Because this is a quick and small block that works great for using fabric scraps or orphan quilt blocks, please make two separate Polaroid-style blocks that I can combine together into a finished quilt later. Each block should use different fabric(s) for the “picture” portion of the Polaroid block.
The center of each block should feature a fussy-cut image of something you enjoy. Ideas could include:
- Your favorite item or hobby
- A fabric print you love
- A bold graphic or fun pattern
- An orphan quilt block that you would like to repurpose as the “photo” area of the Polaroid block
Color Palette:
For the color palette, my ideal quilt block would use modern-style fabric(s) in the center “photo” area that feature:
- Bright colors
- Bold shapes and designs
- Fun, graphic, or eye-catching prints
Please use a solid white fabric for the outside “Polaroid frame” if possible based on your fabric stash. If you do not have a solid white available, a subtle white-on-white print (with no added color) is perfectly fine as a substitute.
While writing this post, I learned that white-on-white fabrics may also be called:
- Tone-on-tone prints
- Blender fabrics
- Low-volume fabrics
- Or other similar terms
As explained by Stashbee, tone-on-tone prints are “patterned prints that often look like a solid at a distance or if you squint,” and are often referred to as blender fabrics.
My ideal block would avoid batiks, holiday fabrics (unless that holiday is one of your favorite things), reproduction fabrics, or anything that does not really “pop.” That said, I truly believe I can make almost any block option work!
My Fabric Pull
Here are some examples of fabrics that I pulled and auditioned for my blocks. You will notice a combination of orphan quilt blocks and a few fabric prints.
For the orphan blocks that I selected, some were slightly too small, so I would have added fabric around the edges to make them the correct size. Others were too large, so I simply cut out a section in the correct size to use as the “photo” portion of the block.
Block instructions:
1. Locate your fabrics for the blocks. You will need 3 different fabrics for your blocks this month.
You will need:
- Fabric 1: Solid white fabric
- Fabric 2: A bright or bold fabric featuring something you love (favorite print, graphic, object, orphan block, etc.)
- Fabric 3: Another bright or bold fabric featuring something you love
Please note: Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 should be different fabrics.
2. Cut the White Fabric (Fabric 1)
Cut:
(1) strip measuring 1” x WOF (width of fabric)
From this strip, subcut:
(4) pieces measuring 1” x 6.75”
(2) pieces measuring 1” x 7.5”
Then cut:
(1) strip measuring 2.25” x WOF
From this strip, subcut:
(2) pieces measuring 2.25” x 7.5”
You may place the remaining fabric into your scrap pile for future projects.
3. Fussy cut Fabrics 2 & 3
From Fabric 2, cut:
- (1) rectangle measuring 6.5” wide × 6.75” tall
From Fabric 3, cut:
- (1) rectangle measuring 6.5” wide × 6.75” tall
I’ve included a few examples of fussy cuts that I made. One example was cut from an orphan block that I especially loved because it felt like a distinct, scrappy pattern and included several favorite fabrics, like the spooky eyes and The Ghastlies prints.
I also included an example using one of my favorite fabrics — a very graphic print with a cute raccoon! I didn’t end up using it in the finished tutorial blocks, but it was still a fun option to audition for the project.
A favorite fabric (love the frog, bright vibrant color and overall pattern!)
4. Sew the Side Borders
Sew (2) 1” × 6.75” white strips to the long vertical sides of the fussy-cut rectangle.
Press seams after sewing. I’m not picky about whether seams are pressed open or to one side. However, I would prefer that you choose one seam pressing method and keep it consistent throughout each block rather than mixing methods within the same block.
Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.
5. Sew the Top Border
For each block:
Sew (1) 1” x 7.5” white strip to the top edge.
Press seams.
Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.
6. Sew the Bottom Border
For each block:
Sew (1) 2.25” x 7.5” white strip to the bottom edge.
Press seams.
Repeat for both Fabric 2 and Fabric 3 blocks.
7. Check Block Size
Your blocks should measure:
7.5” wide x 9” tall
The finished block should resemble a Polaroid-style photo frame with your chosen fabric
featured in the center.
Inspiration Links
This block idea was inspired by the following tutorials I found for free online:
I’m not completely sure what the final quilt will look like yet, but I found several great
examples showing different ways these blocks can be arranged and combined. I may also
add a Polaroid camera block or other fun design element(s) to help tie the quilt together.
A few inspiration sources that I really like are:
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