Hi friends!
Recently, Kris and I introduced a new series of patterns called the ReImagine projects series. These patterns are for your leftover blocks, those orphan blocks or abandoned project blocks that you don’t want to get rid of but don’t know what to with!
ReImagine Projects
The 4 ReImagine projects are a tote bag pattern, a pillow pattern, a table runner and a banner. We decided to create 4 projects that could use one block or multiple blocks. Each pattern is written for 6″, 8″, 10″, or 12″ blocks (6.5″ unfinished, 8.5″ unfinished, etc…).
Here’s a link to the PDF page on my website to check out the patterns. Did you know the PDF patterns are on sale until October 31??
Different sized blocks
But, what if your block isn’t 6.5″ or 8.5″? Can you still use the patterns?
Yes, it just takes a little figuring out; you know, just a little quilt math. I decided to show you want I did using graph paper.
We had these leftover panels from our Halloween projects from last year, so I decided to use one of them on a tote. But my panel was 7 .75″ x 8″. Hmmm. What to do?
First I decided to cut it into a square. And I thought trimming it to 6.5″ was too small so I cut it to 7.5″. Now I could have added skinny little borders to make it 8.5″ and made the smaller tote in the pattern. BUT, I decided to make it into a 12.5″ block.
How to start? If you are good at quilt math, you can just do the math in your head. Kris kind of outlines that in her blog post so go check it out here!
I chose to draw a 12″ square on graph paper with every square representing .5″ or, to say it another way, every 2 squares equals 1″.
I drew lines down the middle of the block. Using the center lines, I drew my 7″ square. (Yes, I am ignoring seams allowances. I will add those later).
That left me with 5 squares or 2.5″. My options were to add 1 border or 2 borders. If I added 1 border, I would need to cut strips 3″ to allow for the .25″ seam allowance on both sides. (2.5″ +.25″ +.25″ = 3″). Make sense?
I decided to add 2 borders. The first one is 1″ wide and the second is 1.5″ wide. So for the first border I cut strips 1.5″ wide and strips 2″ wide for the second border.
This is my finished 12.5″ block!!
My Recycle tote with panel
And here is my tote front all quilted and ready to go.
The tote came out so cute!
I think I may have to take it to go shopping for Halloween candy!
And you know what? Not only was the panel a leftover, all the fabrics I used were leftovers – they came from Kris from her stash or from my stash. What a great finish!
As you can see, simple graph paper can really help you figure out what to do with your leftover block if it doesn’t exactly match the pattern. It is possible to use any size up to 12″ and make it work!
happy quilting!
Kate
p.s. Creative Spark is at it again! Another great new Live program to check out! It’s called Quilt Fusion and it’s happening on Nov 13th, 2025!
Click here or on the image below to check it out and use my affiliate code to save $$!
When you use an affiliate link to purchase, I may make a small amount but you pay nothing extra. It just buys me a half a cup of coffee!
