How to Make a Crazy Quilt Block with Fabric Scraps | Free Flip & Stitch Tutorial by JunkGal63 Studio

If your fabric scraps have started taking over your sewing room, you're not alone! Every sewist has a growing collection of leftover strips, triangles, and odd-shaped fabric pieces that are too pretty to throw away, but often too small for larger projects.

NECCHI Ambassador Jackie Loos of JunkGal63 Studio shares her favorite flip-and-stitch crazy quilting method for transforming those leftover scraps into a beautiful quilt-as-you-go block. Best of all, every block is completely unique, making this a fun, beginner-friendly project you'll want to make again and again.

Using simple sewing techniques and decorative stitches, you'll create a one-of-a-kind crazy quilt block that's perfect on its own, or ready to become a beautiful zipper pouch in Part Two of this series.

Whether you're new to quilting or simply looking for fresh ways to use your fabric stash, this project is all about relaxing, creating, and enjoying the process. No perfection required.

Watch Jackie's Free Video Tutorial

Prefer to sew along? Jackie walks you through every step in her easy-to-follow video tutorial.

Video Tutorial:
How to Make a Crazy Quilt Block with Leftover Fabric | Easy Flip & Stitch Tutorial

Why You'll Love This Scrap Fabric Project

Crazy quilting has been loved by quilters for generations because it celebrates creativity instead of perfection. Instead of carefully matching fabric pieces, you'll arrange leftover scraps into a colorful, artistic design full of personality.

Jackie's version adds a modern twist by combining piecing and decorative stitching into one simple process. Rather than sewing first and embellishing later, each fabric piece is folded, pressed, and stitched down using decorative stitches as you build the block.

The result is a quilt-as-you-go block that's textured, colorful, and completely unique.

Whether you're trying to reduce fabric waste or simply looking for a relaxing afternoon project, this tutorial is a wonderful reminder that even the smallest scraps can become something beautiful.

Supplies You'll Need

To make your crazy quilt block you'll need:

• Assorted fabric scraps in various colors, prints, strips, triangles, and odd shapes

• Muslin foundation (Jackie uses a 10" square)

• Scrap batting

• School glue or your preferred basting method

• Rotary cutter

• Quilting ruler

• Fabric scissors

• Iron and pressing surface

• Coordinating or contrasting thread

• Sewing machine with straight, zigzag, or decorative stitches

Jackie creates this project on the NECCHI NC-102D Computerized Sewing Machine, whose decorative stitches make adding personality to every block fun and effortless.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1 – Prepare Your Foundation

Begin with a square of muslin and a matching piece of batting. Jackie uses a 10-inch square, but feel free to customize the size depending on your project.

Place the batting on top of the muslin and lightly baste the layers together. Jackie prefers using ordinary school glue because it holds everything securely while remaining soft and flexible once dry.

Working from the center outward, gently smooth the batting to remove wrinkles before giving it a quick press.

Step 2 – Choose Your Center Scrap

Every crazy quilt block begins with a center piece.

Jackie recommends choosing a five-sided scrap if you have one available, but don't worry if you don't, this isn't a project about perfect shapes.

Position your center fabric on the prepared foundation.

Jackie's method differs slightly from traditional crazy quilting. Instead of stitching a piece down, flipping it open, and decorating afterward, she folds one raw edge under before sewing.

That folded edge is then secured with a decorative stitch, finishing the seam beautifully as you build the block.

Step 3 – Fold, Press, and Stitch

Choose your next scrap.

Fold one raw edge underneath and press it with your iron.

Position that folded edge against one side of the center piece and stitch it down using:

• Decorative stitches

• Zigzag stitches

• Straight stitches

Each stitch not only secures the fabric but also becomes part of the finished design.

One of the most enjoyable parts of this project is watching your block slowly come to life with every new piece.

Step 4 – Continue Building Around the Center

Continue working around the center piece, adding one scrap at a time.

Jackie prefers moving counterclockwise, but choose whichever direction feels most natural to you.

