Welcome, all my fellow sewers and quilters of the world!
Here, I’m going to share with you my latest project… and it’s these super amazing “popsicle” quilt blocks! Ah!!!
This pattern is super simple, although it helps to have some prior knowledge in general sewing before you tackle it.
It’s just a few steps to get a full popsicle-themed quilt block, and then you can use that block for just about any project you’d like. You can repeat the block multiple times and make an entire quilt, or you can use make one block and follow along with me to make a throw pillow with it!
Check out the full tutorial here or scroll down for more answers to common questions you may have while making these popsicle blocks or the pillow project.
Video Tutorial: How to Sew “Popsicle” Quilt Blocks
Additionally, be sure to check out the “popsicle” quilt and matching pillows I made for my shop over on Etsy!
Popsicle Blocks FAQs
Even though this is a super beginner-friendly tutorial, I know you may still have sewing and quilting questions. So, don’t worry, I’ve got you covered here!
How much fabric do I need for this project? What are the measurements?
Depending on whether you just want to make a single quilt block or the pillow project, you’ll need…
FOR THE QUILT BLOCK:
Background Fabric (I use cream polka dot in video):
(4) Pieces 1.5 by 1.5 inches
(1) Piece 2.5 by 3.5 inches
(2) Pieces 2.5 by 2 inches
(2) Pieces 2 by 9.5 inches
(2) Pieces 2 by 11 inches
Dark Popsicle Color (I use dark pink in video):
(2) Pieces 1.5 by 7.5 inches
Light Popsicle Color (I use pink plaid in video):
(2) Pieces 1.5 by 7.5 inches
Medium Popsicle Color (I use salmon pink in video):
(2) Pieces 2.5 by 7.5 inches
Black or Brown (for popsicle “sticks”):
(2) Pieces 1.5 by 2.5 inches
Border Color (I use pink floral fabric in video):
(2) Pieces 2 by 11.5 inches
(2) Pieces 2 by 13.5 inches
FOR THE PILLOW PROJECT:
You will need all fabric listed used above, plus…
Background Fabric:
(1) Pieces approximately 14 by 14 inches
(This can be measured and cut at the end as I do in the video)
Plus stuffing for the pillow, such as Poly-Fill
How large is the finished popsicle quilt block?
The finished popsicle quilt block, when made according to the directions in the tutorial, will measure about 13 by 13 inches.
What are the fabric requirements/measurements needed for this project?
You have a lot of options in the tutorial above; you can make one single heart block, one 4-heart block, or the full pillow project. For any of the options, here is a chart of the fabric you will need:
For ONE Heart Block:
(2) Pieces measuring 2.5 x 4.5 inches in colored fabric
(4) Pieces measuring 1 x 1 inch in background fabric
(1) Piece measuring 2.5 x 2.5 inches in background fabric (will be cut in half diagonally)
(1) Piece measuring 4 x 4 inches in background fabric (will be cut in half diagonally + you will only need one HALF per one heart, so save the extra piece for other heart blocks!)
For a 4-HEART Quilt Block:
(4) Finished heart blocks (as detailed above) with matching background fabric
(1) Strip measuring 10 x 1.25 inches in background fabric
(2) Strips measuring 5 x 1.25 inches in background fabric
For the FULL PILLOW Project:
(1) Finished 4-heart block (as detailed above)
(4) Strips measuring 10 x 2 inches in border fabric
(1) Piece measuring 14 x 14 inches for back of pillow
Pillow stuffing (I use Poly-Fill)
What type of fabric works best for these quilt blocks?
You can use any type of fabric for your quilt blocks, but cotton-based fabrics tend to work best since they have minimal stretch. You’ll likely find cotton fabrics labeled for quilting use in stores and online with lots of fun patterns and designs to choose from, and these are the fabrics you’ll want to reach for first when making a quilt block or a full pillow as done in the tutorial above.
Can I use fat quarters for the pillow project?
Yes, you can certainly use a variety of fat quarters to make your popsicle pillows!
You just need to make sure you have a light, dark, and medium tone of one color to make a “realistic” popsicle, as detailed in the tutorial video. You can also use fat quarter fabric to make the border for your quilt block. The only fabric you may not want to use fat quarters for is the background fabric since the back of the pillow may take more fabric than a fat quarter allows for.
Does the type of thread I use matter for this project? Are there any visible stitches?
As you’ll see in the video tutorial, I always use spare thread for my machine quilting as there are almost no visible stitches involved. This means that you can virtually use any type or color of thread as long as it’s strong enough for your fabric. The only visible stitches you may have are the stitches to close the opening on the pillow at the very end of your project.
If you have additional questions or need more help as you get started on your project, feel free to leave a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer you. From sewer to sewer, happy creating!
–Kari
Kari Lynn M. 