A Look at Puff Quilts

Sometimes it is interesting to take a look back to where we were a year ago. With a fresh outlook you see things in a different way and just in case you missed it the first time This week we are going to feature the DIY Puff Quilt blog. The puff quilt, also known as a biscuit quilt or bubble quilt has continued to be a very popular quilt, especially for beginners. Many people like the idea of using scrap fabric from their Cotton Cuts Classic or Modern Maker membership box or repurposed fabric from clothing.

The basic construction of the puff quilt consists of a 4 ½” square sewn on top of a 4 square pleated on the sides to accommodate the difference in size. This allows the space to add stuffing creating a puff or bubble shape.

I have seen two methods of construction. The most common, sew three sides together with a pleat, leaving one side open to add the Poly-fil stuffing. Then sew the rows together to complete the top. For the second method sew around all four sides. Lay out your design and sew the rows together creating a quilt top. Then you make a small opening in the back of each square to fill with Poly-fil stuffing and hand sew the opening closed. The second method makes it easier to sew the rows together. I used the most common method that is quite easy to get in the rhythm of stuff and sew.

The pattern I used from Annie’s Craft Store called for a combination of puff squares and quilt as you go squares to give it a different look. For an additional twist, the squares were set on point instead of horizontal rows. I added borders then the binding to finish the baby size quilt. These extra features definitely made it more challenging pushing it above the beginner level quilt.

As I did my research initially I looked at many different websites and I would highly recommend Lo & Behold Stitchery. Brittany shares her sweet story of the puff quilt her grandmother made for her as a child that has become her prized possession and the inspiration for her quilting. Brittany from Lo & Behold Stitchery has a great Instagram story answering all your questions about the puffy quilt experience.

She also offers this Free Ombre Puff Quilt Pattern and has recently sponsored a sew along. Emily from Em & Bear shares her sew along journey on Instagram as she made her puff quilt from the free pattern.

If you just want to test the water with this technique you can make a fun bench or chair cushion. Jenfinwill sewed this smaller version of the puff quilt for her loyal friend. This pup looks quite content on this comfy bed!

The most interesting use of materials for a puff quilt I came across was from Sewing by Sarah.com. Sarah used an assortment of pleated face masks found on sale at Old Navy to create a puff quilt. This method was original and will definitely be a reminder in the future of our life during a pandemic.

Are you ready to give the puff quilt a try? It is beginner friendly, a great scrap buster using 4 ½” squares and as a bonus you can use up your outdated fabric for the back of the squares since it will not be seen. If you want to use some fresh fabric this Alison Glass Collection from Andover fabrics would make a bright and cheery puff quilt. Check out these Alphabitties to keep the rows organized and the Curved basting pins to hold the layers together as you sew. Have fun making a snuggly one of a kind quilt to enjoy for many years.