As I was taking a closer look at my Blooming Trellis quilt pattern, I realized something pretty quickly: not everyone is going to love piecing the trellis background. The pattern includes clear, step-by-step instructions for constructing it (and it does look fantastic), but it also takes a bit of time. So I started thinking… what if there was another way to get the same trellis effect without all that piecing?
Blooming Trellis
Blooming Trellis is one of those quilt designs that instantly feels cheerful and structured at the same time. The floral design has movement and personality, while the trellis background gives everything a tidy framework.
It’s a beautiful combination… but to be honest, the trellis is also the part that makes some quilters pause.... Not because it’s hard, not because it’s unclear, but because sometimes you just want to get to the fun part faster.... and that’s completely fair.
The original Blooming Trellis pattern includes a fully pieced trellis background. This method gives you crisp lines, consistent spacing, and a strong graphic look. If you enjoy patchwork construction and you’re in the mood for a project that feels satisfying and structured, the pieced trellis is absolutely worth it. It’s also a great way to use up background fabrics and play with contrast, but… it does take time.
Here is a quick glimpse of some inside graphics:
Graphics in pattern
A Faster Option: The “No-Piece” Trellis Effect
While revisiting the pattern, I wanted to offer a second approach - one that keeps the overall look of the quilt intact but removes the most time-consuming part.
Instead of piecing the trellis background, you can create a similar effect using applique with fabric strips or bias-binding OR with quilting or embroidery lines.
The goal is simple: Keep the trellis look. Skip the trellis piecing.
...And the best part is, the layout guide (I've updated the pattern to include the full-size version) helps to keep any applique or stitching lines straight.
part of the layout guide
Applique Version
If you like the idea of the trellis being bold and visible, but don’t want to piece it, you can applique the trellis lines on top of a one-piece background.
This can be done with:
- fusible webbing applique
- needle-turn applique
- or even bias tape
This option gives you a crisp trellis effect while still keeping the construction simpler.
the fabric strips are woven to create the trellis
Using applique instead can make the construction go together much faster and the layout guide can be used to place the strips evenly so no drawing or measuring is necessary.
use the layout guide to evenly space the strips
The strips can be finished off using blanket stitch like the rest of the applique for this pattern..... or you can edge stitch them through all layers so you are quilting your project as you go.
Stitched Version
Another option is to quilt or embroider the trellis lines on a one-piece background. For this, choose a plainer background so the trellis still stands out.
This is a great option if you:
- love texture and quilting details
- want a softer, less “busy” background
-
enjoy the look of stitched structure
It may look something like the following photo; however, I would keep the over and under effect of the trellis intact. (this photo I pulled from my machine quilting workshop to give you an idea of what can be done)
Blooming Trellis is a pattern that shines either way. The flowers are the heart of the design, and the trellis is the framework, but the quilt can still be beautiful even if you choose a different method to create that structure.... and the best part, it still looks like Blooming Trellis!
VIQ Member Bonus: 20% Off Blooming Trellis
If you’re a VIQ member, this week you can grab Blooming Trellis with 20% OFF. (Check this week's newsletter for your coupon)
PS: I decided to update the pattern to include these new options. I also added a full-size layout guide (it originally had a scaled layout page), so there is the perfect guide to keeping the trellis straight for applique or stitching.
Give it a try, it's so easy to make. The pattern is available here on our website: Blooming Trellis
