free tutorial Archives - Made By Marney

Posted on April 28, 2026April 28, 2026 by maryhertel — 4 Comments

Cute Critters to Paper Piece

For the past year I have been featured in American Quilter. Every issue has one of my paper pieced block patterns, and a link to a helpful video on paper piecing techniques.

The May 2025 issue featured this Spring butterfly and daisy. You can watch all the videos on my Made By Marney YouTube channel. If you are new to paper piecing, or need a refresher, watch PAPER PIECING TUTORIAL: THE BUTTERFLY EFFECT on YouTube. This is a great starting point with simple tips for easy piecing.

Try some of my favorite Cute Critters in your next project…

These are CUTE CRITTER POTHOLDERS, with a Raccoon, Skunk, Porcupine, and Possum.

SILLY SAFARI QUILT includes Zebra, Toucan, Flamingo, Parrot, McCaw, and the fabulous Boa Constrictor.

POND COLLECTION includes adorable dragonflies, a turtle and a frog.

SEW CUTE & CLEVER FARM AND FOREST FRIENDS has the EASIEST animal blocks ever! It is specially designed for the beginner paper piecer. Sixteen adorable animals that you can whip together fast!

I also have an AARDVARK pattern, MOUSE, QUAIL, and EAGLE… all designed by request from various customers. Let me know what “cute critter” you need:)

Posted on February 8, 2026February 8, 2026 by maryhertel — 2 Comments

Valentine Patterns for Your Loved Ones

If you are new to paper piecing, I would love to share some tips for a beginner, or as a refresher. This past year I did a series of patterns and helpful videos for the American Quilter magazine. I can’t offer the pattern to you at this time because of publication rules, but I would love to share this short video on paper piecing tips. The video was linked to the January/February issue. Every issue in 2025 has a link to a video with my paper piecing tips.

PRESS HERE TO WATCH VIDEO

This video explains the “butterfly effect”. Understanding this helps so much when placing your pattern on the fabric. Have you ever sewn your piece, then after flipping it behind the pattern, find that your piece is not fully covered with fabric? You maybe should have placed the fabric a bit higher or lower? If you use the butterfly effect, this will never happen again. There are different approaches to paper piecing. Every little tip can help as you discover the methods that work best for you.

These adorable honeybees were the January/February 2025 block featured in American Quilter. See how the tail from the bee outlines a heart? This could work for a Valentine.

If you are looking for an idea for a hand made gift for Valentines , or just because… this pattern was published by McCalls, but is now available for sale on my Etsy shop. The FOXY VALENTINE would be super cute on a pillow or potholder.

If you have a valentine who loves animals, RACCOON ROMANCE is just the ticket. This was also published in McCalls, but now can be offered to my customers on Etsy.

This is one of my favorite gnome patterns…HEARTY GNOME. I used it for a pillow and gave it to myself 🙂

But this is my customers favorite valentine gnome…GNOME WITH HEART. Can you think of a clever way to make this into a Valentine’s gift? Please share with me at maryannhertel@gmail.com

Posted on January 10, 2022January 10, 2022 by maryhertel — 25 Comments

Scrap Busting Blog Hop

Welcome to our Scrap Busting Blog Hop, where we embrace every scrap in our sewing rooms. We are proving that there is no unusable scrap! I find that especially true in paper piecing, where I use my scraps every day. It is important to have a wide variety of colors to choose from when paper piecing, so as to find just that right print and color when piecing together an image.

Thanks to Melissa for hosting this blog hop and giving the designers a chance to share something new.

Since Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, I have created a new HEARTY GNOME block. It is cute as can be, and is free to anyone who subscribes to my blog.

This block is great for intermediate paper piecers, but could be tackled by a confident beginner, too. This sweet gnome looks great in all kinds of projects. I added him to a 12″ pillow.

I have more Valentine Gnome patterns that would pair nicely with the HEARTY GNOME.

GNOME WITH HEART would make a great companion pillow, or make a pair of potholders, or even a small table runner. This paper pieced block pattern is available on Etsy.

GNOME LOVE is not only lovely for your Valentine, but would also make a great gift for a wedding or anniversary. Notice how the space between their hats forms a heart? This pattern is also available on Etsy.

If you are new to paper piecing, visit the Video/Tutorial Page on this blog for step by step directions to paper piece using my patterns.

Thanks so much for stopping by! Please visit the SCRAP BUSTING BLOG HOP every Monday in January and February to see new Scrap Busting posts.

You can also visit these SCRAP BUSTING BLOG participants:

Quilting Room With Mel

Katie Mae Quilts

Posted on September 6, 2021October 17, 2021 by maryhertel

Protected: It’s a SEASIDE ADVENTURE Row-Along AND Give-Away!

Posted on November 17, 2020November 17, 2020 by maryhertel — 7 Comments

Paper Piecing All Year Round

My newest book, PAPER PIECING ALL YEAR ROUND, is ready for pre-sale from Amazon. I don’t even have a copy of it yet…that’s how new it is!

