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.
And check out this scrappy quilt-as-you-go version Amber from One Shabby Chick made where she increased the size slightly:
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
The Alpen Belt Bag from Center Street Quilts is on my list of bags I want to make. This would be such a cute accessory for summer travels.
Patchwork T-Shirt Tutorial:
Carmen Geddes shares a video tutorial for making an easy, scrappy raw-edge applique patchwork T-shirt
@tinkerellen shows how to make an adorable, lightweight quilt block applique t-shirt in this video
Summer-themed Mini Quilts and Tablerunners
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 Popsicle mug rug tutorial - I love all of the variations she shows.
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
and Ice Cream Scoop foundation paper-piecing blocks by Quilty Pie found here
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.
Summer-themed Quilt Ideas
Last year (2024) I contributed a block to the Nautical Summer Block Party quilt. It was so much fun. You can find links to the blocks for this quilt here.
I love this Juice Pops quilt by Andy of A Bright Corner. It's precuts-friendly and comes in 5 size options. I've seen a version made in ombre fabrics and it looks so cool!
I love the designs from Lindsey of Pen & Paper patterns. This Pineberry quilt has summer vibes all over it. Her Firefly Quilt and Sweet Treat quilt patterns are also perfect for summer.
Another great one from Pen & Paper is this Fresh As A Daisy quilt pattern
Mod Melons free quilt pattern from Suzy Quilts. This one has been on my "to make" list for years.
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
Free 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 quilt-y 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.
Looking for more summer-inspired quilt ideas? I've got a whole pinboard here!
Suzanne says
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. says
Great selection of patterns. I saw two in there that I have made. I would love to make a watermelon quilt!
Joan Lesmeister says
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
Billie Shannon says
I’m 79 too and find the same thing. I’m no longer the first one done in a quilt class. More likely the last one done.
Mary Fandel says
thank you for all the cute patterns. I can make some with my granddaughters. Also thank you for the free sentimental stars pattern. I can't wait to get stated on it. Keep up all the information you send us. Mary Fary
Amy says
You're welcome! ❤
Mary Fandel says
I meant to say keep all the information you send us keep coming. Mary
Victoria Hensley says
Adorable ideas! Thanks so much for the freebies, too!
Carolyn says
Lovely ideas, Amy!! Thank you so much for the inspiration. I am so excited for summer to be here and am also trying to get back into shape after two hip surgeries. I so love being outside in the summertime. And I have purchased some Albion fq but not sure yet how I'll use them. Beautiful fabrics though and the perfect blend of colors!
Enjoy your summer ♡
Amy says
Thank you, Carolyn!
Amy says
You're welcome!
CARA says
totally agree with you about the fire fly quilt!
Monica Holroyd says
I really love receiving your emails and each time I open them there is so much inspiration. A lot of work and detail goes into them I'm sure. So just a BIG THANK YOU for always igniting the inspiration fires.
Amy Smart says
Aww, thank you Monica! I'm so happy to hear that.