Every year I come across new, cute ideas for summer-themed sewing projects: including everything from quilts and quilt blocks, to hoop art, coasters, pillows, and handy tote bags.
I decided to it would be fun create a list of them all in one handy place for reference and once again I’ve updated the list.
There’s a wide variety of ideas here, both quick and easy, as well as more complex projects. Some of them are free patterns or tutorials, others need to be purchased.
There’s definitely a little something for everyone!
I think that even just scrolling through these bright, cheerful projects will add a a little bottled sunshine to brighten your mood and inspire you. Not to mention, remind us of what makes summer so fun.
And if you’ve already got too many projects on your plate right now, just pin this image to help you find all of these projects again.
Small Summer Sewing Projects
These Strawberry Coasters by Nadra of Ellis & Higgs are a perennial favorite. Quilted Strawberry Coaster tutorial here.
Another quilted coaster variation are these cute leaves designed by Sedef of Down Grapevine Lane. Quilted Leaf Coaster tutorial here.
Or maybe you’ve got some orphan quilt blocks laying around – they’d also make simple quilted drink coasters.
Hello Summer retro-style hoop art project tutorial by Bev of Flamingo Toes
Parfait Pouch tutorial by Dana of Made Everyday
Handy reversible pool-side tote bag tutorial by Amanda of Jedi Craft Girl
Outdoor Pillow tutorial with applique from Melissa at the Polkadot Chair
Tara Reed shows how to make a simple water bottle carrier handy for carrying water bottles on hikes or days at the beach.
Tara also has a simple tutorial for fabric sleeves to hold Freezer Pops
Patchwork T-Shirt Tutorial:
Carmen Geddes shares a video tutorial for making an easy, scrappy raw-edge applique patchwork T-shirt
Summer-themed Mini Quilt Ideas
Pixelated Pineapple mini quilt tutorial from Sassafras Lane Designs
Sunny Days mini quilt pattern from Center Street Quilts
You are my Sunshine mini quilt pattern from Ameroonie Designs
Also from Ameroonie Designs – a fun new Popsicle mug rug tutorial – I love all of the variations she shows.
A few other popsicle options: Two Scoops mini quilt pattern (features foundation paper-piecing) from Christopher Thompson of the Tattooed Quilter
Popsicle Party quilted table runner by Megan of Canoe Ridge Creations – free pattern Popsicle Party PDF here.
S’moores Embroidery Hoop Art tutorial by Bev of Flamingo Toes
The cutest ever Nautical quilt blocks from Nadra of Ellis and Higgs
Summer Fruit Mini Quilts from Ameroonie Designs – pattern includes a variety of different applique fruit designs.
Ideas for Summer-themed Quilts
Pixelated Pineapple pattern by Jackie Padesky. Free Pineapple pattern PDF here.
Firefly Quilt by Pen & Paper patterns. (This quilt makes me swoon a little.)
I equally love this Fresh As A Daisy quilt pattern also from Pen & Paper patterns.
Mod Melons free quilt pattern from Suzy Quilts
Giant Sliced watermelon wedge quilt pattern from Slice of Pi Quilts
Citrus Slice table runner and quilt pattern by Whole Circle Studio
Rise – Hot Air Balloon quilt pattern by Alli of Woodberry Way
Popsicle Parade quilt pattern by Melanie Collette of Hello Melly Designs
Pineapple Love Quilt pattern by Maker Valley
Beach Bum baby quilt by Hello Melly Designs – can you see the towels and beach umbrellas on the sand next to the water?
Summer Bunting FQ quilt pattern is a quick one to make. Summer Bunting quilt pattern found here.
Pixelated Rose free quilt pattern PDF from Riley Blake Designs
And there you go! How’s that for a bunch of quilty bottled sunshine? Might be even more therapeutic to take one of these ideas for summer-themed sewing projects in the middle winter to have it ready for next summer as well as keep that sunshine in your life on cold, gray days.
Suzanne
What a fun post, Amy! I have never thought about making a quilt with a “summer” theme. And why not? We make Christmas quilts, Halloween and autumn quilts, Valentine themed quilts and pretty pastel quilts in the spring. Thank you for so many good ideas to jump start a new season of quilting.
charlotte m.
Great selection of patterns. I saw two in there that I have made. I would love to make a watermelon quilt!
Joan Lesmeister
Wow! Love it all! I’m 79 & still get excited to see all the wonderful sewing projects! Just finished two baby quilts for new Dutch great-grandbaby & his 3 year old brother, & did 2 cloth books…very fun..but I’m sure slow now., took me a long while..but, they made it to our family….I prayed they wouldn’t get lost! Now I’m thinking what next? Thanks for all the inspiration! XO Joan