Fast Tips for Using Fabric Scraps in Potato Chip Quilt Blocks!
Fastest Potato Chip Quilt
Welcome to my FASTEST Potato Chip Quilt Block EVER! I’m sharing my unbelievably easy quilting method for making lightning-fast potato chip blocks (PCB). With my techniques you can create a beautiful scrappy quilt quickly. You’ll love this fun and fast way to use up your fabric stash and scraps.
This is a terrific stash buster project for anyone looking to do some creative quilting with their fabric scraps. So, if you’re ready to take your quilting skills to the next level, follow along to create your own gorgeous potato chip quilt.
Unbelievably Easy Method for The Fastest Potato Chip Quilt Blocks
As you’re probably already aware, scrappy quilt blocks have become increasingly popular. Why? Because they are quick and easy to sew. Quilters love fabric and will go to great lengths to use up leftover fabric. Additionally, as quilters discover the advantages and exciting look of the potato chip block, these scrappy quilts are gaining lots of attention, too. So, today I’m sharing my PCB methods to make the fastest potato chip quilt!
The simplicity of PCBs makes them a perfect choice for a beginner quilting project. Along with a few pro-techniques that I’m sharing, you can create stunning quilt blocks easily. That’s what I’m going to show you how to do.
A Perfect Quilt for All Level Quilters
For many of us, starting a new quilt can feel a bit daunting. Choosing the right fabrics can be overwhelming with so many colors and patterns to pick from. Then there’s the technique to choose, along with deciding which quilt block will work best. So many decisions can make it hard to know where to begin.
We’ve all been there too, but I want you to know that it doesn’t have to be complicated. The potato chip quilt block is a great first quilt yet offers so many design possibilities that you simply won’t get bored with it. Ask me about that, I think this is PCB quilt number 16 or 17 for me!
Another challenge is the thought of making mistakes. What if your seams don’t match up perfectly? What if your stitches are uneven? These worries can hold you back from even starting. But the beauty of the potato chip block quilt is that it’s very forgiving. The blocks are simple, and the design is very hard to mess up. So, stay positive and get excited about the amazing quilt you’re ready to start.
This quilt is fun and I’m excited to share it with you. It’s perfect for beginning quilters or anyone looking for a quick and fabulous result. The potato chip block quilt is a fantastic way to get started with quilting because of its simplicity and the joy of creating something stunning quickly.
Simple Methods for The Fastest Potato Chip Quilt Blocks
With my easy quilting hack, you’ll be able to whip up these fantastic patchwork blocks fast! First, remember that there is only one size rectangle to cut for the entire quilt. This simplifies your block assembly, so you are less likely to make cutting or sewing mistakes.
So how do you make the fastest potato chip quilt blocks ever seen! Simply by combining speedier cutting along with pre-sewing strips which reduces the preparation time of sewing your quilt block. Once you begin to assemble your quilt block, a lot of pre-assembly has been started giving you a head start towards a quicker finish!
Making a quilt can be such an exciting experience, especially when it’s easy enough to make in a short amount of time. Even better is when you can use your scraps and not have to buy more fabric. That’s always a win for me!
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Try my New Pattern that includes
Two Potato Chip Block Layouts in multiple sizes.
This Quilt Trick Uses ALL Your Fabric Scraps
Speed Up Your Fabric Cutting
Think about what takes up most of your scrappy quilting time. Generally, scrap quilts require lots of planning, cutting fabrics, and piecing together time-consuming quilt blocks. Have you ever done all that work only to end up with a block that doesn’t quite look as expected? Or worse, it’s the wrong size!
This wonderful, scrappy PCB isn’t like that! It’s an incredibly forgiving block when it comes to fabric choices. While I choose to include a basic color scheme, you’ll find lots of freedom making this quilt using all your fabric scraps together.
The beauty of the PCB is that it only uses one size rectangle. When you are cutting the same size piece from every fabric it becomes faster as you go. That’s because repeating the same task makes it easier and quicker. That’s why I generally cut all my fabrics at one time. First, I’ll grab any leftover rectangles from previous quilts and start adding more until I have enough. Though I always end up with another leftover pile!