This book has something for everyone. I have designed 2 images for each month of the year… that means you will be getting 24 paper pieced block patterns, plus the patterns for 7 different projects. All blocks fit in all patterns in this book, as well as all of the projects in my previous 5 books.

These 2 adorable Gnomes are the images for March. Here I have used them together in a pillow. Pillow pattern is included, as are all of the projects I show you in this post.

These 2 July puppies are shown in MINI QUILTS that work great on wire quilt stands, or even as wall hangings.

Lots of customers have been asking me for a Squirrel pattern, so I am including him in this book. These September POTHOLDERS can also be used as MINI QUILTS.

Here are 2 TURKEYS that would look great in your home for November!

Start whipping up some early Christmas gifts with these stinkin’ cute December dog blocks. So easy…you could make these in a day!

This BABY BLANKET whips together in no time. Use any 3 cute blocks of your choice and you are on your way to an adorable baby gift.

These super easy hand towels could be used in your kitchen or bathroom. Customize them with any 2 images from my book. Wouldn’t the Octopus and Crab also work great as bath towels?

As you can see, you are getting LOTS … with 24 paper pieced block patterns, and 7 project patterns! But just for fun, let’s add an extra FREE project pattern right here! Attach any of the Mini Quilts to the top of this CALENDAR HOLDER with a strip of Velcro. This will make the Mini Quilts interchangeable.

This Calendar Holder is 15″ wide and 28″ long.

Cut from main fabric: Cut one 15″ x 28″ rectangle. Cut one 15″ x 25″ rectangle for pocket (to be folded in half). Cut two 2 1/2″ x WOF strips for binding.

Cut from muslin: Cut one 15″ x 28″ rectangle for backing.

Cut from fusible fleece: Cut one 15″ x 28″ rectangle for main body. Cut one 15″ x 12 1/2″ for pocket.

Cut from Fast 2 Fuse Interfacing, Heavy: Cut two 2″ x 15″ strips. Cut one 4″ x 15″ strip.

Fuse the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the 15″ x 28″ main body using a pressing cloth. Fuse one of the 2″ x 15″ Fast 2 Fuse strips to the wrong side of the main body, at the top. Fuse the 4″ x 15″ Fast 2 Fuse strip to the center. Pin the muslin to the back of the main body. Top stitch approximately 1/4″ from the edges of all Fast 2 Fuse pieces through all layers, to keep them in place.
Pocket: Fuse the 12 1/2″ x 15″ fusible fleece to the wrong side of the pocket, at the bottom. Fuse the remaining 2″ x 15″ Fast 2 Fuse strip overlapping the top of the fusible fleece. this will give extra strength to the top of the pocket. Fold the remainder of the fabric to the back of the pocket for lining. Top stitch 1/4″ from the edges of the Fast 2 Fuse strip to keep it in place.
Pin the pocket at the bottom of the main body, matching the bottom corners and the raw edges. Prepare the 2 strips of binding. Bind around the 4 sides of the calendar holder, catching the pocket as you stitch.
Hand sew a hanging pocket to the back, or hang as desired.
Slide a piece of cardboard into the pocket, then slide in the calendar. I used a calendar from the Dollar Store, which came with the a piece of cardboard.
Machine stitch a 10″ strip of velcro 1″ from the top of the Calendar holder, on the right side.
Hand stitch a strip of Velcro to the back of any of the Mini Quilts to hang at the top of your Calendar Holder.

Posted on September 6, 2020September 6, 2020 by maryhertel — 1 Comment

Facebook Live Free Tutorial

Wednesday, September 9, join me on C & T Facebook Live. At 2:00 pm CST I will be demonstrating how to paper piece the SEAHORSE BLOCK from my newest book: SEW MAGICAL. If you want to paper piece along with me, purchase the book now, so you will have a copy of the pattern.

I love this book soooo much…

This is the Seahorse Block that I will be creating on Facebook Live. The book also has visual step by step directions for paper piecing. If we don’t get the entire block done together on Facebook, it will be easy to use the book to finish the block later, on your own. To sew along with me, have some scraps of three different colored fabrics ready, similar to what you see above. For the background fabric, you will need approximately a Fat Eighth of fabric. That’s a piece that is 9″ by 21″. For the fin, a directional fabric is fine, and I will give you some tips as how to add a directional fabric to your paper pieced block.

The directions to make this Seahorse Baby Quilt are also in the Sew Magical book.

Soooo…tune into C&T on Facebook on Wednesday, September 9 at 2 pm CST. Get lots of free tips on paper piecing. Can’t wait to see you there!

Posted on June 10, 2020June 10, 2020 by maryhertel — 12 Comments

Breezy Butterfly patterns FREE!

Welcome summer! These BREEZY BUTTERFLIES are just right for some warm weather paper piecing.

