Free Applique Pattern: the Garden State
Materials & Cutting Instructions:
- Our free Garden State NJ Applique PDF template, printed at 100% and assembled as shown below.
- A FQ of fabric for your NJ design or scraps of various sizes for your improv block
- Scrap for heart applique
- 4’’ x 7’’ scrap for “home” applique
- (1) 18’’ x 18’’ square of background fabric
- 3/4 yard of Heat N Bond Lite or Regular, or similar fusible web with paper back.
- Thread, for piecing, applique and quilting
- a 20’’ x 20’’ piece of batting or fusible fleece
- 1/2 yard fabric for backing your project
- Cutting tools: scissors, ruler, rotary cutter, mat, ruler and Exacto knife (for intricate designs)
Construction Method:
A more detailed tutorial is yet to come! In the meantime, let’s appreciate other bloggers like Sew Can She who’ve given us photo tutorials for applique using a fusible paper like we do!
- If making an improv block: sew up your improv block aiming for a finished size that is at least 17’’ x 10’’
a lil’ tip: On your work table, tape out a “frame” the size you are aiming for so you don’t need to keep grabbing your ruler!
If using a Fat Quarter, you don’t have to do any extra work! - Trace the mirrored NJ template onto the paper side of your Heat n Bond. (it’s supposed to be backwards!)
- Fuse the Heat n Bond to the wrong side of your improv block- follow the manufacturer’s instructions here, press for only about 3 seconds!
- Cut out the NJ design on the line you traced.
- Remove the paper, position your artwork on your background fabric and fuse in place.
- Using a zig zag stitch (or if your machine has them, one of the applique stitches such as a satin stitch or blanket stitch) sew around the edge of your applique. Experiment with different stitch lengths and widths for a different look in your stitching!
- Repeat this process to create the heart and “home” elements.
- Quilt and finish your pillow as desired.
