A handmade gift doesn't have to be a whole quilt. A single foundation paper pieced block, finished with a border and some backing, can become a cushion, a tote bag or a little piece of wall art. You can make it in a weekend, and someone will treasure it for years.
Block-sized gifts are also the best way to sew for lots of people at once. Choose one block for each person on your list, match it to their personality, and turn it into something they'll use.
Here are seven quick Christmas gifts you can make from just one block.
7 gifts you can sew from one quilt block
All my patterns come in 9", 12" and 15" block sizes, so you can choose the size that suits each gift:
| Gift | Block size | Finished size (approx.) | You'll also need |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cushion cover | 12" | 16" × 16" | 2" border, envelope back, 16" cushion insert |
| Mini quilt or wall hanging | 12" or 15" | 14"–18" square | Backing, batting, binding, a dowel or hanging sleeve |
| Tote bag | 12" | 14" × 16" bag | Canvas or linen, lining, cotton webbing for straps |
| Placemat | 12" | 14" × 18" | Side borders, backing, batting, binding |
| Mug rug or candle mat | 9" | 9"–10" square | Backing, thin batting, binding |
| Zipper pouch | 9" | 9" × 9" | 9" zipper, lining, light fusible interfacing |
| Framed block | 9" or 12" | Fits a 12" or 16" frame | Square frame, foam board or card |
A few tips for the trickier ones:
- Cushion: an envelope back (two overlapping rectangles) means no zipper. It's the quickest cushion finish there is.
- Tote bag: quilt the block panel lightly before you sew it onto the bag. It gives the front structure and stops it sagging.
- Framed block: this is the fastest gift of all. There's no batting or binding: add a 2" border so there's enough fabric to wrap, press it, fold it around a piece of foam board and pop it in the frame.
Match the block to the person
The best handmade gifts feel personal. Here's a little cheat sheet:
The cat lover: a cat block cushion. Choose one from the Cat Quilt Pattern Bundle that looks like their own cat.
The bird watcher: a bird mini quilt to hang by the window, from Garden Birds.
The country soul: a Highland Cow tote bag, which always gets a smile.
A new baby: a woodland animal wall hanging for the nursery, from the Woodland Animals bundle.
The curious kid or nature nerd: a beetle or butterfly pouch from the Bug Quilt Pattern Bundle.
Your gothic friend: a raven, moth or moon block in a black frame, from the Goth Quilt Pattern Bundle.
Someone who loves a classic: a Star Quilt Pattern placemat in their favorite colors.
Sewing for several people? A bundle is the better value, because you get four or more blocks and can make a different gift from each one.
Finishing touches
- Make all your blocks first, then finish them assembly-line style: cut all the backings, then sew all the borders. It's much faster than making one gift at a time.
- Add a fabric label with your name and the year. It turns a pretty object into an heirloom.
- Wrap it in fabric instead of paper. A fat quarter tied with ribbon is a bonus gift in itself.
New to foundation paper piecing? Start with my beginner's guide to FPP. For more festive projects, see Christmas FPP Quilt Patterns to Make Before December.
Browse all FPP patterns in The Quilting Mary shop →
Happy gift sewing,
Mary
