These quilt blocks don’t call for a needle and thread.
Instead, you can make them with paper, or felt and glue, or wood and paint, or even the Styrofoam in your trash can! Sometimes I need a little break from sewing (orrrrr my sewing machine is in the shop, ahem), but I NEVER need a break from all the fun patterns and beautiful colors involved in quiltmaking. So instead, I just sidestep my love of quilts into some alternate crafts!
Below, check out my favorite no-sew quilt blocks from all kinds of fun materials. I think you’re going to find your next favorite project on this list!
Building Blocks Quilt Block Puzzle
I’m already obsessed with painting building blocks, so you know I LOVE this idea for a painted building block set that can be used to make patterns like quilt blocks. Squares and half-square triangles can make SO many patterns! Kids would absolutely love this painted set of building blocks, but hey–adults like to play with patterns and blocks, too!
Cross-Stitch Quilt Block
Okay, yes, cross-stitching is sewing, but it’s not quilting! Instead of sitting in front of a sewing machine, sit in a comfy armchair (or, if you’re me, in the passenger seat of the car, because I do NOT help drive on road trips, mwa-ha-ha!), and make a completely different type of quilt.
Decoupaged Wood Quilt
If you don’t love the process of painting, scrapbook paper might be just what you need! This mosaic quilt block is made by decoupaging scrapbook paper to cut wood. I love how the scrapbook paper looks just like fun prints of quilting cotton.
Felt and Glue Mini Quilt Blocks
These mini quilts are super easy to make with just scissors and glue. At just 1.5″ square, you can turn them into adorable magnets or pinbacks.
Painted Cardboard Quilt Garland
My favorite part of this painted quilt garland is the use of negative space. Cardboard is such a pretty color when you take the time to really look at it!
Painted Wooden Barn Quilt
These barn quilts look just as great on a porch as they do on the side of a barn, and you can make them with wood, plenty of paint, masking tape, and lots and lots of precision! If you find the idea intimidating, here’s a different walk-through of the process.
Painted Quilt Coasters
If the idea of a barn quilt–or maybe just the actuality of a barn quilt!–is too big, go for a small version with these painted barn quilt coasters. Paint both sides, and you’ve got an adorable ornament!
Paper Quilt
This is an extremely accessible, kid-friendly project–all you need are colored paper, scissors, and glue! I love this as a group project, because everybody’s contribution is different, beautiful, and necessary to complete the whole.
Printed Quilt Block Ornaments
If you love the small-scale look, there’s an even shorter shortcut to get your own mini quilt block: a printable! Use eco-friendly materials and methods, and this ornament is as easy as printing, cutting, and pasting.
Quilt Coloring Pages
Whether you want to plan out just the right colorway and pattern, or you just want something cozy to do of an evening, I love this collection of quilt coloring pages made by an actual human.
Stamped Quilt Pattern Patches
Using a DIY stamp to create the patterns in a quilt block is SUCH a clever idea! It’s even cuter that the author of this tutorial is using the technique to make patches. I’d LOVE little quilts covering all the rips in my jeans!
Styrofoam and Fabric Faux Quilt
You obviously don’t want to be going out and buying brand-new Styrofoam for this project, but it’s also awful to have Styrofoam foisted upon you for whatever reason and then have nothing you can do with it but throw it out. With this project, your Styrofoam is assured of an awesome new forever home!
Wooden Mosaic Quilt
Woodworkers can do some REALLY awesome quiltmaking! This block is made from cut wood, stain, and glue. I love how the precise cutting does most of the work here.
P.S. Do YOU have a favorite quilt block project that doesn’t require sewing? Tell us about it in the Comments!