Cutting Potato Chip Quilt Rectangles Faster
Choose the size piece you want to use for your blocks. Remember that the rectangle must be twice as long as it is wide, PLUS the seam allowance. That’s often forgotten in the early quilt planning stage!
My preferred size rectangle is a 2.5-inch x 4.5-inch piece. Since everything is cut the same size, stack multiple fabrics and cut bunches at a time. That’s a huge time-savings. Plus cutting everything to a single size also helps keep your seam allowance more accurate later. Again, it’s about repetition! Besides, you’re already using scrap and stash fabrics, so it’s not like you’re too worried about leftovers because you’re already using your leftovers!
Precuts are Perfect for Even FASTER Potato Chip Quilt Blocks
Scrappy quilts are one of my favorite quilts to make. The PCB quilt always gets me excited because I only need to cut a single size piece. That makes measuring and cutting so much easier and quicker!
As you sort through your scraps, sort them by size. You may only be able to cut one rectangle from the smaller pieces, so put them in one pile as they will likely take more time to cut. On the other hand, larger pieces can give you many more at once. Also think about stacking similar size pieces and cutting multiple fabrics at once. Line up one edge where you’ll begin cutting and smile as you cut dozens of pieces at a time!
In addition to your scraps, also think about any precuts you may have on hand. One charm square will give you two rectangle pieces. A single layer cake, or 10-inch square, can be cut into 8 pieces. One jelly roll strip will also yield 8 pieces. Our top producer, the fat quarter, will give you at least 30 pieces depending on the actual size you start with. So, you get the idea, you probably have more available scraps and stash than you realize!
Cutting Fabric for Your Scrappy Potato Chip Blocks
When it comes to cutting, make sure you are accurate so your blocks will fit together well. It’s much easier to sew matching size rectangles together into larger blocks than wonky, uneven pieces! You may start off a bit slower, but you’ll become faster with every stack you cut.
You’ll get the best accuracy using a rotary cutter and cutting mat to make this process easy and efficient. These tools make multiple layers of fabric at once very accurate. Plus, this can be a huge time saver. Begin by cutting just two or three layers of fabric at a time. You’ll want to make sure you have a good grip on the ruler to keep it from moving as you cut. Then as you become more comfortable, try adding another layer or two.
Most 45mm rotary blades can easily cut through up to 6-8 layers of fabric at once. But that will depend on whether your blade is sharp or not. Remember that a dull blade can be dangerous to work with as you’re more apt to hurt yourself trying to cut fabric when the blade can’t do the job.
Basic Quilting Tools
Recommended Quilting Supplies, Tools, & Accessories
(As an Amazon Associate, I earn commissions from qualifying purchases though it will not affect your price.)
In addition to fabric, you will need the basic sewing and quilting tools. The list I’m recommending below includes the items I use for each quilt I make.
- OLFA 24″ x 36″ Self Healing Rotary Cutting Mat
- My Favorite Olfa Quick Change Rotary Cutter
- 4-Piece Precut Ruler Set by MSQC
- Rotary Mat Ruler
- Schmetz Non-Stick Quilting Large-eyed Needles #12
- Quilting Thread
How to Make a Potato Chip Quilt Block
Choosing Fabric for Your Scrappy Potato Chip Blocks
Let’s talk a bit more about selecting fabrics. For any scrappy quilt, you’ll want to use a variety of colors and prints to give it a vibrant look. Choosing a simple color scheme helps me a lot. While I can use every fabric I own, keeping an overall consistent color scheme gives my quilt top a cohesive look. Meaning it doesn’t look like a pile of fabric just tumbled onto my quilt.
Simply choose whichever color you have the most of and make sure it’s included in at least a third of your blocks. Also include other fabrics with variations of this color. They can be prints, solids, or graphic prints. This will ensure your chosen color is scattered throughout your quilt, making that color more prominent resulting in a beautifully visual quilt everyone will enjoy. To add even more interest, my favorite thing to do is to add some batiks with my quilting cottons.
Quilting does take time. But with the potato chip block quilt, you can finish your blocks quickly. It’s all about breaking it down into manageable steps. You already have your fabrics selected and you have a lot of pieces that are ready to sew. So, let’s look at what’s next.
