Whether you call it bohemian, shabby chic, or cottage cool, patchwork is having a major moment right now in fashion, art, home decor, and textiles. Of course, for those who are passionate quilters, patchwork has always been in style. We love this deconstructed trend for its versatility, beauty, and eco-friendly appeal. The idea that old fabrics, scraps, and garments can be recycled and made new and beautiful again (with just a little bit of elbow grease and creativity) is something that never fails to inspire us. So save those scraps and start stitching away!
Home Decor
From patchwork sofa covers to quilt-inspired walls, this quirky trend instantly injects life and colour into an otherwise pared-down decor scheme.
Photo via Just Imagine
Photo via The Nomadic Decorator
Photo via Love Patchwork & Quilting
Photo via Nonsense & Sensibility
Photo via Beach Vintage
Fashion
For those who work in the realm of fashion design and follow the trends closely, it is very clear that the somewhat disheveled, deconstructed styles of the 70s and 90s are back in a huge way. This concept has manifested itself in the form of distressed fabrics, unfinished hems, unraveling seams, and patchwork pieces. While there are lots of patched options in stores, we much prefer the idea of creating our own patchwork apparel and accessories.
Photo via Maggie On The Rocks
Photo via The Viva Luxury
Photo via Harper's Bazaar
Photo via Steal The Look
Photo via Focus Damn It!
DIYs
Don't throw away those scrap pieces of fabric! We have rounded up a few of our favorite patchwork DIYs. They are simple, fun, and oh-so-cute.
Postage Stamp Patchwork Pillow DIY via We All Sew
Patchwork Boston Bag DIY via Handmadiya
Patchwork 10 Minute Pony-O Headband Tutorial via DIY Crush
Denim Patchwork Pouf DIY via Michele Made Me
Patchwork Chair DIY via Design Sponge
Patchwork Products
Here are a few of our favorite products that will help everyone, from novices to seasoned sewers, create projects that are patchwork perfection. Like what you see? Click on the link and shop away.
Patchwork-Play Quilts: Make The Most Out of Scraps, Spare Parts & Leftovers
Wondering what to do with all of those extra pieces and odd bits? Best-selling author Lynn Roddy Brown presents 17 eye-catching, pre-cut friendly quilts that make brilliant use of scraps and leftover units from previous projects. This book is organized by the type of units that are being used (i.e. half-square triangles, quarter-square triangles, four-patch units, and nine-patch units). This is a unique collection of patterns with something for everyone.
On-Point Patchwork: Fuss-Free Diagonals using the Omnigrip On-Point Ruler
Popular author Donna Lynn Thomas makes it possible to create simple but complex-looking patchwork units for blocks, borders, and sashes - without templates or complicated math. Select from 14 appealing quilt patterns that are suitable for all levels of quilting experience. Use the Omnigrip On-Point Ruler, designed by Donna, to rotary cut squares, rectangles, and triangles that measure evenly across the diagonal. Let Donna's ruler give you a new, math-free way to keep patchwork units on-point inside borders and blocks.
A Cut Above: Turn Charm Squares, Strips, and More into Beautiful Patchwork
Esteemed pattern designer Gerri Robinson shows us all how to turn ordinary pre-cut fabrics into extraordinary projects for the home.
- Find 18 enticing patchwork patterns that use 5" and 10" squares, 2½" strips, fat quarters, and fat eighths.
- Create classic designs and open yourself up to new creative possibilities using your favorite precuts.
- This book is filled with lots of options and eye-catching projects that come in a variety of sizes (including bed and lap quilts, framed pieces, pillows, and cushions).
This pattern book is filled with projects that are so easy to make. It uses only two pattern pieces - triangles and squares. The step-by-step instructions from start to finish include many helpful tips and how-to directions for techniques that allow you to complete your project faster (such as chain piecing).This book also provides readers with easy methods on sashing and border creation.
- 16 Projects
- Three size options for each project.
- A great way to use scrap fabrics and create an easy-to-make but beautiful quilt.
- Provides traditional, mainstay techniques for all skill levels.
- Great for beginners!
- Experienced quilters who want quick and easy quilts that can be adapted to a variety of sizes will love this book.
25 Patchwork Quilt Blocks: Projects and Inspiration from Katy Jones
Using fabulous fabrics and graphic pops of color, popular blogger Katy Jones presents time-honored and original quilt-block patterns, plus four fun projects. Beginner-friendly instructions include machine piecing, working with squares and triangles, basic machine applique, and cutting techniques that create a big impact with little effort.
- Select from 25 rotary-cut blocks; find traditional designs as well as fresh interpretations and new block options.
- Follow clear and accurate instructions, measurements, and diagrams for easy construction.
- Hone your skills with creative projects such as coasters, pillows, armchair sewing butlers, and vibrant quilts.
The 54 pages of this book will show you how to recreate its wonderful folk art quilts. You will learn how to combine patchwork and hand stitching to create a shabby chic, rustic look. This stitchery line caters to the basket collector. The 12 quilt patterns will provide you with ideas on how basket collections can be displayed and enjoyed. These patterns are also incredibly versatile - any of these designs can be used as quilts, pillows or framed pictures. Decorate your home with these warm, homey designs.
Patchwork Plus Easy One-Block Quilts with Seasonal Applique
A quilt for every season. This inspiring book is filled with stunning patterns for seasonal quilts with intricate applique. You will be amazed at what this book will help you create. From a beautiful floral quilt for spring, to a rustic, scrappy quilt for Fall, your year just became SEW much more beautiful.
