Patchsmith Sampler Block 6 - Ladybird

Block 6 - Ladybird

This week we are making the first of the applique blocks from the book – Block 6 ‘Ladybird’.  

Available from Amazon

All the applique blocks in the book are made using the quick-fuse applique method (sometimes referred to as raw edge applique).   You can find lots of hints and tips of the quick-fuse applique method here.

Applique blocks from The Patchsmith's Sampler Blocks 

For this method you will need fusible webbing which you may know as Bondaweb, Vliesofix, WonderUnder.  Fusible webbing has one side that is see-through paper and the other side is a glue based rough surface.  

Wonder Under for Quick Fuse Applique

But before we fuse our Ladybird into position you need to make two quick corners on the top of the background square. 

Make two quick corners on the top of the background square

Once your quick corners are done, trace the ladybird applique shapes from the book using a fine pencil or marker, by laying the fusible webbing with the paper side up, over the applique templates.   Next cut around the shapes roughly leaving 1/8” – 1/4” around the traced outlines. 

Cut out the tracings roughly

Fuse the cut outs onto the WRONG side of your chosen fabrics by placing them paper side up and the rough, glue side facing down.  Follow the instructions that come with your specific fusible webbing.

I lay a cloth over my tracings and then iron them.
This ensures the pencil markings do not transfer to the iron.

Cut out the shapes accurately along the traced lines and peel the paper from the back of the shapes.  This will leave a glue based side on the back of each piece. 

These simple shapes create the cutest ladybird.

Position the ladybird’s black body and wings with the glue based side facing down onto the RIGHT side of the background square.  I positioned the ladybird so that the tips of the wings were approximately ¾” up from the bottom edge and approximately ¾” in from the side edges.

Do not worry if the black body shows through the wings
as the ladybird's spots will detract from this.

Position the ladybird’s spots on top of the wings and once you are happy with all the pieces iron to fuse them in place.  

Fuse the spots onto the wings 

To ensure the pieces stay in place if the quilt is laundered it is recommended that you stitch around the wings, body and the dots by hand or by machine using any stitch of your choice.  I have a lovely blanket stitch on my machine which I use.

Finally use two strands of black embroidery thread and a running stitch to add antennae and two short lines down the center of the wings.  I used a Frixion pen to mark the position of the antennae and the short lines prior to hand-stitching them in place.

Hand stitched detailing adds the final touch

So there you have it – a pretty block using fusible applique.  If you've enjoy this method then you'll enjoy appliqueing smaller ladybirds and fuscia to make the perfect summer mug rug to keep or to gift.

Ladybird Mug Rug Pattern - just $1.99

You might also like this free Ladybird pincushion pattern ......

FREE Ladybird Pincushion Pattern

Next week we will continue with the fusible applique method as we make Block 7 - Butterfly Garden using my strip-applique method.  Until then I look forward to seeing your blocks on Instagram (#block6ladybird) or in the Flickr Group.