Making May Flowers wallhanging bloom with heirloom applique stitches

Yesterday we prepared our applique pieces with Banyan Batiks Floral Boxes. Today we applique!

The first step is to prepare a piece of backing fabric at 26″ square. The design is for a 24″ square ‘quiltlet’. Next, add a 26″ square of cotton batting. Finally add your background fabric, also measuring 26″ square. Smooth your quilt sandwich and ensure there are no folds or ripples on the backing.

Next, create the complete arrangement on the backing. Take a photo to help you remember how you made your composition. I didn’t remember this and my final piece was composed slightly differently than the pattern picture but I encourage you to make this design your own and arrange the flowers and leaves as you please!

Once you’re happy with your composition and you’ve taken a photo, carefully remove the flowers and leaves. Pin the stems in place with a few pins. Leave the vase where it is as you pin the stems to make sure they do not shift out of the top of the vase.

When you have pinned the stems, you can remove the vase and set it aside with the flowers and leaves.

Select a simple decorative stitch and thread your machine with a coordinating thread. I encourage you to test the stitch before working on your wallhanging.

This process allows you to quilt and applique your project at the same time. I chose a simple heirloom style pattern that looks like cross stitching.

Stitch each applique in the order listed above, i.e. the same order you added the appliques.

After stitching each applique, make sure to smooth and prepare the quilt top for the next round of stitching.

Take your time and enjoy the process. The Banyan Batiks Floral Boxes collection are starting to bloom with the addition of adorable applique stitches! Tomorrow we add some background quilting!