There’s something so cheerful about zinnias. Their layered petals and vibrant colors make them perfect inspiration for applique, and today I’ve been working on turning that inspiration into a new flower block pattern.
For this design, I wanted to capture the fullness of the flower while still keeping the shapes enjoyable to stitch. The flowers are cut as one or two applique pieces, with stitching added afterwards to create the definition and detail of the individual petals.
One of my favourite details in this block is the bud. Rather than building it entirely with layered applique pieces, I used reverse applique to create the colored inner section. This technique allows the darker outer fabric to frame the brighter center beautifully and adds a lovely touch of dimension to the finished bud.
To create the reverse applique section, the colored fabric is placed beneath the background fabric before the top layer is carefully cut away.
Once stitched, the bud gains a soft, natural look that works perfectly alongside the flower petals and leaves.
Of course, I know many quilters enjoy stitching by hand, so the pattern also includes instructions for simplifying the bud for hand applique. Instead of the jaggered applique section, this area can be cut as a more rounded shape, with extra detail added using stitching or drawn lines extending into the colored center. This keeps the overall appearance of the bud while making the process easier and more relaxing for hand stitching.
As I worked through the block, I spent time experimenting with fabric choices. Zinnias come in such an incredible range of colors that this block would look beautiful in bold brights, soft cottage shades, or even dramatic jewel tones. What's your favorite Zinnia color?
Whether you enjoy machine applique, hand stitching, or a mix of both, this zinnia block offers plenty of ways to personalise the finished result. You can find the pattern here: Zinnia Flower block
