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| Scrappy Heart Block |
Here's a fresh take on a sweet Valentine's quilt project—the Scrappy Heart Block by Crimson Tate (Heather Givans), perfect for scraps and adoring it!
Crimson:"This quilt is perfectly suited to digging through your scrap bin and using up those oddly shaped pieces. The blocks can be as scrappy as you’d like, using as many different fabrics as you’d like. We encourage you to find at least eight different reds and five different whites, just for funsies and to create superior contrast."
About the Block:
- Finished Size: Each block finishes at 14″ square
- Scrap-Friendly: Cut to use "oodles of scraps"! Mix at least eight red prints and five white/neutral scraps for depth of contrast
- Interfacing-Backed Construction: To speed piecing and provide support for your pattern, each block is constructed onto lightweight fusible interfacing.
Fabric & Cutting Requirements:
1. Fabric Scraps & Yardage:
- Reds and whites: ¼ yd or scraps.
- Lightweight fusible interfacing: about ½ yd, enough for a variety of blocks
2. Cuts per 14″ block:
- 24 white 2½″ squares
- 4 white 3 1/8″ squares
- 17 red 2½″ squares
- 4 red 3 1/8″ squares
Construction Highlights:
1. Half-Square Triangles (HSTs):
- Match each 3 1/8″ white and red square, draw a diagonal on the white.
- Chain-stitch ¼″ from both sides, cut on line, press open seams.
- Trim to 2½″ square (tips: trim flexibly first, then square up for absolutely perfect HSTs)
2. Fuse to Interfacing:
- Place interfacing glued side up.
- Stack all 2½″ squares and trimmed HSTs in a 6×6 grid with equally spaced blocks (~1⁄8″ apart).
- Fuse with pick-and-pluck method, not heating exposed interfacing
3. Sew Rows:
- Fold 1st row over 2nd, stitch a ¼″ seam, and repeat across all the rows.
- Trim interfacing just beyond seam allowances (~1⁄8″).
- Press seams open—critical to reduce bulk
4. Join Columns:
- Sew fused row strips together into complete block.
- Trim seam allowances and press open to maintain smooth finish
Why We Love This Block:
- Scrap-Busting Perfection: Perfect for sewing up reds, whites, and neutrals—oddly shaped scraps too
- Quick Quilt Prep: The grid interfacing keeps it all in order and piecing is nearly second nature.
- Visual Appeal: The scrappy fabrics bring a cheerful, sunny personality to each block—perfect for cheerful quilts or Valentine gifts.
Full step-by-step tutorial with photos available on Heather Givans' blog: Scrappy Heart Block Tutorial – INLove
Final Thoughts!
The Scrappy Heart Block is a great project: expressive, efficient, and gentle on supply. It's a great starting point for making thoughtful presents, stash-busting quilts, or a bright sampler. Go classic red-and-white or make rainbow scrappy designs—either option adds warmth and cheer to any quilt.
