Quick Finish Quilt Patterns
Make A Little Time to Quilt
Quilting makes us happy and quilt finish quilt patterns are a particular favorite. As quilters we love the quilting process. Each of us has our favorite aspect to quilting. Perhaps you enjoy choosing and designing the pattern you’ll use. Maybe selecting the fabrics for your next quilt brings you the most excitement. Or is it the final stitch on the binding and seeing a beautifully, finished quilt that brings the biggest smile?
It’s often that feeling of accomplishment in finishing a creative project that brings us joy. Yet, we don’t always have the time to quilt. It can be challenging to balance life’s responsibilities alongside our desire to fulfill our creative nature.
Sometimes I like to ‘visit’ my fabric. Looking through fabrics is a fun way to stay inspired about new quilts. Other times I enjoy drawing an idea on paper and thinking how I want to create a specific quilt. But the best way to finish a quilt quickly is to get a head start. Here are some great ideas for some easy start quick finish quilt patterns to get you going on your next finished project!
Quick Finish Mini Rag Quilt Flatware Rolls
An easy start quick finish quilt pattern is all about simple patterns with minimal pieces. It certainly doesn’t get much easier than this quick mini rag quilt flatware roll. You’ll get a head start by just grabbing an old pair of jeans and a fat quarter. You won’t believe the quick finish once you get started with this fast project.
This is a new variation to my Blue Jean Pocket Mini Rag Quilt. There’s still lots more time left for picnics and backyard activities. What better way to enjoy the outdoors than to have a picnic on a denim rag quilt. But don’t forget these handy rolls to keep everyone’s fork and spoon close by! They are also perfect to keep in the car for a quick meal on the go.
You can have this project finished in less than an hour…probably even less than 30 minutes! It’s so easy to make and is such a fun idea to bring along for any impromptu gathering. The directions are below with pictures to guide you along.
You will need a pocket from an old pair of blue jeans, denim for the outside and napkin band, fabric for the lining and two strips for the ties. Since pocket sizes can vary, the diagram below shows how to determine the size of your fabric. My pocket is 7″ and the rectangle for the roll measures 9″ x 16″. But adjust as you want as there’s no right or wrong.
Choose and remove a denim pocket from an old pair of blue jeans. Measure the pocket width at the widest point, generally the top edge. Add 2” to that dimension and write it down for your total width. Next measure your pocket from top to bottom, add 2” to that length and make note of that number. Now double your length for the final dimension to cut your fabric.
Cut a piece of denim and lining to the size rectangle needed. Either cut two ties from the lining fabric or use selvages from other projects. Cut a 5″ strip of denim the same width as your rectangle. Fold in half and sew along the long end, then finger press the seam open. Turn tube right side out and center the seam. Sew a narrow top stitch along both long folded edges.
Lay the denim backing fabric right side facing down. Next place the lining fabric on top with right side facing up. Now center the pocket on top of lining with the bottom point 1″ from the fabric edges. Tuck the two ties on top of each other between the backing and lining near the top left edge of the pocket. Center the napkin band above the pocket. Finally, pin everything in place.
Start sewing the pocket first. Beginning in the upper right corner, follow the diagram to create pocket dividers while securing the pocket edges. Keep the top of the pocket open. Once reaching the upper left side of the pocket, sew around the entire rectangle 1″ from the edge securing the ties into the seam. Then sew another round 3/4″ from the edge. Be careful not to catch the end of the loose ties as you are sewing .
Once the sewing is completed, it’s time to clip the edges. Make 1/2″ cuts around the edges spacing them 1/2″ or less apart. With the clipping finished, give your pocket roll a quick wash and dry to get the full rag edge effect.
That’s it. Just add some flatware and a napkin and you’re ready for what the season will bring!
More Easy Start Quick Finish Ideas
Easiest Quilt Finish of All!
When you need a quilt fast and don’t have everything necessary on hand, buy a kit. There are some wonderful options available making your next quilt a reality sooner than you think. Kits are a fun way to learn a new quilting skill or work with different fabrics. Plus they include everything you need from start to finish.
My first rag quilt was a kit and I enjoyed the simplicity. Everything I needed was included. More importantly, learning how to make rag quilts opened up a whole new quilting direction for me because they are just about the easiest and quickest quilts to finish!
Countless quilt kits are readily available at your local quilt shop or online and are a perfect easy start quick finish quilt idea.
Start Small and Finish Quickly
Pre-cuts Make Quilting Easier
Pre-cuts have brought new life to quilting. I remember discovering fat-quarters decades ago. Seeing those beauties stacked and bundled with a bow made my heart soar. Today there are countless pre-cuts available for everyone’s personal taste and the color selections are endless.
Pre-cuts save more than just cutting time. They bring you an entire collection of beautiful fabrics in a small, affordable bundle. Not to mention all the patterns designed specifically for pre-cuts. You can find a large selection of free downloadable patterns for pre-cuts at the Fat Quarter Shop. This Layer Cake Pop is my favorite and is waiting on my list to make. I love the secondary pattern made by the HSTs.
Remember, if you don’t have the pre-cuts required, you can easily cut them yourself from fat quarters using my Fat Quarter Conversion Templates.
Need More Quilting Inspiration
Here is a list of free downloadable PDF pre-cut quilt patterns available on my website. These are fun and quick patterns that will have you finishing your next quilt before you know it.
This 10” layer cake improv quilt is a super quick project that is easy to cut and easy to sew. It’s also a wonderful introduction to improv quilting if you haven’t tired it yet.
How about a 5” Charm Square Low Volume Brick Path that goes together quickly for a fast finish. It’s perfect for a mixed group of fabrics that are set off by a bright, white background.
Another 5” charm square quilt uses simple improv piecing. This is a beautiful batik pattern that’ll have you finished quicker than you think!
More Quick Finishes
Let’s Start Easy
What better way to finish a project than to get started on it? Here are some quick finishes that you’ll love for yourself or to gift to family and friends.
Mug Rugs, Coasters or Potholders
Choose a simple design then you decide how you want it finished. Make it seasonal for everyone to enjoy or personalized for someone special.
Wall Hangings or Pillows
A good next step is a bit larger yet still an quick finish. Whether you decide to hang your finished piece on the wall or make a special pillow to display, you’ll love the ease of medium size quilting ideas.
Quick Finishes
As Creative Makers, we need to keep our inspiration flowing. Find a quick project you can finish today. Make a new pot holder to brighten your kitchen. You’ll smile every time you see it. Or quilt a sweet mug rug and your morning cuppa’ will taste better than ever. What you make isn’t important, it’s that you are creating that brings fulfillment. So Just Quilt!
Leave a Reply