As you will remember, last week I made a new flower block, Agapanthus Too
Today I want to share the various techniques I used to create 3 different blocks - all of which I have included in the pattern.
1. Machine applique:
This style is my favorite and the one I use for all my applique flowers... it is easily adapted to hand applique too or other fusible methods such as satin stitch. For my block, each section is stitched around twice using free-motion stitching.
2. Hand applique:
This method isn’t one I created, but I wanted to include it because it’s a valuable addition and to ensure you can use it seamlessly, I’ve provided separate templates (with instructions) in the pattern.
Hand applique is one of the most relaxing ways to applique. I love to do this but find I just don't have the time to complete many projects.
Note: I have other samples and how-to instructions for my applique methods here: How To Applique
3. Applique and Embroidery: (by machine or hand)
Applique and embroidery go hand in hand. You can machine stitch or hand stitch or use a combination of methods. In my sample, I have machine appliqued and machine embroidered.
When I'm combining methods, I like to take it one step further by adding color within the embroidered lines. This can be done by fabric paints or pens. It is a very simple extra step.
4. Embroidered or Quilted:
You could of course, skip the applique altogether and either embroidery or quilt the block.... and again, by hand or machine. Embroidery is done through just the background and quilting is done through layers (background/batting/backing). I machine quilted mine using colored embroidery threads but it might look just as nice in one color. I could also add color with fabric pens like I did above, but I didn't for this sample.
I use free-motion quilting for this (I have a tutorial here if you'd like to learn more: free-motion tutorial)
Now I'm thinking.... what if I changed the colors or even the stitching? I could make it look like fireworks! Perhaps I'll try this next....
If you'd like to try this agapanthus pattern you can find it here: BOW Agapanthus Too pattern
Or if you'd like to buy both agapanthus patterns, you can buy them both together for less: Agapanthus pattern bundle
