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Learn Needleturn Applique Basics

My favorite applique method is the traditional needleturn technique.

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Quilting Spotlight10

Heart in a Snowball Quilt Block Pattern

Friday January 27, 2012

heart quiltsThis vibrant Snowball quilt block is assembled with a white on white interior and purple tips. A red heart is appliqued to the center of the 6" (finished size) block. If you're already into applique, the gentle heart will be a breeze, and beginners will find that it's a perfect first applique project (read my Needleturn Applique Basics for technique how-tos). The block is from a 2009 Quilting Forum event, where it was sewn by numerous members.

Heart Blocks by Sandy

Reverse Capital T Quilt Block Pattern

Thursday January 26, 2012

Capital T Quilt Block PatternThe reverse version of the Capital T quilt block isn't seen as commonly as its counterpart -- where dark fabrics create the diagonal T-shape at each corner. Both blocks are assembled the same way, it's just the color values that are flip-flopped, but the two versions are unique enough that I felt a separate pattern would be a good option for the quilt block shown here. I've included instructions to make the block's flying geese units in a couple of ways -- both are quick-pieced but one technique results in no fabric waste. Choose the method that works best for the fabrics you have on hand. I saw some examples online recently of quilts made using this value layout, but can't locate them now -- the blocks looked wonderful placed on point.

More T Blocks
Capital T with Values Reversed
Single T Quilt Block Pattern

Hearts 'n Rags Rag Quilt Pattern

Thursday January 26, 2012

rag quilt patternHearts 'n Rags is an easy rag quilt pattern, one that you can assemble pretty quickly. The quilt is made with a combination of block types: squares with raggy heart applique, plain floral squares, blocks cut from a border print and another unit created by sewing two bars together. Mine is lightweight, with no batting, but I've provided yardage and cutting instructions for a middle layer if you choose to add it.

I machine sewed my hearts to the blocks and left their edges ragged, but didn't clip them. They frayed pretty well during a couple of washings, but feel free to clip into the seam allowance of yours to make them a little bit fuzzier.

Photo © Janet Wickell

Here's My Heart Quilt Pattern

Wednesday January 25, 2012

sunbonnet sue quiltHere's My Heart is a 64" x 84" quilt that's a combination of patchwork and appliqué. Alternate Snowball blocks are adorned with Sunbonnet Sue and Overalls Sam -- two traditional characters that quilters seem to either love or hate. The appliqué blocks are separated by "chain-type" patchwork that helps create a diagonal flow across the surface of the quilt. Increase the quilt's size by adding blocks or altering the borders, or make a quick wallhanging from fewer blocks.

Discuss in my forum

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