed Run’
Most quilters are familiar with chain-piecing, especially after their first couple quilts. This trick is a huge time-saver and can be done while watching a great movie, too! The idea is to piece multiple blocks at the same time. If you are adding a strip to the side of one quilt block, then add strips to all your blocks at once, sewing them right after another. The secret is to cut them apart after you finish sewing them all together. This not only saves time but also lots of wasted thread that otherwise gets thrown away.
You’ll find your sewing will take on a rhythm with your repetitive actions. Known as a production-line process, this chain-piecing method will save you plenty of time. You’ll also make fewer mistakes because you are repeating the same process each time. Your brain learns what to do after the first couple seams, even if you’re singing along with your favorite vocalist.
Be sure to give this quilting trick a try if you aren’t already chain-piecing your blocks. It’s a wonderful time-saver for any quilt!
Pre-piecing Potato Chip Block Style
While the ‘Chain-Piecing Speed Run’ can be used for assembling each potato chip block at one time, there’s also an extra little step that will boost your results even more. Remember when I said, you cannot cut too many rectangles earlier in this post? This one is a big game-changer.
Should you choose to use a pair of rectangles for your block center, use chain piecing to make all the centers you need at once. This way you can sew them together and have them all pressed nicely when it’s time to add more rectangles for the next rounds.
If the sight of all those remaining rectangles plied high overwhelms you, often time hundreds of them at a time, then this next quilt block assembly technique is for you. This is when you’ll use those three stacks of cut rectangles mentioned above. You are about to make quilting history with the speed of this quilt!
Choose two of the three stacks of rectangles you previously cut. Each stack should have different fabrics. Now you will chain-piece them together into pairs at their short ends. To do this, sew rectangles into pairs without cutting the thread. Just feed them through your machine to create one long chain.
This assembly-line trick saves so much time These pairs will create the nice long strips you will later add to your blocks. Since you have two different piles of fabrics, you won’t have any duplicates joined together. I think the light bulb burst when I figured this one out! 💡
Piecing a Potato Chip Quilt Block
So far, you’ve saved time by using a center square instead of sewing two rectangles together. Now, you have lots of paired strips ready to be added to your blocks. But what about the third pile of rectangles? These will be used one at a time as needed, and that begins right now.
With your 4.5-inch center squares piled next to you, choose just one square to begin. With right sides together (RST), sew one rectangle from the third pile to the right side of the square. Be sure you are using a 1/4-inch seam allowance for every seam. Chain piece all the remaining center squares to rectangles, too. You may choose whether you prefer to clip your squares apart now or after the next step.
Next, you’ll sew one rectangle to the opposite side. Color or print doesn’t really matter at this point; you just don’t want to duplicate fabrics this close together. My rule is to keep at least a couple rows between duplicate prints. That way they won’t stand out against the rest of the fabric mix. Though I will admit, I overlooked some close-by fabrics and decided to leave them unless they were very prominent.
The ‘Keep Them Flat’ Potato Chip Block Pressing Secret
To prevent bumpy, lumpy quilt blocks, always press your potato chip block seams outward from the center. This distributes bulk evenly and keeps your block flat. I recommend pressing after each round for best results. This way the seams will be pressed in the direction you’re sewing so there won’t be any twisted seam allowances. Continue adding rounds until your blocks are finished. Press them well and get ready to see the magic happen.
How to Assemble a Potato Chip Quilt
The ‘90-Degree Twist’ for No-Seam-Matching Bliss
This is crucial for a couple of reasons. First, it’s the only way to eliminate matching seams between your blocks. Additionally, for many different PCB designs, you need to twist or turn your blocks for the full effect of the intended design.
If the first block has its center seam running up and down, the block next to it gets rotated 90 degrees, so its seam runs side-to-side. You just continue this checkerboard pattern across the whole quilt. Though don’t expect to a checkerboard when all your blocks are together as it really doesn’t show that way.
Who loves matching hundreds of seams in a single quilt? Not me! When I get to the final assembly my goal is to get it done now. The beauty of these blocks is that they look better when each block is turned one quarter turn from the next. This way the rectangles on each side will be offset to its neighbor. This allows the blocks to be sewn together without a lot of pinning, too.
Just remember to keep alternating your block orientation. Place the first one vertically and the next one horizontal so the seams don’t meet. Be sure the first block in each row is placed in the correct orientation, too. If the above row is vertical, then the next one in the row below will be horizontal. Otherwise, you’ll have lots of matching seams which will throw off the overall look of your quilt top.
CLICK HERE to receive your FREE PDF Download of:
‘The Potato Chip Block Book’ including 33 Patterns
The ‘Web Method’ for No-Pin Assembly
If your ¼-inch seam allowance is consistent, when your join your blocks they should line up easily. That means you shouldn’t need to pin the blocks together. Simply place two blocks RST and sew from top to bottom. This is the beginning of your first row. Continue adding rows with two blocks each until you reach the bottom of your quilt. Remember not to cut your threads between rows and to keep the space between the rows to just a few stitches.
Now return to the top of your quilt and open out your first two blocks. Add a third block to the right side of the row and sew the blocks together from top to bottom. Using the same chain-piecing method as above, add a third block to each row. Once all the blocks are chain-pieced into rows, it’s time to connect the rows and finish your seams.
Before joining the rows together, you may choose to press the seams first. To nest the corner seams between blocks, the seam allowances need to be facing in the opposite direction between the rows. Therefore, alternate the direction that you press each row, then they should nest together nicely.
Joining Quilt Rows Together with the ‘Web Method’
The short thread length between each block will now help you to nest those seams. They should be close and align beautifully so you can sew them easily without pinning each one. First, one hint that may help with what can be a heavy pile of fabric that you need to maneuver through your sewing machine. Start by joining the center two rows of the quilt. This way moving out to the quilt edges as you join the remining rows may be a bit easier. At least it works for the first half of the quilt!
Another method I use is to keep my ironing board to the side of my sewing machine. With the height adjusted to be the same or slightly higher than my machine, this will keep the weight of the quilt top from pulling as you sew. Sometimes it can be a difficult to sew rows of a large quilt together without a bit of helpful support.
The Big Reveal of Your Potato Chip Quilt
Now, just like that, your scraps become gorgeous blocks! Look at the beautiful woven pattern they create across your beautiful quilt top. What was once an overwhelmingly filled bin of scraps is now pure potential. Next time you look in your scrap bin, don’t see just a stash of scraps, see a treasured quilt waiting for you to get started. You now have a plan to create
A simple warning, though. You can’t make just one!
Happy Quilting,
Lea Louise
