The Lady Bug Quilt uses a quilt-as-you-go technique that I’ve used in quite a few quilts. Feature blocks are appliquéd onto white fabric and the batting and backing are added for a round of echo quilting. Green blocks are quilting straight through all the layers with a butterfly motif.
A comprehensive guide to making QAYG quilts is included separately. This document provides extra notes for this particular quilt. Because I made this as a gift, I didn’t write up detailed guidelines.
Project Notes
This quilt was designed and made for the birth of my grandniece in 2012 and was based on her color scheme. All the blocks are used as they are set up in the set.
The set also includes additional coordinating designs that weren’t used and can be used for other purposes.
For batting, I used a June Tailor fusible batting.
Threads are Hemingworth polyester and the bobbin is a standard white pre-wound polyester embroidery bobbin. Stabilizer is Sulky Soft n Sheer for the appliqué blocks and Washaway for the quilted blocks.
Fabric Requirements
I like to draw sketches of my quilts in graphics software to help determine the layout, color and design placement, and fabric requirements. I’ll also use a spreadsheet to keep track of fabric needs.
If you don’t have suitable fabrics in your stash for the appliqués pick up some fat quarters:
- Ladybug: black (body), red (outer wings), light gray (inner wings)
- Flower: pink (petals), black (flower center)
Appliques in this set are designed for precutting and templates are included for hand and machine cutting. (See the included Applique Basics if you’re unfamiliar with my technique.
About the Designs
Basic embroidery designs have been customized by rotating and combining to streamline the process of stitching the blocks. Extra stops are included to permit interacting as required to place appliqué pieces and backing fabrics. Refer to the color sequences for what actions to take.
Designs are also included individually for those with smaller hoops or for use with coordinating accessories.
Quick Notes on Stitching & Assembly
For fully illustrated step-by-steps, see Quilt As You Go Basics. Here’s a quick recap for this quilt.
Embroidering the Appliqué Blocks
Important: The two appliqué blocks have multiple stops. Pay attention to the color sequences to know what to do.
- Hoop stabilizer. Sew first color directly onto stabilizer as guideline.
- Position background fabric and sew next color (basting stitching) to fix fabric to stabilizer
- Stitch appliqué design, stopping before the outline quilting.
- Fuse the batting to the wrong side of the backing fabric. Slide this under the hooping design, batting side up and match alignment to top block. Use tape to secure the block.
- Sew the last color change to echo quilt the two pieces together.
- Remove from hoop. Trim away excess stabilizer.
Embroidering Quilted blocks
Note: I used regular white embroidery bobbin thread. You may choose to use a matching color embroidery thread if desired.
- Make a quilt sandwich of backing, batting, and top fabric. Fuse together.
- Hoop stabilizer. Sew first color directly onto the stabilizer as a guideline.
- Lightly mist the back of the quilt sandwich with TESA and position on the stabilizer
- Sew the rest of the design.
- Remove from hoop. Trim away excess stabilizer.
When all blocks are stitched, trim to size.
Make a Dedication Label
I like Adine Script for my quilt labels. It’s not heavy or bulky and the script is elegant and readable
Assembling
Quilt is assembled using a piece-as-you-go technique placing the rows on the diagonal with the blocks on point.
Want to Learn More About Machine Embroidery?
If you’d like to learn more about machine embroidery, check out my current classes on Craftsy. Use the links below to get 50% off on these classes:
- Thread Savvy: Stitch Flawlessly with Any Thread
- 20 Things Every Embroiderer Should Know
Craftsy has a huge and ever-growing list of classes on a wide range of topics led by premier instructors. I’ve enrolled in classes on embroidery, quilting, sewing, knitting, crochet, painting, cake decorating, cooking, and photography.
I’ve watched them on my iPhone while riding in the car and on my iPad snuggled up in bed. I love that I can bookmark places to review again, hit the 30 second repeat when I get distracted or need to see a technique again, and my favorite part is I can speed it up or slow it down. You can even ask questions of the instructor.
There are some free ones, so please do try it out. One more tip—if you have a slow network where you live, visit a fast network and download the course to a mobile device for later viewing. Or, new for 2017, course can be purchased on DVD!
By the "Lindee G Embroidery" Team
