This Picnic Quilt requires no batting or binding, making this simple tutorial an ideal summer quilting project that is well-suited for beginner quilters!
This picnic quilt tutorial is super simple and beginner friendly. If you are looking for something a bit more challenging try this How to make a Puff Quilt in 5 Step with Video or How to sew a colorful quilt with Triangles.
Summer and picnics go hand in hand. I wanted to make a lightweight but colorful no batting quilt to use in summer and I made it using a simple patchwork pattern.Perfect to carry around to the park or outdoor event.
The main difference between a quilt and a picnic quilt is that the latter is a no batting quilt. There are just two layers of fabric sandwiched together.
How To Make a Picnic Quilt Without Batting
Easy step by step picnic quilt tutorial.
- I selected a bunch of bright, fun fabrics and cut them into 8 inch (+seam allowance) by 10 inch (+seam allowance) rectangles using the Fiskars 60mm rotary cutter and an acrylic ruler.
- I sewed the blocks together to form my quilt front. Next, I pinned my sewed quilt front to its quilt back (right sides facing together) with no batting in between. This is going to be a light and airy summer quilt with just two layers of fabric sandwiched together. I then stitched all around the edges of the quilt leaving just a small gap for me to turn the quilt inside out. I trimmed off the excess using a Pinking shears. I then hand stitched the opening close.
- Next, I ironed the quilt flat, making sure the edge seams were in line. I then ‘tied’ the quilt together at each of the block intersections.
- To tie, I inserted my needle into both the fabrics and pulled it leaving a long enough tail behind that could be used to tie a knot. Once I finished stitching, I used the tail from the beginning and tied a secure double knot. Trim the excess off carefully using a pair of Micro Tip scissors.
This quilt without batting needs no finishing or edging like I show How to finish a Quilt in 4 simple steps. Instead we simply sew it like a pillowcase and turn it inside out.
ALSO READ: How to make a keepsake baby clothes quilt in 5 simple steps
Here is another fun summer craft: A perfect gift basket for a friend – Smores for the win! Find my tutorial here.
Why Should You Make a no batting quilt?
A no batting quilt is a much easier quilt to make for beginners. There is just the quilt top (patchwork design or any other design of your choice) and a fabric backing. There is no middle layer- of batting or fleece- and that makes assembling, finishing and basting this quilt much simpler. Also this quilt without batting is lightweight, and easy to carry around- if it gets wet or damp it dries quickly too making it perfect for summer!
What are you crafting nowadays? Leave a link below in the comments and I will try and stop by and see it!
Hi I’m Smitha! I live in Minnesota with my husband and two daughters. You’ll always find me painting florals in my sketchbook. And I love the sheer joy of making something with just my hands! But my bigger love is capturing it all on camera Read more.
Thanks for stopping by today! If you learnt something from this tutorial, do share this post with a friend or on social media! Tag me @smithakatti #smithakatti I’d love to see what you create!
