Patterns + Classes

A collection of free patterns from I See Stars Quilting and offers from other talented quilting artists.

  • Snowman Wall Hanging Quilt

    Check out this little Snowman Wall Hanging Quilt I made for my mom! Ack! I’m in a cute snowy daze just looking at how happy he looks!

    This adorable snowman wall hanging is a super cute quilt pattern that took me only 2 days to make! I used bits and pieces of scrap fabric to make it happen!

    If you follow me on Instagram, you got a sneak peek at the work in progress this past weekend.

    This adorable snowman wall hanging is a super cute quilt pattern that took me only 2 days to make! I used bits and pieces of scrap fabric to make it happen!

    My mom has been “hinting” several times that she has a blank wall in her dining room that is perfect for decorating seasonally with a quilted wall hanging. Fall flew right by with nothing to cover the blank wall… even when I had the best intentions of making something for her.

    After a lovely Thanksgiving, I had a spark on inspiration, and I knew I had the scrap fabric to make it happen!  If I don’t have to get out and go shopping, there is a 95% better chance of me actually getting something started and finished in a timely manner. 

    And my cute little snowman came to life overnight! Look at his little nose! I love the little touch of the Minky fabric.

    This adorable snowman wall hanging is a super cute quilt pattern that took me only 2 days to make! I used bits and pieces of scrap fabric to make it happen!

    Also, remember on my custom DIY sewing machine cover how I used several buttons that were from a collection that was gifted to me from my grandmother? I pulled them back out again and added a few to the snowman because I knew my mom would appreciate the sentiment as well.

    This adorable snowman wall hanging is a super cute quilt pattern that took me only 2 days to make! I used bits and pieces of scrap fabric to make it happen!

    This fluffy little snowman took about two days from start to finish.

    Normally, I would tell you to space it out a little more and not let the process consume all of your time.

    Normally, I would tell you not to get so involved in a quilt that it takes away so much precious time from your family.

    Normally, I would tell you to not just assume that everyone is good with holiday leftovers for the 3rd night in a row and then order pizza when someone complains because… score! Now you don’t even have to heat up the leftovers. (win-win) I mean, I totally have this dinner thing down by this point, right?

    Normally, I would tell you not to power through a project like this because it might drive your spouse crazy… but today…

    Today, I am telling you that we are all still alive. Everyone made it and life is back to normal.

    …and it feels really good to have it finished and hung in my mom’s house 🙂

    This adorable snowman wall hanging is a super cute quilt pattern that took me only 2 days to make! I used bits and pieces of scrap fabric to make it happen!
    To make a snowman wall hanging quilt of your own, check out this pattern link.

    Hey, If you’re in the Christmas-y spirit mode, make sure and check out these super adorable Christmas gift tags that I created to go along with your crafty gifts!

    Add a little spice to your Crafty/DIY gifts this year with this instant download that you can print at home! 12 different designs and a whole lot of Christmas fun! USE CODE: HOLLY FOR 25% off!
  • 10 FREE Patterns to Grow your Skills as a Quilter

    This is a post that I’ve wanted to share for a while. I’ve got 10 FREE patterns to grow your skills as a quilter.

    Why am I itching to share this with you? Because the #1 thing I hear people tell me when I talk about quilting is “I love it, but I could never create something like that… its way above my skill level.” or “I can barely even sew on a button… I could never make a quilt!

    Just stop it. Stop it right now.

    We’ve all been there before… staring at an intricate and beautiful quilt… suddenly feeling less than worthy of ever creating anything that can come anywhere close to the greatness of the quilt that lies in front of us. I’m here to tell you that you totally can!

    With the quilt show coming up this week (eeeeee! I’m so excited!) I need to share this. I’ve watched the girls that I admire and think are some part quilt wizards stare in awe of another quilter. We’re all huge fans of each other’s works.

    But we all started somewhere…

    …and then one day we decided to put in the work to learn more.

    Now, I make no promises that your very next quilt is going to be on display at the Smithsonian museum one day… but I can promise that you’ll grow your infinite number of skills as a quilter just a little bit more. Soon, you’ll find yourself a little bit better and better with each quilt you make!

    It’s amazing and so so so satisfying.