These patterns are easy enough for beginners, but fun for intermediate paper piecers, too. If you are new to paper piecing, watch some of my free tutorials on my “Video and Tutorials” page.

Please consider subscribing so you can download the FREE BUTTERFLY PATTERNS HERE:

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After subscribing, the Butterfly downloads will be sent directly to your email.

Posted on June 1, 2020June 1, 2020 by maryhertel — 7 Comments

The Last Unicorn and other FREE STUFF

Welcome to our 2019 Once Upon A Story Row-A-Long. A big THANK YOU to Marian Pena and her hours of preparation time organizing this years event.

My featured fairy tale is The Last Unicorn, by Peter Beagle.

The Last Unicorn is a lovely story about a unicorn who dreams big!

This paper pieced unicorn row measures 9″ x 18″. This includes the outer border. The letters “Dream Big” are machine embroidered onto the finished block. But, any word or name could be used. And if machine embroidery is not your thing, a word could be appliqued in the space above the unicorn.

This pattern is NO LONGER FREE, but can be found at UNICORN ON ETSY. The FREE pattern has expired and now is available in MADE BY MARNEY ETSY SHOP.

And now for the GIVE-AWAY! If unicorns are your thing, you will love my new pattern “UNICORN QUILT”. You can win this pattern free, just leave a COMMENT below. I would love to hear what your favorite subject matter is for a quilt.

This quilt is excellent for a beginner. The paper pieced blocks are super easy. The Unicorn is paper pieced, and the flowers and alphabet letters are applique. This is a great quilt to personalize.

Not a paper piecer? Watch my free tutorials: PAPER PIECING TUTORIAL #1 and PAPER PIECING TUTORIAL #2

Click on RAFFLECOPTER to
enter the GIVE-AWAY.

Please visit the other bloggers participating today in this Row-A-Long.

Posted on April 16, 2020April 16, 2020 by maryhertel — 21 Comments

FREE MASK PATTERN: Mask Making 101

I have had requests to share a pattern for the masks I am donating. This pattern was originally found on the Craft Passion website. I give all the credit possible to this site for the original pattern. After making a bunch of the masks, I have tweeked the pattern to be a bit more fitted. Now I am super happy with the fit, and it is a very easy pattern to assemble.

I’ve already sewn over 150 face masks to give-away to friends and family. This is not a medical mask, but a mask to use for home, grocery shopping, etc. However, it is very easy to adapt this pattern to add a pocket on the back to hold an N95 filter.

Download the FACE MASK PATTERN HERE. Set your printer at CUSTOM 100%. Make sure the little box on the pattern measures 1 inch square.

Cut 2 main fabric pieces, 2 lining pieces, and 2 fusible interfacing pieces. I use the same interfacing used for T-shirt quilts. The interfacing is optional.
Fuse the interfacing to the back of the 2 main fabric pieces.
Sew the seam at the front of the 2 main pieces, and the front of the 2 lining pieces.

4. Clip the curves on both pieces, then press the seams towards one side. Topstitch 1/8″ from the seam on the Main piece only. I am using white thread so you can see the topstitching.

6. Pin the lining to the main piece, right sides together.

7. Press under 1/4″ along the lining and main fabric pieces, just on one end of the mask. The other end will be sewn shut.

8. Sew all the way around the mask, leaving the one end open for turning.

9. Clip the curve by the nose area.

10. Turn the mask right side out through the turning hole on the side. A turning tool or knitting needle is helpful. Press.

11. Top stitch 1/4″ from the edge.

12. Press under each end on the “FOLD” line shown on the pattern. Place a 9″ piece of Round Cord Elastic under the flap and stitch the flap down. On this mask I am using 2mm elastic, but 1mm also works fine.

13. Tie a knot in the elastic .

14. Pull the knot into the channel created by the fold.

This mask fits an adult female. Men may need a longer elastic. If the mask is too small for a man, increase the size of the pattern by about 1/4″ along the top and sides for a man, decrease 1/4″ for a child’s size.

Let’s keep everyone safe! Happy mask making.

Posted on February 4, 2020February 8, 2020 by maryhertel — 7 Comments

A “Trunk Full” of Love For You!

I’m sharing some of my favorite patterns that have HEARTS for Valentine’s Day! Enjoy…

The ENOUGH ELEPHANTS pillow and lap quilt are both included in my pattern. These quirky elephants are so easy to paper piece.

This adorable LOAD OF LOVE dump truck would make a super cute pillow for your truck lovers! Those are buttons on the wheels for easy hubcaps. You know I like to keep things easy.

I love my SCALLOPED HEART PILLOW! Designing all the scallops took some time, and I would recommend this project for an intermediate paper piecer. My fond customer Marilyn created this adorable project that I just have to share…

Thanks so much for visiting today. If you are new to paper piecing, consider watching my FREE tutorials. Just click the Tutorial tab at the top of this page.

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