Modern Crazy Quilt Pattern Tutorial

Start the Block in the Middle

Cut a square of muslin as a backing piece. This helps stabilize the quilt block. For this tutorial, the muslin is 9 1/2-inch square.

Tip: You can place quilt batting behind the muslin piece for a quilt-as-you-go block. 

Choose a fabric piece for the center. Trim the piece so it has five sizes and irregular angles. Place the piece roughly in the middle of the backing fabric. 

Each time you make a block, the middle piece should be a little different, so don't worry about measuring or making a pattern.

Sew a Second Piece to the First

Choose the next fabric you want to add to your block. It should have a straight edge that's at least as long as one of the edges on the middle piece. 

Place the second fabric piece face down with the edges aligned. Sew along the edge with a 1/4-inch seam allowance. You don't need to backstitch.

If the second piece is longer than the first piece, that's okay! Sew only as long as the edge of the first piece or a few stitches longer.

Press the Seams as You Go

To make the process easier, always trim your threads as you go. 

Press the seam to set it, then press the seam open.

Tip: Your crazy quilt block involves a lot of sewing, trimming and pressing. Keep your cutting mat and ironing board close to your sewing machine for easy assembly.

Align the Next Piece to the Center Piece

As you add fabric pieces, they will always go on the next side to the left.  

Choose the next fabric and make sure it is long enough to go across the next side of the middle piece and the second piece you just added. Part of the previous piece will most likely show, but don't worry about that yet.

Sew along the straight edge of the new piece with a 1/4-inch seam allowance.

Trim Extending Seam Allowance

Fold the backing fabric back and away from the seam you just finished. Trim the fabric that extends beyond the seam allowance.

As you add strips, always leave the strips uncut until after you sew over them and they are extending from the seam allowance.

Press the seam open.

Sew New Pieces Around the Center

Add the next piece to the middle, extending all the way across the last piece. Sew, trim the seam allowance, and press.

This is the same process for each additional piece you add to the center, and eventually all around the block.

Work Around the Block Counter-Clockwise

When you add a piece to the last side of the middle piece, it can extend in both directions, attaching to the second piece you sewed.

Continue adding more pieces around the block, always working counter-clockwise.

Piece Strips for More Crazy-Quilt Variety

As you work around the block, the pieces need to be longer to extend across the various angles. You can use longer fabric strips, but for more variety and extra "craziness", try piecing some strips at interesting angles.

Piece Strips for More Crazy-Quilt Variety

As you work around the block, the pieces need to be longer to extend across the various angles. You can use longer fabric strips, but for more variety and extra "craziness," try piecing some strips at interesting angles.

When to Remove Stitches

As you add more rounds of pieces, the previous pieces will extend beyond the seam allowance. In order to trim them, you may need to remove some stitches so they aren't attached to the fabric backing. 

Use a seam ripper to remove the stitches that prevent you from folding the backing away from the seam allowance. Be careful not to rip the seams you need.

Trim the Crazy Quilt Block

Add strips around the block until the entire backing piece is covered. 

Trim the edges so that the block is square and even with the backing fabric.

Finish the Edges and Sew the Quilt Blocks

Finish your block by sewing around the entire block, 1/8th of an inch from the edge. This secures the edges, making it easier to sew the blocks together.

Traditionally, crazy quilts also have lots of embroidered lines stitched over the seams. You can use the decorative stitches on your sewing machine or try some hand embroidery. Of course, for a more modern look, you can leave your crazy quilt unstitched.

Enjoy your Quilt!

Make more blocks and sew them together to make larger blocks or add sashing between them. You can also use these blocks to make pillows, pot holders, and more!