    Looking to grow your quilting skills but don't know where to start? These 10 FREE patterns are the perfect place to begin. Also includes tips on how to get started and the best way to improve your skills

    Ok, no more talk, let’s get on to the 10 FREE Patterns to Grow your Skills as a Quilter!

    I’ve pulled together 10 FREE Patterns from my favorite stash (patterns that I have designed myself [because yes] and patterns designed by other quilters) that I have used to grow my own skills.

    First, ask yourself a few questions…

    What is it that inspires you right now? Right this very second? Is it a piece of fabric that you want to feature in a quilt? Is it a quilt you saw on Pinterest or are you suddenly obsessed with (but still intimidated by) triangles?

    I know I’m not a rocket scientist here, but pick something that leans heavily toward what you’re really into right now. You won’t want to work on something that doesn’t get you all excited. And if you get frustrated, well you can just kiss it goodbye. Trust me.

    Choose something that when you’re finished you know it’ll be front and center in your home and be your favorite snuggle cover in the house! (at least until you make the next one 😉 )

    Then, kick it up just a bit and choose something that scares you… just a little bit. Something just slightly out of your comfort zone.

    10 FREE Patterns to Grow your Skills as a Quilter!

    If you want to work on your very beginner skills, check out the first few patterns… If you’ve been quilting for a little while, check out the rest of the list.

    This super colorful quilt pattern is a free download! Windy Days by www.iseestarsquilting.com

    1. Windy Days Quilt Pattern – This one is designed by yours truly, and I LOVE the way this one comes together! It is seriously so fun and easy. There are some HST (half square triangles) involved, but don’t let that scare you! There are no tears involved. I promise.

    The Stack and Wack Quilt Method is a method that doesn't require precise piecing and allows for whimsy to take place. Check out this FREE tutorial and see how easy it is to make your own Stack and Wack quilt!

    2) The Stack and Wack Pattern – Seriously. It doesn’t get easier than this. Focus on getting those blocks and those sharp corners to line up properly and get those quarter inch seams to perfection!

    3) Rainbow Strip and Flip Pattern – Yes, It is simple but its also classy and if you’re just starting in the quilting world… do a few of these before you move on to the bigger stuff. Work on perfecting your sewing and your seams. Be meticulous with your cutting and parallel lines.

    4) Fresh Diamonds – It is time to get those crisp pointy corners! Work with your seam allowances and get it right. If its not right when you sew it… use your seam ripper and do it again. Learn to perfect as you create.

    5) Pineapple Quilt – This one is going to help you with piecing. Work on getting it just perfect and then do it again. And again. A lot of little steps and block lead to one big beautiful quilt top! I love how summery and happy this one feels!

    6) Bravo Indigo Quilt – I love this quilt. It turns out so impressive and lovely! Work on keeping those lines perfectly parallel and your corners just perfect! You’ll be so pleased with the geometric results of this quilt!

    7) Foundation Paper Piecing – Yep. This is totally something you could (and should) jump into to master. Oh, those lovely perfect intricate shapes give you such a feeling of accomplishment and look so impressive. I like that this blog links to 11 different free patterns you can print yourself to practice on.

    8) Art Gallery Fabrics Collection of FREE Patterns – Seriously, do you just need something to light that fire in you and make you go “WOW!” ? This is it. Browse it and take a look… You’ll love it and are sure to find soemthing that will keep you hooked and interested to finish your next quilt asap!

    9) Hexagons – Ever wondered just HOW they do those seams? Isn’t it hard?… nope. This tutorial is really great and has LOTS of pictures!

    10) Triangles – I’ll be the first to admit these scared me when I first started quilting. I wouldn’t honestly avoid them at all costs and say… Nope. I’m more of a square kind of girl… Yeah, no I’m not. I love triangles, and something about overcoming that silly fear still makes me happy sewing triangles now.

    Don’t forget to PIN this image so you can come back to this article when you need some ideas!

    Looking to grow your quilting skills but don't know where to start? These 10 FREE patterns are the perfect place to begin. Also includes tips on how to get started and the best way to improve your skills


    There you have it… what do you say? Are you ready to step out of that comfortable circle you keep yourself in and explore something else in the quilting world?

    What is it that you would love to try to learn but are too afraid to dive in?

