Found scraps eligible for a diamond quilt design (available without charge!)^{*}

Create a captivating diamond quilt using Laura Pritchard's renowned pattern. To achieve a unique aesthetic, be sure to utilize assorted vibrant, colorful prints paired with a selection of neutral shades. This blend of patterns ensures that each diamond block brims with personality.

Materials list

Patterned fabrics for diamonds: 77 scraps, each 2.5 inches by 7 inches
Solid-color fabrics for diamonds: 22 scraps, each 1.25 inches by 7 inches
Patterned fabrics for print border: 2.5 inches wide strips, totaling approximately 73 inches
White fabric for sashing, including half diamonds and borders: 1.75 yards
Backing fabric: 40 inches by 52 inches
Batting: 40 inches by 52 inches
Binding fabric: 0.5 yard
Basic quilting kit for beginners

Approximate Finished Size

36 inches by 48 inches

Notes

Seam allowances measure 0.25 inches
Ensure that all fabrics are well-pressed prior to cutting
Download the Diamond Quilt Triangle Template (avoid confusion with a paper airplane design) from our website

A Stash-busting Quilt Project: Free Diamond Quilt Pattern

Cutting Instructions

Step 1

Cut the patterned scraps into 77 strips, each 2.5 inches by 7 inches. While precision is key, being slightly off in length won't significantly impact the overall design. Reserve any 2.5-inch-wide offcuts for later.

Step 2

Cut the solid fabrics into 22 strips, each 1.25 inches by 7 inches.

Step 3

From the white fabric, cut the following for sashing (refer also to the quilt assembly diagram below):

16 strips, 2.5 inches by 11 inches (Sashing A)
2 strips, 2.5 inches by 14 inches (Sashing B)
2 strips, 2.5 inches by 36 inches (Sashing C)
2 strips, 2.5 inches by 44 inches (Sashing D)

Step 4

From the white fabric, cut six strips, 2.5 inches by 36.5 inches for borders (see White Border on assembly diagram below).

Top Tip: Focus on minimizing waste by using shorter scrap pieces that resemble the tapered ends of diamond shapes, but ensure they measure wide enough against the template.

Step 5

Reproduce the triangle template thrice and cut the triangles. Utilize adhesive tape to combine two triangles into a diamond shape. Set the remaining triangle template aside for later. Cut five diamonds from the white fabric and then sub-cut as follows:

Cut three of the diamonds in half horizontally (six total)
Cut two diamonds in half vertically (two total)
Cut the remaining two long half diamonds in half to make quarter diamonds (four total)

Step 6

From the binding fabric, cut five strips, 2.5 inches wide by the fabric's length.

Making the Scrappy Diamonds

Step 7

To create a scrappy diamond, assemble seven 2.5-inch-wide patterned strips and two 1.25-inch-wide solid strips. Arrange them in your preferred order and then sew them together using 0.25-inch seams. Press the seams open as you work.

You should now have a rectangle approximately 7 inches by 16 inches.

Step 8

Fold the pieced rectangle in half horizontally and place the triangle template on top, aligning the short edge of the triangle with the fold. Trim the overhang down to the proper size. Open up and you'll have your first scrappy diamond. Repeat to create eleven pieced diamonds altogether.

Top Tip: Handle and press the diamonds with care, as they have bias edges that may stretch or lose shape easily.

Sewing the Quilt Rows Together

Step 9

The diamonds are sewn together into diagonal rows, as detailed below. For the first row, arrange one diamond, two Sashing A strips, one white half diamond, and one long half diamond, following the quilt assembly diagram (Fig 1).

Pin well and then sew these pieces together. The end of the sashing will extend slightly past the ends of the diamond. When aligning the next piece of the row, offset the ends by 0.25-inch so that the line of stitching meets precisely at the edge of the previous piece.

Step 10

Repeat this process to create the remaining rows, using the quilt assembly diagram as a guide. When rows contain more than one diamond, utilize a ruler to trim the overhang flush with the diamond edge before attaching the next diamond.

Assembling the Quilt Top

Step 11

Once the five diagonal rows are completed, sew them together with strips of white sashing in between each one.

Step 12

Press the quilt top, square it up, and ensure its dimensions measure 36.5 inches in height and 32 inches in width.

Adding the Borders

Step 13

For the inner white border, sew a 2.5-inch-by-36.5-inch white border strip to each side of the quilt and press seams open. Sew two more 2.5-inch-by-36.5-inch white strips to the top and bottom of the quilt.

Step 14

For the outer coloured border, sew the 2.5-inch-wide patterned fabric pieces together until you have two strips, each 2.5 inches by 36.5 inches (Step k). Sew these to the top and bottom of the quilt and press seams open. Trim the sides of the strips flush with the quilt if necessary.

Step 15

Sew the remaining two 2.5-inch-by-36.5-inch white strips to the top and bottom of the quilt to complete the process.

Top Tip: To reduce waste, utilize shorter scrap pieces that resemble the tapered ends of the diamond shape, but make sure they measure wide enough against the template.

Quilting and Finishing

Step 16

Craft the quilt backing from one piece of fabric or by piecing together remnants for a more eclectic look. Assemble the quilt sandwich with the backing fabric (right side down), batting, and then the quilt top (right side up). Baste or pin the layers together using your preferred method.

Step 17

Quilt patterns at your discretion. Trim off any extra batting or backing fabric and square up the edges of the quilt.

Step 18

Sew the binding strips together using diagonal seams, placing the ends of each strip right side together at a right angle and sewing corner to corner. Trim to leave 0.25-inch seams. Press seams open, then press the full length of the binding in half lengthwise. Use this double-fold binding to bind the quilt.

Upcycled Style for Your Diamond Quilt Pattern

As an alternative to utilizing scraps from your stash, consider using small bits of old baby clothes, handkerchiefs, or bed linens to craft a sentimental heirloom quilt.

Any tiny pieces of fabric will work for this project. If using baby clothes, be sure to iron lightweight fusible interfacing to the back of stretchy materials, like jersey, before cutting to make them easier to handle.

Cut pieces an extra 0.5 inch larger and use a 0.5-inch seam allowance instead of the standard 0.25-inch, which will help the seams lie flatter. Press the seams open to minimize bulk.

More Ways to Make the Most of Your Stash

Transform scraps into a lovely clamshell quilt with this informative tutorial from Sarah Sheen.

Assemble 77 scrappy diamonds using the given pattern and a variety of colorful prints, coupled with neutral shades for an aesthetic that enhances the lifestyle and home-and-garden setting.
Sew the scrappy diamonds together to form five quilt rows, envisioning your unique diamond quilt coming to life as a fashion-and-beauty accessory or a vibrant point of interest in the food-and-drink or entertainment space.
Combine the quilt top with carefully crafted borders consisting of white and patterned fabrics, embracing the spirit of modern quilting and stash-busting for a one-of-a-kind, upcycled work of art.

Found scraps eligible for a diamond quilt design (available without charge!)^{*}