A Plethora of Popsicle Quilts
If the hot summer days have you longing for a simple, sweet quilt to whip up, I’ve got just the thing for you. Actually, several things for you. Over the last few years, I’ve created a series of popsicle-themed quilts for the Havel’s Sewing blog, so you have no shortage of options for bringing more popsicle goodness into your life, calorie free. After first designing the Ombré Popsicle throw quilt, I’ve come back to the idea almost every summer because it's just so happy. Since that first design, I've added four more takes on it — including the newest quilt this summer — so you can satisfy your sewing sweet tooth in multiple sizes and styles.
First up is the OG Ombré Popsicle quilt. I first made this quilt on the verge of fall, when I wasn’t quite ready for summer to end. While the stores were already starting to roll out pumpkin spice everything, I was still dreaming of popsicles on the front porch. And since there’s a quilt for everything, a popsicle quilt seemed like the perfect way to commemorate those fading days of summer. This easy throw-size quilt goes together in no time, so your family can be snuggling under popsicles long before the fall chill hits. I chose to use solids to create an ombré effect, but if you want a scrappier look, the popsicle part of this quilt is very jelly-roll friendly. Just add background fabric and a tan solid, and you’re set! Click here for the tutorial.
Next up came Little Pops, a smaller, simplified version of the Ombré Popsicle quilt. The instructions are for a baby-size quilt, but it could easily be sized up to a crib or throw size by just increasing the number of blocks and/or enlarging the borders. Wouldn’t it make the cutest summer picnic quilt or baby quilt to celebrate a summer birth? If you’ve got a little one in your life who could use a little extra sweetness right about now, get started on this one, and they’ll be cuddling up in no time. Click here for the tutorial.
Then, I created two mini versions of the Little Pops quilt block. The tutorial instructions for these blocks make just one popsicle block (not an entire quilt, though you could certainly make enough blocks for one) in one of two sizes: Tiny Pops (the smallest) and Mini Pops (just a bit bigger). These blocks are great for incorporating into sampler quilts and any number of other summer-themed projects — use these to make a full quilt, table runner, wall hanging, or pillow — or do it all. Click here for the tutorials.
Finally, as I revealed yesterday, this year, I decided to return to the original for a spin celebrating the iconic (trademarked, wink) American popsicle we’ve all loved since our earliest ice-cream truck days. The strip-pieced Rocket Pops quilt goes together even faster than the original because it’s got half the number of stripes, and it’s the perfect backdrop for summer picnics. Try it in solids or small-scale prints to make those popsicles “pop”!
The pattern includes instructions for a throw-size quilt — 50″ x 62″ — perfect for hauling around on all your summer adventures. Throw it in the back of the car and go! I can’t wait to see your version! Click here for the tutorial.
What are your favorite summer sewing themes? Let us know in the comments!