    If you ever have any questions, you’re welcome to contact me. I’m happy to help in any way that I can. 🙂

    Happy sewing!

  • Free Walker Bag Pattern & Carry all

    I’ve got a bit of a different project for you today. This Walker bag pattern came into being because of a sweet sweet dear friend of mine.

    God Bless her, but she isn’t one to sit still for very long!

    When she made the courageous decision to have back surgery, I knew I had to make something special for her.

    I whipped this up one night to help her carry her things and various notebooks from room to room as she worked towards recovery.

    It has proved to be so useful for her that I’m sharing it with you too.

    I found a few other options out on the internet for walker and wheelchair bags, but honestly, most of them were way more complicated than they needed to be, in my opinion.

    So I kept it simple.

    All my walker bag needs to do is give easy access to the things we normally carry in our hands or our pockets.

    Plus maybe a little more room for the occasional stray remote or water bottle.

    I also made it sturdy and quilted so the fabric wouldn’t be flimsy or wrinkly.

    You can download the FREE Pattern here.


    One last photo peek… Look at that cute flamingo fabric! 🙂

    Pay It Forward

    I would like to urge you to always pay it forward if you can. If you have a friend who just had surgery or if you have a friend or relative in a nursing home, make a few and share the love!

    Tell me what you think! Leave a comment below. Is this something you plan to make in the near future?

    I’d love to see it. You can tag me on Instagram @iseestarsquiltling

    Happy Sewing!

  • Quick Quilted Table Runner

    This week, I found myself in need of a quick hostess gift. I came up with this Quick Quilted Table Runner, and I’m sharing it with you today because it was so fun and so easy to make.

    I’m also going to share a quick tutorial on the simple way to make HST for blocks. (Spoiler alert: You’re going to love it)

    I wanted to make something using scrap fabric only. Let’s just say that I’ve hit the fabric store a little too much lately and the hubs (who I totally adore) maaaaaay have mentioned that it is time to take a step back and chill…

    Yikes, yeah. I know…

    So, It’s totally cool though. I can handle it… uh huh. I’m good.

    Someone, please pet the Minky fabric for me?…

    If you want some of my best tips, you can read the whole post I wrote on how to quilt on a budget. It is full of super helpful tips to make the most of whatever you’re working with budget wise.

    Quick Quilted Table Runner Requirements:

    Again, this was all scrap fabric. Use what you have and make it work!

    Finished size: 16″ x 48″

    Fabric: You will need (48) 5″ squares.

    I made 24 of the squares the same color to get a uniform “background” color. The other 24 were just a mix of scraps. You could easily just layout your pieces as half light colors and half dark colors so that you get the same diamond pattern.

    Backing Fabric: I created mine with more scrap pieces. (See pictures below)

    Batting: You will need a piece 16″ x 48″ – This is a great project for scrap batting! You can piece together batting scraps by doing a zig-zag stitch on its widest setting and overlapping your batting edges just a little.

    Binding: 140″ of binding. You can do one continuous piece, or you can piece it together using scraps.

    This Quick Quilted Table Runner is something I whipped up for a quick hostess gift, but it has so many endless possibilties I will be making several more for holiday family gatherings. These make great handmade gifts!

    Easy HST Tutorial

    This will give you two HST (half square triangles) in just a few easy steps using two squares!

    Step 1: Match up your squares! (1) Light color/background and (1) dark color. Put RST (right sides of fabric together)

    Step 2: Use a ruler and draw a line down the diagonal, from point to point.

    I really like and use this marker. It stays put until you wash your fabric. The purple end is good too but disappears with air, so sometimes I find I have to work quickly to make sure I sew while I still have my marks.

    The blue disappears with water. You can also use a wet washcloth to take off the blue line.

    However, on this project, you don’t have to worry about making sure you erase your marks on this project… you’ll never even see the blue on the finished table runner. 🙂

     


    Step 3: I like to use my quarter inch foot here. You will sew a quarter inch on either side of the line we made.

    Step 4: Use your rotary cutter and a ruler to cut right down the center on the line we drew in the first step.

    Step 5: Press your seams open or to one side and…Ta-da! You’re all done! 2 Perfect HST (half square triangles)

    Now that you have your HST’s made and cut… You should have 48 total… It is time to layout your table runner.

