Here is a quick way to make almost anything quilted, from placemats to quilts or purses to jackets. The great thing about this technique, "Stitch 'n' flip" is that you have no quilting to worry about at the end and you can use any scraps of fabric you have on hand. I prefer fabrics that complement each other (but you can use any at all); my preference is a two-color combination.
You don't need much to get started: some batting, a backing fabric, and a few strips of fabric!
Start with a piece of batting a little larger than the project you want to make. It may be a block size for a quilt or the whole side of a tote. I make mine 1/2 - 1" larger than I need. You can always trim back later. You will also need a backing fabric the same size and a number of strips in the colors of your choice. Strips can be any size you like. I chose to cut 1-1/2" strips this time, but just use what you have on hand. Tip: If your strips are not long enough, join them together to make the length you need.... it really doesn't matter.
Mark the center line of the batting. I prefer to start adding the strips to the center as it keeps the block more uniform in shape. Sometimes, if you start at one end and work to the other, the block will twist out of shape.
Place your backing fabric underneath the batting (wrong side to batting) and your first strip centered over the center line of the batting. This strip should be right side up.
center 1st strip over the center line on batting
Place your second strip on top of the first, right sides together and right (or left if you are working in the other direction) edges even. Note: it doesn't matter if your strips are a little longer than needed... they can be trimmed later.
align left edges of first two strips
With your walking foot attached (or differential feeds engaged), stitch the first two strips together through all layers down the right-hand side, making a 1/4" seam.
sew the first seam
Now flip that top strip over with the tip of the iron.
flip top strip over
Press it fully in place.
pressed in place
Now add the third strip in the same way, aligning it with the right side with the right sides facing each other. Stitch and flip pressing in place.
align third strip
Continue adding strips until the first half of the batting is covered. Here I have it half completed. Now I can turn it around and complete the second half.
half completed
After you have covered the entire batting, you can trim it to the shape you want.... or use it to cut into smaller pieces or the required parts of what you are making - perhaps a quilted jacket?
trimmed
Here's what the back looks like - all nicely quilted.