Planning Your Scrap Strategy
Choosing and combing fabrics can take some practice. Once you get a feel for your personal preferences, go with it. You know what you like and that should be reflected in your quilt.
One of my pet peeves is when two of the same fabrics end up being side by side in a scrappy quilt. To get around that problem, I developed a method I use in most of my scrappy quilts. It’s about dividing to conquer the undesired result!
This is a two-step process. First in cutting, then in assembling my quilt. My trick is to divide my rectangles into two different fabric piles as I cut them. Generally, there are many similar fabrics chosen when I’m piling up my leftover fabrics. I divide them in half, putting each in one of the piles. When I have two of the same color but different print, they will each go in a different pile. That way all my colors are distributed evenly into each pile.
One pile of rectangles will be used for only half of my blocks. I’ll take half of my center squares and sew all the rectangles from one pile into those blocks. Then I use the second pile for the second group of center blocks. Then when I’m assembling my quilt, I alternate the blocks and the magic happens. While they are the same colors in each block, the fabrics will be different. This way I don’t have to worry about getting the same fabrics side-by-side!
If you’d like more details about choosing your quilt colors, check out my article, Scrappy Quilt Secrets YOU NEED to KNOW! There’s lots of ideas to help you find just the look you want. Plus, there’s a free PDF download of tips you keep close to reference as needed.
How Much Fabric Does a Potato Chip Block Need
Since the PCB is meant to be a scrappy quilt, just start using what you have on hand. Once you begin making a few blocks you can decide how big you want to make it. That way you can make a few blocks at a time until you have enough for a quilt.
If you’re really excited about finishing your quilt quickly, pull out all your fabrics and get started cutting. This quilt uses lots of 2.5-inch x 4.5-inch rectangles. A small lap quilt made with 20 blocks that finishes at 12-inches will require 360 rectangles.
In terms of yardage, a 5-inch strip by 41-inch width of fabric will yield 18 rectangles. That’s enough to make a 12-inch potato chip block. So a yard of fabric will make about seven 12-inch blocks. Gather up your fabric using this as a gauge for the quantity you’ll need. I always cut more than I need. That way when I begin my next quilt…which there will always be another…I’ll have plenty of cut rectangles to begin right away!
How Much Fabric Does a Potato Chip Block Quilt Need
The quantity of fabric you’ll need for a PCB quilt will vary on the block size you use and the finished size of your quilt. This quilt is made with 20 blocks that each measure 16-inches finished. This will give me a finished quilt measuring 64 x 80-inches square.
Considering that each block will require one 8.5-inch center square and 24 small rectangles, you can expect to need about a quarter yard of fabric for each. I allow at least one fat quarter per block plus I add lots of other bits and pieces to keep things interesting. Then I’ll still have some leftover rectangles ready for my next quilt!
Large Size Potato Chip Block
There will be plenty of sewing as you assemble your blocks. Fortunately, it’s all quick, straight sewing. AND I have a couple tricks to make these the fastest potato chip blocks ever!
The PCB is versatile in both its layout and finished size. The number of rows allows for lots of visual interest and design opportunity within your overall quilt layout. From using different colors in each row, to creating contrast with alternating light and dark fabrics. When unsure, make it scrappy with a mix of everything together!
The quilt I’m showing you today was made with almost 500 rectangles. It’s only 4×5 blocks, but it’s a large 16-inch block which takes extra rectangles. To make cutting and sewing faster, I took a short cut with the center of this block. It’s a perfect trick for saving time cutting and sewing!
When assembling a regular potato chip block, the center square and first round are made with 10 rectangles. Consider the time to cut and sew these pieces together for the center of multiple quilt blocks.
Now, what if we replace each of those 10 center rectangles with a single 8.5-inch square? That saves time both cutting and sewing. Plus, it allows specific fabrics to be the focus which adds so much interest to your finished quilt! What a fantastic opportunity for your favorite focal fabrics to be shown off across your potato chip quilt. Or even a memory quilt with photos would be an incredible keepsake!
How to Make a Potato Chip Block
As I said at the beginning, my single word to describe the PCB is simplicity. With plenty of scrappy fabric and a plan in place, you can create some very good-looking blocks quickly.