    Quick Quilted Table Runner Layout + Tips

    See below for how to lay your “dark” colored triangle pieces vs. your “light” colored pieces.

    More Pictures of the Quick Quilted Table Runner that I made…

    This Quick Quilted Table Runner is something I whipped up for a quick hostess gift, but it has so many endless possibilties I will be making several more for holiday family gatherings. These make great handmade gifts!

    This Quick Quilted Table Runner is something I whipped up for a quick hostess gift, but it has so many endless possibilties I will be making several more for holiday family gatherings. These make great handmade gifts!

     

    Notes on the backing:

    As you can see for the backing, I made the Quick Quilted Table Runner reversible!! This is essential because sometimes spills happen. (I would guess 90% of the world’s spills happen in my house. It’s not scientific. It is just a guess, but I’m pretty sure of it) If it is just a little blemish, you can flip it over and go right on with your life without having to ruin your table display.

    I created the backing using strips of fabric in varying widths. This was great because I used the scraps from those same strips that I cut to make the binding!

    Notes on the Quilting:

    You can see in the “side 2” picture a little more detail on how I chose to quilt this piece. All straight stitches. Easy Peasy. You can choose to quilt it however your heart desires. There is no wrong or right, but please to take into account that as a table runner, this will probroly get washed quite a lot. You want to make sure you read on your batting how far apart your stitches can be before the batting turns to mush in the washing machine.


    Whew! Talk about a scrappy project… I really loved making this. It is a great reminder that you don’t HAVE to go out and buy new things when you want to sew a project. Sometimes you just have to put your thinking cap on and brew up a bit of your own magic to make it happen!

    Leave me a comment and let me know if you worked on this project and quilted your own table runner. You can tag me on Instagram too so I can see it @ISeeStarsQuilting

  • DIY Sewing Machine Cover

    Hey there! Guess what? I made a cover for my sewing machine! I have seen a few at sewing events that I admired. Last weekend, I decided that it was my time. I knew that I wanted a DIY sewing machine cover and that I didn’t want to make a plain jane boring boxy cover… I wanted it to be grand and amazing and so much FUN!

    How cute is this DIY Sewing Machine Cover?!? I want to make one! She even lists tips to make your own cover. I love to sew. I need to make this.

    I love having my machine sitting out all the time in my office where I can sit down and sew at a moments notice (because, as a mom sometimes you only have a moment or two before its time to get up and go again, right?)

    This is what I came up with, and I am absolutely in love with it!

    I shared it on my Instagram just as soon as I finished it and I had so many compliments and several people asking for more detailed pictures of all the little sections (do you follow my Instagram? You should. We have fun sharing little bits of behind the scenes on all my works in progress!)

    (Look down under the pictures if you are looking for tips to make your own sewing machine cover.)

    It started with a cute paper piecing panel from QuietPlay – You can buy the pattern here. It was fantastic and easy to work with. The instructions were simple, and it came together in just under a few hours – An easy morning sew.

    I held up my finished panel and realized it was JUST the right size for the front of my sewing machine. *angels singing* yay! This spurred on another several hours spent at the sewing machine and me not getting the laundry done as I had hoped… who am I kidding? A fresh sewing project was a happy distraction from the housework I didn’t want to do in the first place!

    The Front

    I received a tin from my grandma a while back. It is an old round tin that is full of buttons and little bits of sewing supplies. So many buttons. Most of them just normal buttons, but there are some that are really pretty and fancy as well.

    My best guess for her button hoarding collection is just the depression-era mentality. Over the years, she clipped and saved every single button she could. She told me that if she was going to throw out a sweater or a blouse got a hole that couldn’t be fixed, she clipped the buttons off of it because… “you just never know.” You can even see the fabric still attached to some of the button backs in the photo below.

    Isn’t this collection just beautiful?

    I didn’t intend on this sewing machine cover as a piece of family history but I wanted to embellish my sewing machine cover. The two women who mean the most to me in this world happen to be my mom and my grandma. I went digging through collections of tiny things to find the perfect rainbow color button matches.

    The Back

    As for the little pieces donated by my mom on my DIY sewing machine cover, I pulled out a collection of crafty charms that she had given to me.

