Easy Modern Quilt As You Go Applique Block

This tutorial will show you how to make a simple yet impactful applique block from your fabric scraps.

I made my quilt blocks quilt as you go style but you can easily modify this block if quilt as you go isn’t your thing!

This quilt block uses simple rounded shapes to give a modern (and at the same time kind of 60’s retro look!) to your blocks. It’s a great way to showcase leftover scraps of your favorite fabrics.

Fabric Requirements – For One Modern Layered Appliqué Quilt Block

• Background Fabric 7″ x 7″ (this is what I used, you can scale this block up or down as needed)
• Two contrasting scraps of fabric for the applique – (1) roughly 5″x 5″ and (1) roughly 3″ x 3″
• Double Sided Fusible for the applique fabric
• Batting square 7″ x 7″ [NOTE: you only need this if you are making the block quilt as you go so it is optional. I use the Join & Flip Quilt as You Go Method for joining my rows – if you are using a different method you may choose to cut your batting differently to suit your method.]

Step 1: Prepare Appliqué Fabric with Double Sided Fusible

Use a light-weight double-sided fusible interfacing (any will do – I’ve listed a few below) on the wrong side of your two appliqué fabrics.

The fusible will hold the appliqué pieces in place while you are sewing, as well as helping the pieces to look crisp and flat on your block.

If you plan on using the same fabric for the appliqué element on several blocks, you might want to apply the fusible first before cutting out the shapes for your appliqué.

Double Sided Fusible Options:

• Steam a Seam Lite 2
• Heat n’ Bond
• Generic Amazon Brand
• Misty Fuse
• Clover Wonder Fuse
• Sulky Perfect Applique

Any of these products will work just fine – so use what you have!

Step 2: Round the corners on your Appliqué Pieces

For this block I was going for rounded square and rectangle shapes for the appliqué. So I trimmed around the edges to round the corners – giving the shapes a slight 60’s wallpaper vibe – though I think my fabric choices made the block look more modern!

For my appliqué, I used scraps from a UK screen printer called Helen Steele. I bought the scrap pack from her at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, UK.

Step 3: Quilt Background Fabric

Because I am making these blocks Quilt-As-You-Go, I chose to quilt my background fabric (the 7″ x 7″ square) along with my batting before applying the appliqué.

I went with simple straight-line quilting. I feel that adding quilting first, before the appliqué, gives an added layer of texture and helps the appliqué design to really ‘pop’.

Step 4: Applying the First Appliqué Piece

Once you have your quilted block, follow the instructions on your fusible product to fuse the largest appliqué piece down on your block.

You may choose to center the patch or have it slightly off center. Trust your own eye and have fun with it!

Once it’s fused in place use your favorite applique stitch around the edges. Sew through all the layers in including the batting. I used a straight stitch set at a 3 stitch length, but you can experiment with a zig zag or blanket stitch if you don’t like seeing the raw edge of your applique.

Step 5. Applying the Second Appliqué Piece

Next, take the smaller appliqué piece and layer it on top of the first piece. You can put it entirely inside the first piece, or have it half on and half off. Again – just have a play and see what your eye is drawn to.

Repeat the same application process above, first fuse the patch in place, and then stitch it down.

Finished Modern Layered Appliqué Quilt Blocks

Here are the blocks I made. I love how they turned out and they sparked all sorts of ideas for me.

Quilt As You Go Applique Blocks – Video Tutorial

What to do with your Quilt Blocks

If you want to make a full quilt using these blocks, I recommend either the false back quilt as you go method or the join and flip quilt as you go method.

Other ways to use these blocks:

• Coasters
• Placemats
• Table Runner
• Zipper Pouches

What would you make with these blocks?

OTHER POSTS YOU MIGHT ENJOY:

• Fun Denim Quilt Blocks (Use your binding scraps for these QAYG Blocks!)
• Framed Scraps Quilt Block – for Precious Fabric Scraps!
• Free I Spy Quilt Tutorial (Easy Raw Edge Applique)
• Rainbow Raindrops Baby Quilt – Free Applique Quilt Pattern