Here are several free patterns that work with just some simple resizing. This post about making coasters has info about resizing an applique pattern that can be applied to any of these projects.
Once you have your quilt top all sewn together, it’s time to finish your quilt. At this point it’s just like finishing a traditionally-constructed quilt.
Here are all my posts about layering and basting your quilt, and the final round of quilting.
Here are all my posts about hand quilting and Big Stitch quilting. I don’t use these techniques with fusible applique or Quilt As You Go, but I LOVE using Big Stitch Quilting with my cheater fabric.
This is my favorite part! I love seeing all the cute animals and faces come to life!
Here are links to all the posts showing how to applique with fusible adhesive – my favorite method. It’s fast and easy and (with the right materials) it holds up beautifully to rough use and repeated washing.
I like to quilt my blocks before I add applique. It makes the process so easy and fun! Just zoom back and forth on the sewing machine and you’re done. 🙂
Some people prefer to applique first and then quilt around it – that’s fine too! The quilting lines CAN show through the applique pieces – especially if you’re appliqueing with a light-colored or solid fabric.
All of my applique quilts except Paper Dolls are built on a 10″ finished square block. The Dinosaurs quilt has the option of making special two-color landscape blocks.
If you’re making Paper Dolls, follow that pattern’s instructions for cutting your blocks.
If you’re making Dinosaurs and want to use the landscape blocks, get those instructions here.
For everything else, cut your main squares 11 inches. That doesn’t have to be a perfect cut, it just needs to be bigger than 10 1/2″ square, because that’s the size you’ll trim down to after you finish your applique and quilting.
If your quilt includes half blocks (like the word blocks in Beep Beep or Noisy Farm) cut those 6 inches x 11 inches.
If your quilt includes double blocks (like in Sea Creatures) cut those blocks 11 inches x 21 inches.
Cut a piece of batting the same size for each block. Again – this doesn’t have to be exact. I often cut my batting just a smidge bigger than my background fabric. I like being able to see it all the way around when I layer the pieces together.
You do not need to prewash your batting, but I recommend pressing your squares (with steam) and letting them cool before layering them with your fabric.
Layer a square of fabric over the batting, quilt those two layers together (no backing!), then press them again (with steam) and set them aside to wait for applique.
Here are links to all the posts about cutting your blocks.
Once you have a pattern, the next thing you need to do is decide on a size and layout.
Most of my quilt patterns include instructions for just three sizes, and just a basic layout – but you have so many options! In the posts below you’ll find detailed fabric requirements and instructions for quilt sizes from Itty Bitty Baby Size to King Size, and instructions for layouts that add sashing, and lots of alternate settings.
All of my applique patterns (except Paper Dolls) are built on ten-inch squares. That means you can mix and match between the patterns, and you can apply a layout you see in one pattern to any other pattern. Fun!
Find links to all the posts about pattern size and layouts here.