Another benefit is all the design options. This simple block can go from a bold, modern look, to traditional or scrappy designs. The adaptability of this block is what makes it so appealing. There’s a style for everyone to enjoy with their favorite colors and fabrics! Check out this link below for a free pattern book including 33 different block layouts. Be warned, the potato chip block got its name because you can’t MAKE just one!
Free Pattern PDF: 33 Different Potato Chip Block Designs!
Overview of Sewing a Potato Chip Block
Sewing these blocks is where the magic happens. It’s amazing how quickly these blocks are pieced together. There are many ways to design your PCB block. Whichever ones you choose, consider pressing each round of rectangles well as you go. This will keep your block flat and square, making it much easier to sew into a larger quilt.
Again, it’s about simplicity. These blocks are easy and straightforward. They are a variation of the Courthouse Steps Log Cabin block. So, you begin with a center square formed by sewing two rectangles along their long side. To keep the pace moving, make enough squares for all your blocks at the same time. Just chain stitch them together quickly. Be sure to press them well with the seam towards the darker fabric.
From this point you’ll be adding strips made up of multiple rectangles. My speedy trick here is to sew at least half of all my rectangles into pairs, joining them along their narrow ends. Be sure to combine the pairs with contrasting fabrics. This will distribute your colors and add lots of interesting color combinations to liven up your quilt.
The printable PDF pattern and tutorial below will give you specific assembly instructions with lots of pictures for reference.
Printable Potato Chip Block Pattern & Tutorial
Assembling Potato Chip Blocks into a Potato Chip Quilt
There are many variations for the PCB and this is a basic quilt top layout. Making this block will give you a great foundation so you understand how it works. Then you can consider ideas for altering and personalizing your future blocks and quilt. So, start simple, learn the block, then get creative with all the options you’ll have to choose from!
Let me show you how fast and easy it can be to make a potato chip quilt in record time! This unbelievably easy method for the fastest potato chip quilt blocks takes advantage of all your scraps, large and small! You’ve sewn them all into beautiful blocks filled with lots of color. Now, how does it all go together?
Download this Free Printable PDF
‘How to Make a Potato Chip Block Tutorial’
How to Piece a Potato Chip Block Quilt
Quilt blocks that use single rectangles in repeating, concentric patterns eliminate matching seams. This is just one more method of streamlining the final assembly process of this quilt! Just think about a log cabin block where the varying size ‘logs’ are joined together. There are no seams that need to match. Unlike squares where every corner needs to be aligned and matched as they are sewn. This makes putting your potato chip quilt together fast and easy.
The first thing to remember as your blocks are laid out, they will alternate being turned by one quarter turn. The plan is to have the blocks aligned so their side seams don’t match. If they do, give that block a quarter turn and you should be good
As explained earlier, my blocks are sewn in two separate groups of fabrics. Now is where that trick is going to pay off. Place both piles of blocks next to each other laid out with the strips all in the same direction. Now, turn one pile one quarter turn. Notice how those seams don’t match up anymore. Now lay your blocks out and see what your beautiful quilt will look like. Yay, it worked! How awesome is that?!
With your blocks laid out it’s time to chain stitch them together using the web method. That means chain piecing blocks into rows first. Then go back and sew the rows together to finish off the quilt. You may find it easier to press your seams as you go to keep the quilt flat.
As more blocks are added, the quilt starts to take shape. You can see how the different colors and patterns interact with each other, creating a beautiful scrappy effect. The potato chip block quilt is a fun, easy project that’s perfect for any level quilter.
Now It’s Your Turn
Remember simplicity is key. Cut plenty of fabric scraps if you want a colorful quilt. Sewing just single rectangles makes this block easy and fast. You’ll likely be repeating your pattern in each block which allows you to chain piece as you go. Consider a larger center block to save time and chain piece your rectangles into strips for faster block assembly.
As you can tell, I do spend extra prep time before assembling my blocks as it simplifies the whole process. Therefore, as I’m sewing, each block goes together really fast since there are no duplicated fabrics side by side or matching seams to be concerned with!
I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and give this block a try. You’ll be glad you did!
Happy Quilting, Lea Louise
