2024 Best of the Blog; Reader Favorite Projects

A look back on some of the most popular free patterns, projects, and tutorials shared on the Polka Dot Chair during 2024.

Woman with quilt draped around back, outdoors in woods near lake - image has text overlay

(quilt pattern is Stripey Sails & Stars)

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Each December, I enjoy looking back at the content and projects shared here on the Polka Dot Chair during the year. I love to see what you guys loved the most. Every year, without fail, there are surprises.

Projects I almost didn’t post because I didn’t think you guys would like them (then you loved them), and projects that I was sure would be a big “hit” that are misses. After 17 years of blogging, it’s nice to know that you guys can still surprise me!

I know the numbers don’t tell the full story, but it’s still fun to reminisce and look back.

I had some clarity this year regarding blog content and felt my editorial calendar was more organized. That doesn’t mean that I accomplished as much as I would have liked that year, but it does mean that I felt like I got in a good rhythm.

2024 Block of the Month

I LOVED running the block of the month program in our Patreon group this year. It allowed me to dive into the nitty gritty details behind making a quilt.

pink and green traditional quilt hanging on wall

Each month, when I shared the video tutorial to create the quilt block, I shared everything I could think of to help you create a quilt block you’re proud of, and I loved that the platform allowed me to go into that kind of detail.

I’m excited to delve in again in 2025 with a brand new pattern! (If you join the group, you can buy “catch-up” blocks and still make our 2024 quilt; the videos are all there).

Fabric Collections

In 2024, I released my 16th fabric collection with Riley Blake Designs, Tulip Cottage.

blue, green and pink quilt on bed in bright room

I enjoyed creating my 2024 Riley Blake Block Challenge quilt from the collection, which is now one of my all-time favorites!

Looking towards 2025

Aside from the 2025 Block of the Month series, I have a few other things I want to start in 2025. One of my goals is to post more on YouTube. I have a few ideas for new series and content there.

I also plan to add more “Quilting 101″ posts to the site. I know many of you are just beginning your “quilting era,” I hope to have more articles and videos to help you get the most out of this phase of your creative life! (if you have specific requests, leave them in the comments section, and I’ll add them to my “to-do” list).

Now, without further adieu, here are ten of the top posts from 2024.

Top 10 Posts of 2024

Pink and red mini quilted stockings on white tabletop with Christmas decorations

1. Creative Things Sew with Christmas Fabrics

You guys loved some of my ideas for what to make with all that Christmas fabric you’ve been hoarding (don’t feel bad; I’m hoarding some, too, LOL!).

blue and white star baby quilt on quilt rack in white room

2. 21 of my Favorite Quilt Patterns for Beginner to Intermediate Quilters

I shared some of my favorite free quilt patterns for those of you who are beginner to intermediate quilters. I hope you found the list helpful!

Tulip quilt on quilt ladder in front of white wall

3. Tried & True Layer Cake Patterns

I love a good precut quilt pattern! I shared some of my favorite “go-to” quilt patterns for 10″ precuts or Layer Cake Quilt Patterns.

Ivory quilted zip pouch with blue bird on white countertop with blue fabrics poking out the top

4. 12 Quilted Projects to Make that Aren’t Quilts

Sometimes, you want to quilt but not create a big finished quilt! These are some of my favorite small quilted projects that aren’t quilts!

several colorful Christmas quilt blocks on white pinboard

5. The Festive Friends Quilt Along

To be honest, I didn’t know if you guys would like the Festive Friends Quilt Along or not, but you did, and I’m so happy! I’m already planning for next year (I have so many ideas for new “friends”). Make sure you visit the individual blog posts to print the patterns before the end of the year!

pink, green, yellow and ivory patchwork quilt on wall with toys in the foreground

6. Gathered Quarters Nine Patch Quilt Pattern – Free

The idea for this Fat Quarter Nine Patch Quilt started when my daughters pulled out all the fat quarters that they “liked” from my fabric stash! Looking for an easy quilt pattern to create with them (with minimal waste), the Gathered Quarters quilt was born!

Pink, green and blue quilt made using rectangles of fabric.

7. Tulip Cottage Gathered Precuts Quilt Pattern – Free

Another great precut quilt pattern that is so fun to create! The Gathered Precuts Quilt pattern uses a 10″ layer cake and a bit of yardage. It’s so fun and fast to sew!

pink quilt block on cutting mat with fabric

8. Vintage Delight Quilt Block Pattern

The Vintage Delight Quilt Block was block one of the 2024 Riley Blake Block challenge! I loved how it turned out; that little fussy-cut house makes me smile every time I look at it!

blue and ivory baby quilt on bed with gray elephant toy

9. Easy Irish Chain Baby Quilt Pattern

I’ve reached the phase of life where my nieces and nephews are all having babies! I made so many baby quilts this year. This Irish Chain Baby Quilt was created for a sweet little grand-nephew who debuted this month!

quilted tote bag on navy chair next to pool

10. Sailboat Tote Quilted Bag Tutorial

One of my favorite things from 2024 was the Summer Block Party I hosted with some of my quilting friends! I ended up with a few extra blocks from that project and turned one into a cute tote bag! If you don’t love sailboats, you can make this cute tote with any 12″ quilt block!