Drowning in your scraps? Say hello to the low-waste scrap explosion block! It is a free scrappy block pattern that is a great leaders and enders block! It also makes a great scrappy block for when you want to sew a few blocks in between a bigger project.
What is a low waste scrap block?
If you are anything like me, you might find yourself constantly trimming scraps down to use for scrappy projects. I trim mine into various size squares (see the blog with more info on my method here) and frequently find myself having waste when I use my scraps in my scrappy projects.
A low waste quilt block is a block that does not have a lot of off-cuts or waste when creating the block. Think about when you have to snowball a corner and then trim off the excess, those little triangles would be considered waste in making that block.
This Scrap Explosion quilt block is a block that produces very little waste, basically just the trimming of the block to square it up!
How to Make a Scrap Explosion Block
Materials Needed
Making a scrap explosion block is simple! You need the following sizes of squares to make one block:
- (1) white or low volume 5″ square
- (1) colored 4″ square
- (2) colored 3.5″ squares
You will also need the following sewing supplies:
- sewing machine with needle and thread
- a marking utensil (like a pencil or pen)
- a ruler
- scissors
- Iron and ironing board
- Cutting mat and rotary cutter for trimming the final block
How to Sew the Scrap Explosion Block
Step 1: Decide which of your colored 3.5″ squares you want to be the center of your block. On the other (non-center) block, draw an “X” from corner to corner.
Step 2: Place the two 3.5″ squares right sides together and sew all the way around the square, using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 3: Pinch the 3.5″ square with the drawn “X” and cut along the marked lines. Be careful not to cut the center block. Press these cut triangles open to flatten the block.
Step 4: Draw an “X” from corner to corner on the 4″ colored square.
Step 5: Place the 4″ square right sides together with the block from step 3, centering as best possible. Sew all the way around the square, using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 6: Pinch the 4″ square with the drawn “X” and cut along the marked lines. Be careful not to cut the block on the underside. Press these cut triangles open to flatten the block.
Step 7: Draw an “X” from corner to corner on the 5″ white/low volume square.
Step 8: Place the 5″ square right sides together with the block from step 6, centering as best possible. Sew all the way around the square, using a 1/4″ seam allowance.
Step 9: Pinch the 5″ square with the drawn “X” and cut along the marked lines. Be careful not to cut the block on the underside. Press these cut triangles open to flatten the block.
Step 10: Trim the block to 6″ square using a ruler. Don’t worry if you are trimming off the points. This block is supposed to not have the crips points like an economy block. The block will finish at 5.5″ in your project or quilt top.
Is there a video tutorial of how to make the scrap explosion block?
The below is a voice over reel from Instagram that I shared. It’s great for those who learn better by hearing things explained vs. just pictures and words in a blog post!
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How many Scrap Explosion Blocks do I need to make a quilt?
The number of blocks you decide to make for your project or quilt is entirely up to you! Here is a table that shows how many blocks you need for various sizes:
Meet My Scrap Explosion Quilt
As with most of my free patterns, I have already made a version of this quilt top! I made a rainbow version of the throw quilt size based on the outside color of the 4″ square that was used in each block. I also did a scrappy low volume background to make the project even scrappier. I sent my quilt off to Quilted Elephant Studio to be long arm quilted and we chose the Stacked Snails pantograph. As soon as it is back and I get it bound I’ll update this post with images 😊
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Is there a pattern to make a Scrap Explosion Quilt?
I am working on writing a simple pattern that you can download for this block! It will tell you how many of each square you would need for some of the sizes in the above table and include the steps for making the blocks as well. Once I have added it to the Freebie Page I will link it on this blog post. I’ll also send out an email to those who are on my newsletter. If you aren’t a subscriber you can scroll to the bottom of the page and get signed up, plus you will get a coupon for the It’s Only Fabric and Thread shop!
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Scrap Explosion Free Quilt Block Tutorial & Scrappy Quilt Pattern
Drowning in your scraps? Say hello to the low-waste scrap explosion block! It is a free scrappy block pattern that is a great leaders and enders block! It also makes a great scrappy block for when you want to sew a few blocks in between a bigger project.