Machine and Hand Applique – Checkers block designed by Monika Wintermantel
Beryl Snell is sewing the quilt block for January, which is the Checkers block (Modern Blocks) on page 40, designed by Monika Wintermantel.
Beryl demonstrating applique to a very interested group.
Please use a bright white 6 1/2 inch square for the central block and lots of bright fabrics for the 20 X 2inch blocks and plainer fabrics for the 4 x 2 inch border strips, with 2 inch corner stones rather than four patch squares.
When sewing applique it is a good idea to start with a 1inch bigger block than required, as the applique stitching may cause the block to shrink slightly. Trim the block back to 61/2 inches when the applique is completed.
Machine applique
For the applique on the centre block chose a simple design suitable for a child, such as an animal, fish, star or heart. The applique on my blocks was done by tracing the design onto fusible webbing, roughly cutting out the traced pieces then ironing them to the back of bright scraps of fabric. Use a hot dry iron (i.e. no steam). Next cut out the pieces exactly on the traced lines. Check to see if any pieces need to be placed underneath another first. Remove the paper from the back and iron with glue side down onto the white square.
Sew around the edges of the pieces by hand using blanket stitch, or machine using blanket stitch or satin stitch. You can use the same colour or contrasting colour machine embroidery thread or cotton thread. Make sure the bobbin thread is the same thickness as the top thread.
Finally sew all the other pieces around the white block. Completed block should be 12 1/2 inches square.
Completed Blocks
I look forward to seeing some completed bright blocks.
Thank you.
Beryl