by Tasha
Three-yard quilt patterns are a great way to use up some of that fabric you buy without a specific project in mind, we’re all guilty! Here are some resources to find a variety of quilt patterns to use up some of that stash!
When making a 3-yard quilt pattern, it will typically turn out to be a throw, lap-size quilt or baby quilt size, due to the limited amount of fabric being used. So, you won’t find any king size quilt patterns here. But who doesn’t love a good lap quilt? For most of the patterns you’ll want to have your primary/focal fabric and two contrasting fabrics for a total of 3 yards of fabric. The more contrast in the three fabrics the more these patterns will really pop!
For most of these patterns, all you’ll need are your standard quilting supplies which typically include your sewing machine, thread, iron, ruler, rotary cutter, cutting mat, needles and whatever else you typically use. The patterns I found below don’t call for any special rulers, which makes it nice to whip up a quick project. You’ll also need additional fabric for the binding and backing as that is not included in the fabric requirements.
#1-17 – SewSheCan – Free 3-Yard Quilt Patterns
SewSheCan has 17 FREE quilt patterns and tutorials available on their website that require three one-yard cuts of fabric. Most of the are traditional patterns using what I would call “classic” quilt blocks. The patterns are free, and they have options for you to sign up to her newsletter to be able to print one PDF for free every day. They also have additional options to pay fees to get PDF downloads. However, all of the free patterns can be accessed via the website. Of all the patterns they offer, the Starship Baby Quilt and XOXO Quilt patterns jumped out to me! They offer step-by-step instructions so you really should check them out, especially for new quilters.
#18 – 98 – Paid Fabric Cafe 3-Yard Patterns
FabricCafe is another website packed full of three-yard patterns. However, these patterns are available for purchase as digital downloads. When you search their website, you get about 80 3-yard patterns available for purchase around $6 per pattern for each PDF download.
A lot of these patterns are traditional in appearance and use quilt blocks you’ve seen before (squares, flying geese, friendship stars, pinwheels, etc.). However, if you’re a beginner quilter there are some easy quilt patterns in here to try.
If you decide to buy a pattern from Fabric Cafe, you also might want to look into their 3-yard bundles of fabric to help make your fabric selection easier.
See this Instagram post where they round up their Top 10 3-yard patterns of 2023!
#99 – 101 – Missouri Start Quilt Company Video Tutorial
Missouri Start Quilt Company has a video tutorial where they show you three different options for making a quilt top with only 3-yards of fabric. These are based on the quilt patterns produced by Fabric Cafe in their book “Moder Vides with 3-Yard Quilts”. The video features Jacob’s Ladder, the Dominique and the Jigsaw quilt from a book by Donna Robertson for Fabric Cafe.
#102 – Design Your Own
You’ll have to get creative if you want something a little more outside the box and less traditional. I once made a quilt completely out of half square triangles, there are so many different options you have to create many designs with that simple block. Below is the photo of the quilt I did, I wish I had taken better pictures and notes back then! I might be due for another HST quilt soon!
Wrap Up
Hopefully this article has helped you come up with some ideas for your next beautiful quilt top project. If I’m missing a great pattern that should be listed, let me know. Or I’d love to know if you have tried any of the quilts above.
If you break out your rotary cutters and sewing machine, I’d love to see what you create! Give me a follow on Instagram!
