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Quilted biscuits are made from two squares of fabric that are sewn together and stuffed with fluffy polyester fiberfill. These tiny pillows are then sewn together to create soft, puffy quilting projects that can range in size from a potholder to a king-size quilt.

 

Since the projects are sewn entirely by machine, you can use this fast and easy quilting technique for making lots of fun items, such as accent pillows, tote bags, wall hangings, head boards, crib quilts, throws and more. The possibilities are limited only by your imagination.

 

Biscuit quilting is also a great way to use up fabric scraps. Or make a vintage quilt using old clothing or fabrics found at resale shops or even your grandmother’s attic.

 

You can make quilted biscuits in a variety of sizes, from 2” squares to 4” squares, depending on the size that is appropriate for your project. Use smaller size biscuits for small projects, such as a potholder and larger size biscuits for large projects, such as a throw or full-size quilt. 

 

Making the Biscuits

Each quilted biscuit is made from two square pieces of fabric, one  that is half an inch larger than the other. For instance, a 3” top square is sewn to a 2-1/2” bottom square, using a 1/4” seam allowance, to make a finished 2” biscuit. 

 

The smaller, bottom square should be made from lightweight muslin or similar weight fabric, so that it will not create too much bulk or weight. The bottom squares will be covered by the quilt back.

 

If your finished project will need to be washed after use, such as a pot holder or crib quilt, then prewash and press all fabrics before cutting your squares.

 

To make one biscuit, place the two fabric squares together, wrong sides facing, with the larger square on top. Align all four corners and pin together to hold in place. See Figure 1 below.

 

Start stitching at one corner with a 1/8” seam allowance. Sew several stitches, stop, make a pleat in the center of the side edge to take up the excess fabric in the top square, with the pleat folded toward you. Continue stitching over the pleat to the next corner. See Figure 2 below.

 

Note: If you prefer, you can fold your pleats and pin them into place before stitching.

 

Rotate the square and repeat stitching and pleating on two more sides. Stuff the biscuit lightly with fiberfill and stitch the remaining side closed. Do not overstuff your biscuits. You want them to be soft and puffy.

Continue making biscuits in the desired color of fabric until you have completed all the biscuits needed for the project.

 

Next, sew the biscuits together into ROWS, right sides facing, using a 1/4” seam allowance. Unlike patchwork quilting, you do not need to press the seams to one side after sewing them together. However, when pinning two ROWS of biscuits together before stitching, fold the seam allowances of the biscuits in opposite directions before you stitch over them. This helps to get evenly matched corners where four biscuits meet, and eliminates some of the bulk in the seams. 

 

Cutting the Biscuit Squares

Using a rotary cutter designed for quilting is the quickest, easiest and most accurate method for cutting the squares for your project.  Simply fold your fabric in half lengthwise and lay it on your cutting mat. Using a quilting ruler and a rotary cutter, cut strips across the grain of the fabric to the desired width. To make 3” squares, cut a strip that is 3” wide across the width of the fabric. Then cut the strip into 3” squares.

 

Adding the Quilt Back

After you have sewn all your biscuits together to form your quilt top, you will need to add a fabric back to cover the raw edges of the biscuits at the back of your quilt.

 

Choose a color of fabric, either solid or print, that coordinates with the quilt top. For a large quilt, you might need to piece the backing fabric to make it wide enough to match the quilt top dimensions. 

 

As with the fabrics for the quilt top, you will need to pre-wash the backing fabric then press to remove all wrinkles if you are making a project that will need to be washed.

 

To determine the size for the back of the quilt, lay the quilt top or smaller project on a flat surface and measure the width and length. Do not stretch the item when measuring. Cut the back to fit this measurement.

 

Stitch the quilt top to the back, with right sides facing, using a 1/4” seam allowance and leave an opening large enough for turning. Turn right side out and slip stitch the opening closed by hand or stitch by machine close to the folded edge of the opening.

 

Biscuit Quilt Trivet Project

 

The following project is a simple trivet made from 16 biscuits that are sewn together into a traditional quilting pattern. Use the design pattern below to assemble your biscuits and follow the instructions above for making the biscuits and adding the quilt back.

 

Size of squares to use: 3” top squares and 2-1/2” bottom squares to form 2” finished biscuits. The finished block should measure about 8” square.

 

Number of squares to cut from each fabric:

 

· 16 (2-1/2”) bottom squares cut from muslin

 

· 8 (3”) top squares cut from medium colored print or solid fabric

 

· 8 (3”) top squares cut from light colored print or solid fabric

Figure 1

Figure 2

· 1 quilt back in fabric of your choice approximately 8” square (measure the size of your finished block before cutting the quilt back) and follow the instructions above to attach the quilt back.

You’ll find more quilting projects, plus instructions for binding and tying biscuit quilts in Don’t Eat the Biscuits! Easy Biscuit Quilting Projects.

 

You might also want to try making a simple throw-size patchwork quilt from vintage fabrics or cherished clothing with instructions from the booklet, Bundle Up in Memories.

Both e-booklets are sold at left for $3.95 each (no shipping)

 

Visit the Blue Sage Press website for more fun how-to books and e-books about decorating, cooking, planning weddings and parties, and crafting.