    Pockets are, like, SO important. I may have gone a little overboard, but you know what? I’m prepared for anything. This totally takes me back to the diaper bag days where that bag held my life, and I was ready for anything unexpected at a moments notice. *hands up mommas who have it together!*

    The big back pocket can hold my pedal and my power cords. The smaller pocket can hold my rotary cutter and any markers or smaller rulers.

    The Sides of my DIY Sewing Machine Cover

    If you like the little sewing machine lapel pins, you can purchase them from my shop! They’re so cute and make such a fun addition to a quilt swap or a gift for a sewing friend!

    The Top

    The top was probably the most complicated part of the whole project. I eyeballed most of this part and it took several tries to get the hole just big enough. Then I zig-zag stitched around the cut fabric to keep it from fraying.

    Another detail that I added was this fun little pin-cushion on top. (A little bit more sunshine!) I don’t see it actually being useful for sewing pins, but a few extra safety pins laying around are always necessary. And it helped make this beautiful button *POP*!

    If you’ve come here looking for ideas for a DIY sewing machine cover, you’re in the right place! Most quilters and sewists really like to put their own personal fingerprint on their sewing machine covers. I’ve never seen two exactly the same… just like us quilters. We’re such a fun breed, aren’t we? 🙂

    TIPS TO DIY YOUR OWN SEWING MACHINE COVER

    I highly suggest that you:

    1. Pull out your scrap fabrics! Find the ones that call out to you. That tiny bit of pink you just couldn’t let go of? This is the perfect project for it! Find a way to bring in all the ones that you love! Who cares if they don’t all match perfectly.My cover was made with scrap fabric only. The rainbow motif created itself, honestly.
    2. Decide on what sewing technique brings you the most joy. Is it paper piecing? Or is it random modern crazy stitching? Maybe you like things to be precise and meticulous with perfect piecing? This is the best place to showcase your favorite techniques!
    3. Look for little embellishments to add on! Little loops, ruffles, charms, pins, and buttons! 3D little fabric banners? Yes, please 🙂 Even embroidery is fair game! Add it all and then some!
    4. You can start out with a calculated plan or you can just start sewing and see where you end up. There are no rules.
    5. Do not get caught up in making it absolutely perfect! If you want it to be perfect, I guarantee you it never will be. But if you roll with the mistakes and make the most of it, you’ll grow as you sew and love the results!
    6. A fun suggestion is to ask some of your sewing friends for pieces of scrap fabric to add in. If they’re making covers too, donate some of your scraps. Share the love!
    7. Have fun! Do not let this frustrate you as you’re working on it. Focus on completing the bits of inspiration as they come to you!
    8. Consider using decorative stitches to add a fun flair.
    9. Measure Measure Measure. See Below! You’ll want to make sure that you measure correctly before cutting and add in a little grace room so that your cover will not fit so snugly around your machine.It is a dust cover, not a dust girdle!

    The most important rule is to have fun with it 🙂 Measure properly and then play with the fabric from there! Let me know if you have any questions or if you’re inspired to create your own DIY Sewing Machine Cover.

    Happy Sewing!

    How cute is this DIY Sewing Machine Cover?!? I want to make one! She even lists tips to make your own cover. I love to sew. I need to make this.

  • How to DIY a Quilt Ladder

    This easy DIY Quilt Ladder is a project you can make! Don't pay high prices. Check out this step by step tutorial!This is how you DIY a quilt ladder. I’m going to tell you how I took a $150 Blanket Ladder and recreated it for less than $20!…

    Absolutely no rocket science involved. You can do this too!

     

    It happened the other day… I fell hard in love with a quilt ladder that I saw on Pinterest. It was everything I ever wanted and then some! Absolutely love at first sight. Perfect to display my lovely quilts and get them out of the neatly folded pile on the floor in the corner. I loved everything, that is… except for the price.

    $150?! I’m going to let you stop for just a second and re-read that. Yes. One-Hundred-and-fifty-dollars! No way, right?

    Let me say that I really like to shop on Wayfair. I actually have several pieces in my house from Wayfair and I love a good bargain, but not on this item. I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

    My excitement was momentarily halted. $150 can buy a LOT of things. (It can buy A LOT of fabric for example.) But the heart wants what the heart wants….

