Applique’ quilt pattern with butterflies – cool wall hanging

Machine applique’ is my go-to relaxation technique. When I use large shapes, it is even better! Check out my new applique’ quilt pattern, perfect for a fabric collection or as a scrappy quilt!

[Edited: June 18, 2020]

“Nature Lover” measures 47″ x 47″ and the blocks finish at 8″. Naturally, it is made with batiks and these are by Timeless Treasures. They are so beautiful!

Of course, you do not have to select batiks but they do add fantastic texture and color variation to any quilted project. Throughout the years, I have designed and made many quilts with batiks: here is one for the Fourth of July, and here is a scrappy one. However, you know that any of these quilts would look awesome using different fabrics, even novelty prints.

When you use your favorite fabrics, pay close attention to the value of the fabrics I selected for both the background of the blocks, and the butterflies. First, I alternated dark and medium backgrounds. Then, I made sure the fabrics I chose for the top and bottom of each butterfly contrasted with the background so they were totally visible. If you do this, your customized quilt will be a success!

Although I designed it with batiks, Nature Lover would look fantastic made with scraps of your favorite fabrics, print or solids, don’t you think? I have already begun pulling out my scraps – but batiks again! The butterflies are machine applique’ using the blanket stitch. The block above is not appliqued yet – I do it when all the blocks are fused.

I love this applique’ quilt pattern because I love butterflies. In fact, look at this wall hanging I made a while ago with a totally new (at least, to me) way to add a butterfly to a quilt. So fun!

One way to customize Sleepy Sheep is to use another animal. Find an image you like and prepare the applique’ shape. How? Here is how I do it:

1. Trace the applique’ shape on the smooth side of the fusible web. Use a lightbox or a windowpane to make it easier to see the outline of the design.
2. Cut the shapes 1/8″ outside the outline.
3. Follow the fusible web manufacturer’s instructions to fuse each shape to the wrong side of the fabric you are using.
4. Cut on the outline and fuse it to the background fabric, or directly onto the quilt top if you are using a large shape and want to fuse it atop pieced blocks.
5. Machine applique’ with matching thread using the blanket stitch. Well, you can use any stitch you want but I prefer the blanket stitch. For a primitive look, use one thread that contrasts with the shape and the quilt.