Scrappy Gradient Block Tutorial

Ready for a simple but really fun quilt block tutorial? You're going to love this one. It's perfect for using up those scraps that I KNOW we've all be saving. These are fast to make, and it's fun to dig into your scraps and play with colors and values.

This is called the Scrappy Gradient quilt block and I created it for an online quilting bee that I was a part of a couple years ago. 

This block is great for quilting bees and block swaps because it's easy enough for even beginner quilters, it's a quick block so you can have each quilter make 2-3 blocks, and in the end you get such a great variety of scrappy fabrics and different prints. 

Ready to get started? First of all, for each block you'll need one light, one medium, and one dark print from the same color. 

The image below shows examples of prints that I had pulled for three blocks.

You'll notice that I didn't just stick to fabrics that were all the same blue but I used a range of colors in the same color family. And in my final quilt I added in greens as well. So feel free to play around with color here!

You'll also need some background fabrics. I chose to do a completely scrappy background and cut the strips from a lot of different prints. You could also use a single background fabric - like a solid white or off-white. Or even a striking charcoal gray or navy would be awesome!

Here are the size of strips you'll need to cut

• Cut four background strips, 1 1/2" x 10 1/2"
• Cut one light print strip, 2" x 10 1/2"
• Cut one medium print strip, 2 1/2" x 10 1/2"
• Cut one dark print strip, 3" x 10 1/2"

That's it! Now sew them together using a SCANT 1/4" seam. Press seams either open or press toward the print strips - which ever way you prefer. 

Block should measure 10 1/2" x 10 1/2" square. 

Now just keep going! Have fun pulling fabrics and making groups of light/medium/dark prints. That was my favorite part!

Scrappy Gradient Tips

• Keep an eye on your seam allowances. You'll need to use a scant 1/4" seam for these blocks to end up at 10 1/2" square.

• Have fun with the gradient aspect - take your time combining fabrics into groups of three... dark, medium, and light. Sometimes it helps to take a pic with your phone and then edit the photo to be black and white - that makes it easier to see the value of a fabric when compared to others.

• I like to cut enough scraps for 8-10 blocks at a time and then sew those together. Then go back and cut more and sew those. Working in groups like that helps me get a feel for what the quilt might need more or less of. As I put the blocks on the design wall (or lay them on the floor together) I can see if I need to add more variety, or more or less of a certain color. 

Here's what a finished Scrappy Gradient quilt looks like. This size (60" x 70") needs 42 of the Scrappy Gradient blocks and as you can see, I didn't just stick to one color. There are different shades of blues and greens and I think that helps add to the overall gradient quality of the finished quilt. 

If you'd prefer a printable PDF version of this block tutorial I'm sharing one for a limited time with all newsletter subscribers. 

Get your copy of the pattern here

The PDF includes single block instructions, instructions for the throw size quilt, and a handy chart for making 5 different sizes of the Scrappy Gradient quilt.

If you make some Scrappy Gradient blocks I'd love to see them. Use the hashtags #ScrappyGradientBlock or #ScrappyGradientQuilt, and #abrightcorner so we can all see what you create!

You can find the quilting fabric and supplies for your own Scrappy Gradient project at Fat Quarter Shop.

Be sure to pin this image below to Pinterest so you can find it later!