MAKE: Butterfly Block - Quilting
Learn how to make these pretty butterfly quilting blocks from Alice Godridge of Stitch Your Soul.
Equipment Needed (for 9 12 ½ inch blocks):
- Plain fabric 40” x 40” (approx. 1 yrd)
- Range of coloured fabric (approx. 2 x fat quarters worth)
- Scissors
- Cotton threads (1 x light and 1 to match your colours)
- Pins
- Cutting Mat & Rotary Cutter (optional, you can cut blocks with scissors)
- Fabric ruler/grid and pencil to mark fabric
- Sewing machine (optional, you can hand sew all blocks)
These are really easy to make blocks that can be used individually for a cushion or smaller project and en-masse for a quilting project.
Step 1: Plain Squares
You will need 4 plain blocks for each butterfly, I have used 6 ½ “ squares which will leave you with a 12 ½ “ completed butterfly block. You can of course use any size you choose. I have used cream but any light colour would work, only thing to watch out for is using a bold pattern, you want your butterflies to stand out! If you do not have a rotary cutter and grid ruler you should mark the reverse of the material with a ruler and pencil and cut each square with scissors.
Step 2: Cutting the Wings
I have used 5 different colours of fabric here to make my wings and would recommend a minimum of 3 different colours/patterns. I would recommend smaller patterns and nice bold colours.
You are going to cut 3 different sizes of wing:
Large - approx 5” to 5 ½ ” along each right angle
Medium – approx. 2 ½ ” to 3 “ along each right angle
Small – approx. 1 ½ “ along each right angle
They do not have to be uber accurate do not stress about cutting the wings to perfect size.
Step 3: Lay Out Wings on The Squares
At this stage I like to lay out all the wings onto the blocks so that I can see how the colours work together before sewing them down, that way if you decide you need more or less of one of the fabrics you can cut them now.
Step 4: Sewing the Wings Down
Starting with the largest wing line up the right angle edge of the square and sew the curved edge approx. ¼ inch from the edge.
Continue with the medium and small wings as shown.
You should end up with this.
Step 4: Trim Squares
At this stage it is worth trimming down the wing fabric to the 6 ½ “ square as you may have some overlapping the edges, especially as you have cut the wings by hand with no ruler.
Step 5: Lay out Your Wings and Match up Pairs
I like to lay out on the table all the wings and choose which I think should go together. Watch out you do not spend too much time dithering (I can lose an hour doing this).
Step 6: Sew Squares to Create the Blocks
Take two wing squares and two plain squares
First sew each wing to a plain block...
then sew to each other, matching up the centre seam.
You should not worry too much of your centre does not match up perfectly as the body of the butterfly will be sewn over the top, so no one will see J
Step 7: Butterfly Body and Antennae
If you have not already done so (I always leave it until the wings have been sewn), you should choose what colour you want to use for the body section of the butterfly.
Then cut enough cigar shapes from that material I usually cut a paper template but again do not stress if they are all not exactly the same.
Then you need to choose the thread for the antennae, this could be the same thread as you have used sewing he wings down with or you can use embroidery silks if you are hand sewing or even a nice metallic thread would look nice. You can sew these on the machine with the embroidery foot or hand sew them. You can then sew the body of the butterfly down.
And you have finished the block!
"Hi, I'm Alice and I have been working with textiles for around 5 years now, I love to quilt and hand dye cottons using cold water resist techniques, many a weekend is spend experimenting with colours. I am an active member of the London Quilters always interested in learning new techniques and skills. I live and work in central London which is great for inspiration and meeting with fellow crafters. I have been selling my quilts through commissions for a few years now but have recently branched out to start selling my hand dyed materials and other handmade items online".
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