Crumb Blocks - How and Why

I love making crumb blocks. It is such a Zen thing for me to do. Once you "set yourself free" and starting sewing these pieces together it feels SO good. I hope that by sharing my joy with you, some of you might also try to make some crumb blocks in your joyful creations.

The quilt we made specifically for this video, is now a pattern that we carry in our online shop:

Stay Merry and Creative!

[paulacostello]

That's my favourite thing about quilts: resourceful and talented people "making garbage into beauty". I just found your channel and I'm loving it.

[eleanorwittering]

I love watching people sew fabric scraps together and that they take the time to film it. It’s so instructional and in itself is an art.
Thank you!

[margoskiles]

My favorite quilting video of all time! And I’ve watched a lot.

[karenr.sternberg]

You add such a sense of fun & delight, which is so nice to see. To the folks who are new to making blocks w/out a pattern, your encouragement to just let it flow can be helpful, so nice & upbeat, thank you!

[lindarambone]

You set me free with 3-yard cuts. I buy only on sale and pay with cash. My stash is growing nicely. I'm on vacation but I can't wait to get home and separate my crumbs by color. I love what you say about blue/green. I'm learning from you to just go with the flow. You are my hero.

[JesusisKing]

I enjoy making crumb blocks. Sometimes i need a ‘palette cleanser’ between larger projects or i need to work out stress via sewing nothing into whatever something. It’s productive but relaxing. I love your suggestions

[katehenry]

I've made a lot of quilts in the last 50some years, but my favorite is the HUGE double-wide extra-long crumb out of fabrics GIVEN to me. Estate sale provided two blankets for the middle, garage sale provided curtains for the back. Quilter's estate sale filled my van with FREE batting that now fills a closet floor to ceiling. Quilting started with free leftovers, good tradition ))).

[Westernwilson]

Monochromatic blocks always look great, and make a great rainy day sewing project when you just want to play with colour and not have to think too hard! It is always so satisfying to make a dent in the scrap bins...I sort mine by colour too.

[Paul_Sheila]

Sheila here. You’ve inspired me to save crumbs! I just needed a reason to. Your finished projects don’t look like a messy riot of color. They look fun and interesting! Thanks 😊

[rosie]

I think this kind of patchwork could turn into a new form of artwork, it's so inspiring.

[lizwarnke]

I've been saving my crumbs and now I think I need to sort them by color. I really like how yours looked.

[lorifontaine]

Hi Merry! You always make my day. Just hearing you say the words, "joy", "beautiful" and "happy", makes the creative journey even more wonderful. I listen to your words not only before quilting, but before facing the world, so I always have a smile on my face and people see only the "good" side of me. Hugs from Canada.

[Susietacoma]

I keep coming back to watch this video! Your video of crumb blocks inspires me. I don’t throw fabric away either but I don’t have a huge variety so I pick up scraps wherever I can. It is hard to not be particular about prints. Your quilts, especially the crumbs blocks, have helped me see the beauty in monochromatic blocks. Thank you for sharing! I found your channel to be very uplifting and helpful. 💖

[mel_r]

You mentioned in a past video that you make a lot of charity quilts. I would love to see a quilt parade of your work. I enjoy all your videos!

[cherylbrown]

I love crumb blocks! I started out making just five to chain piece and kept adding more starters and ended up with 22 blocks😜😁🤪. My happy place!

[MBird-lduv]

This is a really calming process, and all those blocks at the end are so fun to see :)

[vickiclark]

The joy of watching you make beautiful things!! Yay!! I appreciate the way you explain things!! Thank you❤❤

[TheRozylass]

This was so helpful!! Thanks for the tutorial. I've seen others that are way more complicated using some kind of foundation. You're one of the best teachers around.

[pattymongolo]

Thank you for sharing! My sister gave me all her scraps from when she had a business making children's clothes. Her fabric she has is amazing and I couldn't image throwing any of it away. So I have been making crumb material. I have yet to cut it down to block size and use it, but you have inspired me! I will probable make some bags, potholders, or other small projects. I am intimidated when I think of making a quilt...little to big for me!

[mignonnerogers]

I truly enjoy every video you post, you are freeing to watch and listen to, you remind all who watch to be creative without the rules and what anyone else might think. It is what do we think, feel and enjoy!! I am always ready for what you share next!! Thank you!!! 🤗🌹