Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 1: Appliqué Leaves

How to Sew Quilt Fairy Frolic Block 1: Appliqué Leaves

Welcome back to Quilt Fairy Frolic! This month, we’re returning to the four checkerboard blocks we made in August and adding the appliqué leaves that bring them to life. If you’re just joining us, you can still jump in, catch up on the first lesson, and sew along at your own pace.

Angela demonstrates four different ways to create and attach the leaves: fusible appliqué, turned-edge appliqué, traditional needle-turn appliqué, and decorative machine appliqué using the new PFAFF creative icon 3. This is the only appliqué in the entire quilt, so it’s a wonderful opportunity to try several methods, build your skills, and discover which technique you enjoy most.

Download the Pattern!

Just Catching Up? Start Here:

Fabric Selection Guide

A Few Helpful Tools

  • A box and a roll of Steam-A-Seam 2 fusible web by Warm Company are shown. The packaging highlights that it is easy to use, perfect for appliqué, and features grid aids for tracing and writing.

    Steam-A-Seam 2 double stick fusible web

    Reposition your appliqué before fusing.

  • Wonderfil Instant Applique 11" x 90"

    WonderFil Instant Appliqué

    Dissolves away for a soft finish.

  • A steam iron rests on a small piece of fabric placed on a mesh applique mat with a purple border labeled Totesew Appli-Fuse Mat on a gray ironing surface.

    The Gypsy Quilter ApliFuse Pressing Sheet

    This reusable, nonstick sheet protects your iron and pressing surface while letting you see your appliqué pieces underneath.

  • Acorn Seam Align Gentle Hold Fabric Glue Pro 1 oz

    Ideal Seam Gauge

    This repositionable fabric glue holds turned-edge appliqué pieces in place while you stitch and washes out when the project is finished.

Skills You’ll Learn

  • How to check that your printed pattern is the correct size
  • How to position the leaves using pressed alignment lines
  • The difference between repositionable and traditional fusible web
  • How to prepare turned edges with freezer paper and starch
  • How to stitch traditional needle-turn appliqué by hand
  • How to use stabilizer for decorative machine stitching
  • How to sew smooth curves and crisp leaf points
  • How to finish the edges with blanket, satin, and decorative stitches

Angela’s goal is to introduce you to several ways to create appliqué so you can understand how each method works, try something new, and discover which technique feels best for you.

Piecing on the PFAFF Creative Icon 3

Angela uses the new PFAFF creative icon 3 to demonstrate several ways to finish appliqué edges with decorative stitching. Its large selection of built-in stitches makes it easy to experiment with blanket stitches, satin stitches, and other creative finishes.

The machine recommends the correct presser foot, lets you adjust and mirror stitches, and includes a pivot function that makes it easier to turn around curves and points. Angela also demonstrates the tapering feature, which creates beautifully pointed beginnings and endings on satin stitches.

Want to explore everything the PFAFF creative icon 3 can do? Stop by Quilted Joy for a test drive or call us at (502) 718-7148 to learn more.

Learn More

Choose Your Quilt Fairy Frolic Colorway

Choose your favorite Quilt Fairy Frolic colorway and let the Quilt Fairies take care of the fabric selection for you.

Quilt Fairy Frolic Luminous Daydream quilt kit presale jewel tone swirling fabrics

Quilt Fairy Frolic Luminous Daydream Quilt Kit

$149.99
Quilt Fairy Frolic Tropical Harmony Botanical Radiance bundle

Quilt Fairy Frolic Tropical Harmony Quilt Kit

$149.99
Shop All Quilt Fairy Frolic Kits

Using Fabric From Your Stash?

You can absolutely make Quilt Fairy Frolic with fabric you already have. Use our Before You Begin Fabric Guide to see the fabric requirements for the entire quilt and get tips for choosing fabrics that will work well together.

View the Before You Begin Fabric Guide

Show Us Your Quilt Fairy Frolic!

We can't wait to see your Quilt Fairy Frolic come to life! Once you've finished your blocks, snap a photo and share it with us in the Quilted Joy Clubhouse Facebook group. We love seeing the different fabrics, colors, and personalities everyone brings to their quilt.

Share Your Blocks in the Clubhouse
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