All About Blocks

January 19, 2003 An original

Pansy

This pansy pattern can be enlarged or reduced to any size. For the Appliquéd Flower quilt, the size of the pattern was approximately 6" x 9.5".

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

5 petals (2 dark purple, 1 medium purple, 2 light purples)
1 center for the petals (bright yellow)
1 stem (dark green or brown)
2 leaves (green)

You can find the left-tilt pattern here.

You can find the right-tilt pattern here.

Instructions:

Print the pattern, then enlarge or reduce it to the size you want. I am using the pattern at 6" x 9.5" and will give the rest of the instructions based upon this measurement. Note: I am giving you two versions of the pattern; one is left-tilt and the other is right-tilt. Remember that whichever pattern you choose, it will be the mirror image when you finish your block. So, if you want the finished block to look like the left-tilt pattern, then print off the right-tilt pattern! The choice is up to you!
Select your fabrics.
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 pansy, it can get confusing!
Press each 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.
Lay the pieces on top of the appliqué pressing sheet, with the original pattern underneath. You can place these in either a clockwise or counterclockwise motion. Mine is counterclockwise. In fact, you don't have to go in one direction for the entire pansy; you can have some overlap one direction, the others going in the opposite direction. The important thing is, to 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. Here is my pansy prototype, which is not made from batiks, before I add the stem and leaves:
Cut a block from the background fabric that is about 3" larger than the pattern you traced. For example, since mine is 6" x 9.5", I'll cut my background at least 9" x 12.5". 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 (not the mirror image) 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 pansy over the stem, and not under.
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. Be sure, again, to have the stem underneath the pansy!
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 is 10" x 14" and is shown below:
My prototype block is also finished. It is 12.5" x 12.5" and I machine appliquéd it. I do not like this one! Machine appliquéing shows every mistake I make. :) This block will become the center medallion for a Project Linus quilt to be donated!
This finishes this block!

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

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