    I lay awake that night in bed (that’s where I think most women plan their to-do lists and figure out their mission to save the world… all in the quiet hours of the moonlight while the kids are sleeping) and planned it all out in my head.

    I made a plan to go to the hardware store and get the supplies the next day. This was happening.

    Side note: I’m a huge Ana White fan. Here is her website so you can check her out. I look at the amazing things she is able to create and build on a normal family budget and I always feel empowered. If she can do it, I can do it. Maybe you’re not into building your own furniture. That’s totally ok. But sometimes when a girl has expensive taste and lives on a budget, desperate times call for desperate measures. The woman is a straight-up genius when it comes to breaking things down in a way that makes it easy to understand.

    Here’s what you’ll need to make a 6ft. tall and 20-inch wide blanket ladder with 5 rungs.

    What you need:

    (1) 1 in. x 2 in. x 8 ft. Poplar Board – $6.82 Each – I really like the way that the poplar board takes on the stain. It doesn’t leave a streaky wood grain texture. The coverage is pretty even and smooth.

    (2) 1 in. x 2 in. x 6 ft. Poplar Board – $5.66 Each

    Wood Screws

    Drill

    Saw – If you don’t have a chop saw, you could do this by hand with a hacksaw.

    (Optional) Stain or Finishing method of your choice – See below for what I used.

    (Optional) Felt pads to put at the top of the ladder where it leans against the wall so it doesn’t mark up your wall.

    (Optional) Clear Coat so that you don’t have to worry about the stain getting on your blankets.

     

    Ready for a super easy tutorial??

     

    How to DIY a Quilt Ladder

    You already have your 2 outer pieces for your ladder. Those are your 6′ tall pieces.

    Step 1:  Cut your 8′ long piece of wood into (5) 18″ sections. These need to be exactly the same length or your ladder will be wobbly. You’ll have just a little bit left over.

    Step 2: Lay them out on the ground to make a ladder.

    Step 3: Space our your pieces. Use your measuring tape and your pencil to mark where your ladder rungs go.

     

    I put my ladder rungs 13 inches apart, but started 18 inches from the ground and left just 6 inches at the top so that I could actually hang a blanket on the bottom bar.

    Measure from center hole to center hole.

     

    Step 4:  Dab a little bit of wood glue on the end of each bar then attach with a screw from the outside of each side piece going straight into the center of the end of each bar.

    Step 5: Stain it the color of your choice and let it dry and air out completely (so it doesn’t stink up your house or your blankets.)

    I used this stain from home depot. It came in a tiny little can for less than $4.

    I didn’t even use a tablespoon of the stain. I have enough for many more projects. You can ask around to see if your friends have any leftover stain from a project in years past.

    *Staining Tip*

    Make sure you use gloves every single time you use any wood stain. I got excited and did not. The artist in me should have known better. But also, seeing several of my fingers stained light grey did not even phase my husband. He is used to the messy art effects by now 🙂

    I chose to only stain the top section of the ladder and paint the rest for a ‘dipped’ paint look. I happened to have the white paint already in my garage from another project, but you can buy the “sample paint” cans for a really affordable price. It comes in a little can about the same size as the stain pictured above. They can even tint it to the color your request. You don’t need much paint at all to finish this project.

    See how nice and even the wood stain took to the poplar wood? I love it.

    Finish with a clear coat if you think your stain may get onto your blankets.

    Step 6 – Paint the lower half of your ladder. It started to rain at my house and I wasn’t finished with my project so I brought it inside, put down some dollar store trash tablecloth and brought out soup cans to prop up the ladder while I was finishing it. Be resourceful!

    Step 7 – Give your ladder ample time to dry. You can add the felt pads to the top of your ladder to keep it from marking on your wall if you choose to.

    When you are sure that your ladder is all dry, load up your beautiful quilts and be happy with all the money you saved….. yes… lots of money saved. Speaking of… I think I shall go shopping for more fabric! 😉

    If you have any questions, please contact me or leave a comment down below! I’d love to see your projects that you complete! Tag me in your pictures #ISeeStarsQuilting.com

    This easy DIY Quilt Ladder is a project you can make! Don't pay high prices. Check out this step by step tutorial!