Free Motion Quilt Soup Bowl Cozy

If you’re anything like me, you have a stack of free motion quilt samples sitting around, waiting for a project. These little quilt sandwiches consist of two pieces of fabric with batting in between. They are perfect for practicing your free motion quilting skills. I tend to accumulate quite a few of these samples when I travel to quilt shows. I show for Juki America. So, I decided to re-purpose them into something useful: a soup bowl cozy!

In this post, I’ll guide you on using your free motion quilt samples. We will make a bowl cozy, step by step. And the best part? You can download a free PDF Bowl Cozy template to help cut out the cozy shape.

Materials List

To get started, you’ll need two quilt sandwich squares, each at least 11” x 11”. These will become the pieces for your bowl cozy. If you don’t have any free motion quilt samples, create your own by quilting two pieces of fabric. Make sure to sandwich the batting between them. You will also need the Free Bowl Cozy Template.

Tools and Supplies

Sewing Machine (I used my Juki DX-4000 QVP)
Thread (I used Aurifil 50wt thread for quilting and construction)
Paper Scissors
Fabric Scissors (I used KIA Shears)
Sewing Pins
Wonder Clips

Step 1: Download and Print the Template

The first thing you need to do is download the free PDF Bowl Cozy template. Be sure to print it at 100% scale (actual size) —no scaling! Once printed, measure the square on the template. Confirm it’s the correct size before you cut out your fabric.

Step 2: Cut the Cozy Pieces

Take each quilted square and fold it in half, then in half again to form a smaller square. Align the corner of your template with the folded corner of the square. Trace around the curved edges of the template. Don’t bother tracing the straight lines that meet at the folded corner. Once you have traced the template onto your folded square, cut along the traced lines. Be careful not to cut that folded corner!

When you unfold the fabric, you should have a perfectly shaped piece ready to be sewn into a cozy.

Step 3: Sew the Darts

Next, fold the fabric (right sides together) so that the darts match up.

Use wonder clips or pins to hold everything in place. Then sew along the dart seams. Back-stitch at the beginning and end for extra durability. Repeat this process for both of your quilted pieces.

Step 4: Combine the Two Pieces

Now, place the two quilted pieces right sides together and pin around the edges.

Be sure to leave a small gap so you can turn the cozy right side out later. Sew around the edges, making sure to leave that gap for turning.

Step 5: Turn and Finish

Carefully turn your cozy right side out. A chopstick or another pointed tool can help push out the seams, giving your cozy a neat finish. To close the gap, fold the raw edges inward. Then, top stitch around the entire edge or hand stitch it closed with a whip stitch.

You need a sewing machine with piercing power to stitch this closed. There are several layers of fabric and batting to consider and conquer!

Watch the Tutorial

Watch the video

Why Use Free Motion Quilt Practice Squares?

Transforming your free motion quilt squares into bowl cozies is a fantastic idea. This re-purposes your practice pieces into something functional. It’s also fun.

They also make great gifts for family and friends and add a unique, personal touch to your kitchen. Plus, this project is beginner-friendly and quick, perfect for any quilter looking to clear out their stash of quilt samples.

Get the Template and Join the Fun!

Ready to give this a try? Don’t forget to download the free bowl cozy template by subscribing to the newsletter. And if you’re feeling extra inspired, why not join the Bowl Cozy Swap I’m hosting? It’s a great way to share your creations with fellow quilters!