For every new piece:

1. Select a scrap large enough to cover the open area.

2. Fold one raw edge underneath.

3. Give it a quick press.

4. Position it against the previous piece.

5. Stitch it in place.

6. Trim away excess fabric if needed.

Before long, you'll begin to see your block transform into a colorful patchwork of fabrics and decorative stitching.

Jackie describes this stage as "painting with fabric"—allowing color, texture, and stitch patterns to guide your creativity.

Step 5 – Add Decorative Stitches for Personality

Decorative stitching is what gives crazy quilting its unmistakable charm.

Experiment with different stitch patterns and thread colors as your block grows.

The NECCHI NC-102D makes this especially enjoyable thanks to its wide variety of decorative stitch options that can instantly change the personality of your project.

Don't feel limited if your machine offers fewer stitch choices. A simple zigzag stitch in a contrasting thread can create beautiful texture and visual interest.

Step 6 – Trim the Finished Block

Once your entire foundation has been covered with fabric, flip the block over.

Using the muslin as your guide, trim away all excess fabric.

If you'd like additional stability, finish the outer edge with a stay stitch or zigzag stitch before moving on to another project.

Congratulations—you've completed your crazy quilt block!

You can display it as a mini quilt, combine several blocks into a larger quilt, or follow along with Part Two of this series to transform it into a beautiful zipper pouch.

Sewing Tips for Better Crazy Quilt Blocks

• Press each folded edge before sewing for cleaner, flatter seams.

• Mix solids, florals, stripes, and novelty prints to create visual interest.

• Don't be afraid to use contrasting thread colors—they add wonderful texture.

• Save even your smallest scraps. Tiny pieces often become the most interesting parts of the block.

• Practice decorative stitches on scrap fabric before stitching your project.

Creative Ways to Use Your Finished Block

One finished block can become so much more than a quilt.

Try turning it into:

• A zipper pouch

• A mug rug

• A mini wall hanging

• A pillow front

• A notebook cover

• A tote bag pocket

• A quilt block for a larger quilt

Every block becomes completely unique, making each finished project one of a kind.

Meet Jackie Loos of JunkGal63 Studio

Jackie Loos loves helping sewists discover creative ways to use the materials they already have.

Through JunkGal63 Studio, she shares beginner-friendly tutorials, quilt-as-you-go inspiration, and thoughtful sewing projects that encourage makers to slow down, enjoy the process, and create with confidence.

Her projects are a reminder that even the smallest fabric scraps can become something meaningful.

Create This Project with the NECCHI NC-102D

Jackie created this project using the NECCHI NC-102D Computerized Sewing Machine.

With hundreds of built-in stitches, adjustable stitch settings, simple button controls, and decorative stitch options, it's an excellent choice for projects like crazy quilting where creativity takes center stage.

Whether you're embellishing seams, experimenting with decorative stitches, or building your fabric stash one project at a time, the NC-102D offers the versatility to grow with your sewing journey.

Up Next — Turn Your Crazy Quilt Block into a Zipper Pouch

Now that your quilt-as-you-go block is complete, it's time to transform it into something you'll use every day.

In Part Two of this series, Jackie shows you how to turn your finished block into a simple, beginner-friendly zipper pouch—no lining, no tabs, and no fuss.

You'll learn how to install a zipper, finish the edges, and complete a practical pouch that's perfect for sewing notions, makeup, travel essentials, and handmade gifts.

👉 Continue to Part Two: Turn Your Crazy Quilt Block into a No-Fuss Zipper Pouch

About the Creator

Jackie Loos is a NECCHI Ambassador and creator of JunkGal63 Studio, where she shares beginner-friendly sewing tutorials, quilt-as-you-go projects, scrap fabric inspiration, and faith-filled creative encouragement.

Learn more about the NECCHI NC-102D using Jackie's ambassador link below.

Discount Code: JUNKGAL63

Disclosure: Jackie Loos is a NECCHI Ambassador and may earn a commission from purchases made through her affiliate link.