All About Blocks

April 05, 2003 An original

Iris

This flower pattern can be enlarged or reduced to any size. For the Appliquéd Flower quilt, the size of the pattern was approximately 11" x 12". You may have to enlarge the pattern given so that it is about the same size as mine, however, this is not necessary. You can make this flower any size you wish.

This pattern is given in one piece, however it is made up of the following components, along with suggested colors:

3 leaves (3 greens, patterns A, C, D)
1 center for the petals (1 medium yellow-orange, pattern H)
1 stem (dark green or brown, pattern B)
2 petals (2 dark purples, patterns G, I)
2 petals (2 medium/light purples, patterns E, F)

You can find the pattern here.

Instructions:

Print the pattern, then enlarge or reduce it to the size you want. Remember that the pattern will be the mirror image when you finish your block, so if you want it to face the opposite direction of what it shows in the pattern, now is the time to reverse it.
Select your fabrics. You can be creative here and do not have to stick to what I have suggested. In fact, if you scroll down and look at the block I have done, you can get a good idea of the colors you may (or may not) want to use.
Using the pattern, trace the pattern pieces onto a light-weight, double-sided fusible webbing, being careful to trace onto the paper side of the webbing. Tip: When tracing, I paperclip my fusible webbing to the pattern, so that it doesn't slip!
Cut each pattern piece out. It doesn't matter if you cut precisely at this point; it can be a fast, rough cut. Be sure to use paper-cutting scissors.
Label each piece, so that you know where it was in the pattern. This may not seem important, but when trying to reassemble the flower, it can get confusing! Especially for this block!
Press each rough-cut piece onto your fabric, being careful to press to the wrong side of the fabric and to also leave at least 1/4" around the edge, for trimming room Follow the instructions on the fusible webbing when pressing.
Cut the pieces out of the fabric, being careful this time to cut precisely, however, on the sides that are going to fit underneath another piece, it is wise to cut those sides a little larger, so that the overlapping fabrics have something to "grab". And remember, this does not have to be precisely like the pattern! Just get as close as you can get.
Lay the pieces on top of the appliqué pressing sheet or your background fabric, with the original pattern underneath. Place these so that the ones that overlap, do. Move the pieces around until you are happy with the placement. It is important that you overlap a little on the pieces, else they won't stick together when you press.
Cut a block from the background fabric that is about 3" larger than the pattern you traced. If you want all of your blocks the same size, this is the time to make that decision! However, when it comes time to sew it all together, my layout may not work for you, should you choose to go all the same size.
Lay the pattern underneath the background fabric. You should be able to see enough of it through the fabric to place your appliqué pieces. To center the pattern, you may need to lightly press the block in half, both directions. This will give you the center of the block. Then, fold the pattern in half, both directions. This will give you the center of the pattern. Once you have both centers, line them up, one on top of another. Or, you can eyeball the placement and put it to where it is pleasing to you!
Press the pieces in place, making sure to press the flower so that the pieces that are on top are placed on top. The layering of the pieces is important. Do not press with the paper pattern underneath the background fabric. The ink may bleed onto the fabric.
Once all of the pieces are pressed into place, then button-hole stitch them down. If you need instructions on how to learn beginning button-hole stitching, refer to my Button-Hole Appliqué directions on the Web. If you choose to use a sewing machine, that is fine, also.
Once you finish appliquéing, then press the block flat. You might need to trim it so that the edges are even again, since appliquéing can distort the background. My finished block, and a close-up of the petals, are shown below:
This finishes this block!

This pattern would look great made from scraps. Have fun!

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