The Modern Leaf Square-A Machine Quilting Tutorial

July 26, 2016
The Modern Leaf, Free Motion Quilting

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Good Morning, Quilters!

Over the last several Tuesday Tutorials, we have been adding to our repertoire of motifs that can be used to fill square blocks:

The Basic Block,

The Divided Square

The Square Daisy and

The Square Flower

In all of the Square Block motifs so far, a single element has been repeated along all the axes.

Today’s tutorial, The Modern Leaf Square, we have two different elements:  the leaf and the berry, alternating on the axes.

THE MODERN LEAF SQUARE-A FREE MOTION QUILT TUTORIAL

Begin by drawing diagonal lines across the block, then divide the square horizontally and vertically. Add a small circle in the center.

Begin stitching in the left, upper corner.  Stitch the first half of an oval leaf, ending on the central circle.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Stitch over 1-2 stitches, stitch a short straight line along the vertical axis and add a circle.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Closely echo stitch back to the central circle.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Add a full leaf on the diagonal axis.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Stitch over a few stitches, add a circle and the next leaf.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Continue working clockwise around the square, alternating leaves and circles.

Complete the first leaf and exit the block.

Stitch in the ditch or seam line to begin quilting the next block.  Or knot off before turning over another Modern Leaf Block.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Simple and pretty–thoroughly Modern.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy
Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

For a different look, change the placement of the elements:  add the circles on the diagonals and the leaves on the horizontal and vertical axes.

Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy
Machine Quilting, Lori Kennedy

Or combine both in the same quilt for more interest!

Hope this inspires YOU to get quilting TODAY!!!

Signed,

Thoroughly-Modern-Millori

PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy at The Inbox Jaunt and are intended for personal use only.  Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to The Inbox Jaunt.  For all other purposes, please contact me at lckennedy@hotmail.com.  Thanks!

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17 comments

  • Pam Hotle

    I really love today’s tutorial! I don’t know which design I like better so will have to use both.

  • Marta

    So cute… will go well with country type projects also.

  • Nice idea!

  • Thank you! This is a great design.

  • Another keeper! But, I have a tools-oriented question. I have yet to find a chalk product that gives me the clean line that you get with your chalk pen. Can you tell us which product you are using?

  • You do such an amazing job with your tutorials. Thank you so much for sharing your talent with us. I can’t wait to try doing the square motifs. It will be my first attempt at free motion quilting.

  • I just want to tell you how much I enjoy-LOVE-your blog,tutorials and everlasting encouragement. I read daily, have your Craftsy class and am just “biting at the bit” for the next class. THANK YOU over and over for sharing your talents and just being YOU.

    • WordPress.com Support

      Wow! Thank you! It’s so nice to be appreciated-LOL!

  • Mary PW

    Ooooh, I really love this one! Your tutorials are so easy to follow and really inspire me.

  • Good Morning Lori: I enjoy reading AND learning your FMQ lessons. I have your Craftsy class too! Will the motifs you highlight look great on patchwork blocks? I’m mentally putting what you showcase on solids to my sampler blocks. What do you suggest?

    • WordPress.com Support

      Hi my friend, Roxanna!
      All motifs will show up best on solid fabric. This motif is simple and will look great on a print or patchwork block. Use a heavier thread like 40 wt or heavier to help the quilted line show on a print.

  • Phyllis

    Love this design Lori and all the combinations. One I’ll definitely try out.

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