What Quilters Are Saying
“I love being able to add a little message right onto the quilt. It makes the whole project feel more personal.”
“The printed interfacing makes the Chatter Boxes so easy to cut and sew. No drawing my own shapes!”
“These are such a fun way to add names, captions and little surprises to a quilt.”
“I used Chatter Boxes on a gift quilt and the message made it extra special.”
Why Use Quiltsmart Chatter Boxes
Instead of drawing, tracing and cutting your own speech-bubble shapes, Quiltsmart puts the guides right on the interfacing.
- Printed guides save time — no tracing templates or marking every piece.
- Easy appliqué — use the Zigzag Appliqué method to create your Chatter Boxes.
- Consistent shapes — make multiple speech bubbles without redrawing them.
- Easy to personalize — add your own words, names, captions or messages.
- Great for scraps — Chatter Boxes are a fun way to use small pieces of favorite fabrics.
- More creativity, less prep — spend your time choosing fabrics and words instead of preparing templates.
What You'll Learn
As you make your Chatter Boxes, you'll learn how to:
- Use Quiltsmart printed interfacing for appliqué.
- Create fabric speech bubbles using the Zigzag Appliqué method.
- Add words, captions and messages to quilts and fabric projects.
- Turn small pieces of fabric into personalized appliqué.
- Combine Chatter Boxes with other appliqué shapes and quilt designs.
Quick Start
Adding a Chatter Box is easy:
- Choose your fabric and the Chatter Box shape you want to use.
- Cut and stitch the fabric following the printed interfacing instructions.
- Trim and turn the appliqué.
- Add your own words, message or caption.
- Position the Chatter Box on your quilt or fabric project.
- Finish with the Zigzag Appliqué method.
- The instructions and tips are printed directly on the interfacing, so you have the basic information right where you need it.
Who This Is For
ZigZapps Chatter Boxes are a great choice for:
- Quilters who want to add words or messages to their projects.
- Beginners looking for an easy introduction to fabric appliqué.
- Experienced quilters who want a quick way to personalize a project.
- Anyone making a memory quilt, story quilt or children's quilt.
- Makers who enjoy adding a little humor or personality to their sewing.
- Quilters looking for an easy way to use favorite fabric scraps.
What's Included
Each Chatter Boxes panel includes:
- Printed interfacing with Chatter Box shapes.
- Printed sewing and cutting guides.
- Instructions and tips for the Zigzag Appliqué method.
- 10 Chatter Boxes per panel.
Choose from:
- Panel: 10 Chatter Boxes
- Roll: 25 panels, for 250 Chatter Boxes
Please note: Fabric is not included. You add your own fabric and customize each Chatter Box with your own words or message.
Small Chatter Boxes have a 2" × 2" text area. Large oblong Chatter Boxes have a 2" × 3" text area.
Chatter Boxes aren't just for quilts. Use them anywhere you want your fabric to have something to say!
Try them on:
- Story quilts — add captions to tell the story behind your quilt.
- Memory quilts — include names, dates or favorite sayings.
- Children's quilts — add silly messages, character dialogue or a child's name.
- Fabric books — create pages with words and illustrations.
- Quilted banners — add greetings, celebrations or seasonal messages.
- Wall hangings — turn a favorite saying into part of the design.
- Table décor — add a playful message to a seasonal project.
- Handmade gifts — personalize a quilt with the recipient's name or a special message.
- Mix and match fabrics, words, and Chatter Box shapes to make your project completely your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a paper pattern?
No. ZigZapps Chatter Boxes are a printed interfacing appliqué pattern. The shapes, sewing guides and instructions are printed directly on the interfacing.
Is this a finished appliqué?
No. You use the printed interfacing with your own fabric to create the finished Chatter Box appliqué.
What can I use Chatter Boxes for?
Use them to add words, captions, names and messages to quilts, fabric books, banners, wall hangings and other sewing projects.
How many Chatter Boxes are on one panel?
Each panel contains 10 Chatter Boxes.
How large are the text areas?
Small Chatter Boxes have a 2" × 2" text area. Large oblong Chatter Boxes have a 2" × 3" text area.
What method do I use to make the Chatter Boxes?
Chatter Boxes use Quiltsmart's Zigzag Appliqué method. The instructions and tips are printed on the interfacing.
Do I choose my own fabric?
Yes! Fabric is not included. Use your own fabric to coordinate with your quilt or sewing project.
Can I use Chatter Boxes on a quilt I have already made?
They are primarily designed to be appliquéd onto fabric as part of your project, but you may be able to add them to an existing quilt depending on the construction and quilting. Test your method on a sample first.
Are Chatter Boxes good for beginners?
Yes. They are a fun way to try the Zigzag Appliqué method without having to create your own speech-bubble templates.
Can I use the Chatter Boxes for a memory quilt?
Absolutely. They are especially useful for adding names, dates, captions and personal messages to memory and story quilts.