Cadence Poole
July 9, 2022
Each year I discover unique, cute ideas for summer arts and crafts projects, including everything from sewing and quilting in season-appropriate designs to embroidering on mats, coasters, throw pillows, and tote bags.
It was fun to create a comprehensive list of them all in one place, and so I have once again updated it.
There’s a wide variety of approaches to creating art here, including both quick and easy ones as well as projects that require more time and patience. Many patterns or tutorials are available for free, some are purchases. (Including some affiliate links)
There are a couple of enticing options to pick from!
I think scrolling through these joyful, cheerful projects will inject a bit of sunshine into your day, lighten your mood, and inspire you. Additionally, these extravagant paintings remind us of the picturesque nature of summer.
If you’re already managing your workload, just download this image and pin it to keep your projects neatly organized.
Small summer sewing projects may be enjoyed
These Strawberry Coasters by Nadra of Ellis & Higgs are a perennial favorite.
Eugene Rojas created these lovely leaves as another kind of this quilted coaster. 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
Handy reversible pool-side tote bag tutorial by Amanda of Jedi Craft Girl
Outdoor Pillow tutorial with applique from Melissa at the Polkadot Chair
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
Adorable Citrus Wedge (above) and Ice Cream Scoop (below) 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.
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 observe towels and beach umbrellas near the water?
The 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 of winter to have it ready for next summer as well as keep that sunshine in your life on cold, gray days.
