More Ways Than One to Use An Applique Pattern
It suddenly occured to me that my applique flowers can be made in a number of other ways, not just applique so today I wanted to show you how I created a new block from one of my existing flower blocks - actually, I chose my very first flower block in my BOW series, the pansy.
What I decided to do was to embroider it instead of applique. Since I provide a layout template in all the block patterns this makes it really easy to transfer to embroidery. I start by using the template to draw the outline on my background fabric - I've used a white on white for that. The lightbox under the template sheet makes it easy to see or you can hold it up to a window if you prefer. Note: This particular template is reduced in this pattern so it will fit inside an 8" square - bonus!
Tracing the layout onto background
Using the colored photo as a guide, I selected a bunch of machine embroidery threads. The colored photo makes it easy but you could easily use whatever colors you like or have on hand. The pansy block is colorful so I chose 6 colors for the flowers and 2 greens for the leaves and stems.
Thread selection
Now all I need to do is embroider around the outline I drew. I'm using my sewing machine but you can do this by hand too.
First flower embroidered
This was more fun that I imagined. Here's how the whole block looks.
Pansy Block Design Embroidered
I have a strong urge to do more. This was quick and fun to make so it won't take long to make enough for a whole quilt! Which flower would you like me to stitch next? ....you can find my list of flowers here: Flower Block Collection
Perhaps you'll join me in the next one.
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Joan, I had thought about adding color but wanted to keep it all to straight edge embroidery mainly to keep it simple for those who would like to give it a try. Maybe I could add color for the next block. It's amazing what you can actually do with one small pattern! Thanks for your suggestion.
Posted by Ruth, 16/06/2020 1:55pm (6 months ago)
You definitely could use the templates for a quilting design Marsha, in fact, I often suggest this in my patterns. A border filled with pansies would look great don't you think? Single motif designs are also a cool idea for adding around borders.
Posted by Ruth, 16/06/2020 1:52pm (6 months ago)
this looks cool, Ruth. are you going to fill some in with thread painting or sketching whatever it's called!!?? or with colored pencils? I took a class at the last quilt fest, and Joyce Hughes did something like this. the picture was drawn, we colored in with pencils, then stitched around it in black. I have yet to do the stitching part! take care stay well!!
Posted by Joan R Johnson, 16/06/2020 9:59am (6 months ago)
Instead of embroidery, you could also use the patterns for quilting templates.
Posted by Marsha, 16/06/2020 7:20am (6 months ago)
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