Hi friends! I’m Jessica of Quiltd Studios. As a modern quilt pattern designer, I’m always looking for ways to mix quilting and modern home living. These Scandinavian quilted hearts are perfect for just that! And it’s a super fast project, just in time for Valentine’s Day.
I love decorating for holidays, especially Valentine’s Day! Something about love (okay maybe it’s all the chocolate..) just gets me. These nine patch hearts are great for decorating tables, entries, and mantles! And the best part? They are perfect for using up scraps!
Scandinavian Quilted Hearts – perfect for Valentine’s Day! These hearts are a lovely accent for wreaths, garlands, tables, or anywhere else that needs a touch of love. Traditionally made with felt or paper for Christmastime, these hearts are a love-inspired Valentine version.
Scandinavian Quilted Hearts - Perfect For Valentine's Day!
DOWNLOAD THE HEART TEMPLATE
This tutorial makes two Scandinavian hearts and uses strip quilting to make it even faster!
Supplies Needed For Scandinavian Quilted Hearts
- 2 Fabric scraps each one totaling at least 6” x 8.25” (referred to as fabrics A, B)
- 2 Fabric scraps each one totaling at least 7” x 7” (referred to as fabrics C, D)
- Heart Template (Download)
- Iron on fusible felt (optional)
- String/ribbon/twine for hanging (optional)
- Sewing machine and thread
- Iron Supplies
How to make the Scandinavian Quilted Hearts
Begin by gathering your supplies. Cut the following fabrics:
For the tops of the hearts (the nine patch) cut the following from fabric scraps A and B:
- Three (3) 1.5” x 4.5”
- Two (2) 3.75” x 3”
In total, there should be six (6) 1.5” x 4.5” rectangles and four (4) 3.75” x 3” rectangles.
Creating Strip Sets For The Quilted Hearts
Sew right sides together (RST) two (2) 1.5” x 4.5” Fabric A rectangles on opposite sides of one (1) 1.5” x 4.5” Fabric B rectangle.
Repeat these steps, replacing Fabric B for Fabric A as shown below.
At this point, there will be two little strip sets (so cute, so tiny!). Seams can be pressed open or down on one strip set and up on the second strip set to create nesting seams.
Cut the strip sets into 1.5” strips using a ruler and rotary cutter (or good old-fashioned scissors!).
Making the Nine Patch
Arrange the strips in an alternating pattern as shown below and sew RST. You can press the seams open or down/up.
Attaching the Heart Tops
To complete the heart tops, sew RST one (1) 3.75” x 3” Color A rectangle to the top edge of the nine patch. Repeat with the second nine patch.
Repeat on the other side, sewing RST one (1) 3.75” x 3” Color B rectangle to create a heart shape.
Create The Back of the Scandinavian Quilted HEarts
You’re almost finished! Let’s create the back of the hearts.
Cut out the heart template and trace it onto Fabric C and Fabric D scraps. Cut out the hearts. There should be two fabric hearts, roughly 6.5” x 6.5”.
Trace the heart template onto the fusible iron-on felt and cut out two (2) hearts. Iron the fusible felt to the back of the Fabric C and Fabric D hearts.
Sew the Backs of the Scandinavian Quilted Hearts to the fronts
Now the fun part, making the hearts! Before beginning, cut a few inches of twine, string, or ribbon (depending on the length that you need).
Make a sandwich by placing the nine patch heart top facing up. Place the twine on the top, with the loop facing the bottom of the heart. Place the backing of the heart, fusible felt facing up. Make sure that the ends of the string are peeking out from the middle of the heart.
Sew a ¼” seam around the perimeter, leaving a 2” hole on the side to flip the heart right side out. I usually back stitch at the beginning and end. Using the needle down function can assist with some of the turns and shortening your stitch length may make it easier.
Repeat all steps with the second heart.
Trim The Seams of the hearts
Trim the seams of the heart, with especially narrow seams near the strings (will help with any puckering, etc.).
Flip the hearts right sides out and finish the Edges
Flip your hearts right sides out using the hole. Tuck the edges of the hole into the heart creating a 1/4” seam and sew a small stitch around the entire heart (1/8” – ¼” depending on your preference) making sure that the stitch secures the hole.
This step is optional, you could whip stitch the hole closed, however sewing around the perimeter helps the heart lay flatter.
Finishing the Scandinavian Quilted Hearts
In my opinion, this is the best part! It’s all the fun of quilting, without the giant quilt! Lengthen your stitch and quilt across the surface of the heart. I found the by following the edge of my sewing machine’s foot, it was easy to create symmetrical lines. Have fun! Trim the loose ends of thread.
These hearts really are perfect for decorating, I love how different fabrics create different patterns; it’s a fun and easy way to use up scraps. Be sure to use the hashtag #scandiquilthearts when sharing on social media so we can see all your beautiful hearts!
