How to Machine Quilt Applique Blocks

January 4, 2021

How to Quilt Applique Blocks

Today’s Topic:  How to Machine Quilt Applique Blocks

Welcome to Week Twenty Three of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.

Find all of the previous Lessons HERE.

Sign up for emails of the class HERE.

Join the private Quilting with LKQ Facebook Group HERE

Happy New Year, Quilters!

While 2020 was a difficult year for many of us, it was not without bright spots.

For me, launching my book, 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting and working through the lessons in our 25 week quilt-a-long–was certainly a bright spot.

I’d hoped to complete our lessons last year, but it wasn’t meant to be.

And now I’m grateful that we have a few more lessons to begin 2021.

The Lesson Plan for 2021

We will begin with Lesson 23 (page 112) on How to Machine Quilt Applique Blocks and then we’ll continue with the Lessons on Design Tips, and Custom Quilting.

The final three lessons have big projects…some of my favorite projects ever!

Then we will circle back to a few of the old lessons–where I’d like to dig in a bit more.

And a big finish with a round up of all the projects.

After…I have a HUGE project I’d like to share with you…something I’m equally thrilled and terrified by…and hope YOU will help ME!

Without further ado…

How to Machine Quilt Applique Blocks

When you take the time to qpplique quilt blocks, be sure to show them off with quilting that enhances the shapes–(From 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting)

This is the essence of machine quilting applique blocks–the applique is the the star of the show.

The machine quilting plays a supporting role. 

The machine quilting should make the applique shine.

Dense quilting around applique lifts the shapes
Applique Summer Flowers
Five Ways to Machine Quilt Around Applique
Density contrast

Whenever lightly quilted areas are surrounded by high density quilting, the area with lower density “pops”–it becomes a more visible focal point.  This is especially noticeable when using high loft batting. The low density quilted area is physically lifted higher than the more densely quilted area–creating even more “pop”.   We can use this to our advantage when quilting applique.  Quilt lightly (or not at all) on the applique shape, and then quilt heavily around it.  POP! As simple as that–the applique becomes the focal point!

Echo stitch the shapes

Use thread to match the background fabric
echo stitching

To achieve a very crisp line around the applique, closely echo stitch around each shape. This anchors the applique edge in the batting and helps lift the applique shape. I usually prefer to quilt on the “well” side of the applique-in the background fabric rather than on the applique shape.

Add rows of echo stitching around the shape to further outline the design.

Echo stitch, then add details and motifs

Echo stitch the applique and echo stitch the new motifs

Densely quilt around the applique shapes to create POP
embellish with motifs

After closely echo stitching the shape one or more times, add other motifs to enhance the design.

Applique flowers repeated within the quilting-Negative Space Designs

Repeat heart shape leaves–with contrasting and matching thread
negative space designs

Another way to support the applique design is to repeat the applique motifs within the quilting design. For example, repeat the flower shapes in the quilting.  This helps bring the eye back to the applique shape.

Stitch on and off the design for raw edge applique
raw edge applique

Machine quilting can also be used to stabilize fabric when creating raw edge applique.

Quilt on and off the edge of the shape to embellish while stabilizing.

Add details within the applique shapes
add stitched details

If the applique shape is large enough, add simple details, like veins in leaves or spirals in flowers, to support the design.

Remember to keep the quilting light within the shape for more pop.

One Thing to Avoid Machine When Quilting  Applique Blocks

One thing that is not pleasing to my eye–though this is personal–is overall motifs quilted on top of applique.  For example, I have seen quilters stipple or meander on top of elaborate applique designs–even Baltimore album blocks.  IMHO there is always a better way to quilt applique designs.

YOUR Homework

Do YOU have an applique block in your collection?

If so, use your vinyl overlay to practice a machine quilted design.

Later this week we will be designing a raw edge block.  Think about shapes you would like to include in your design.

Choose a color scheme and add fusible web to a few scraps of fabric.  (More details to follow or review chapter 23, pages 114, 115 of 25 Days to Better Machine Quilitng.)

Here’s to quilting with POP in 2021

Cheers!

Lori

Please Join Me!

I will be teaching Easy Machine Quilting at Road to California (Zoom Event)  on Saturday, January 23.

Join me as we discuss the Four Skills of Machine Quilting!

Find the Class HERE

Road to California HERE

(Refer to the “Road at Home” Link)

 

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ.  For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com.  Thank you!

Visit my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop for all of my books!  They are ALL bestsellers!

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