Love Me, Love My Cat! - 6" Quilt Block

Here's a cute cat to applique just in time for Valentine's Day!

Materials:

• 7" x 7" square of black fabric for background
• Small amount of green, purple, and pink fabric for applique
• Paper backed fusible web
• Fusible interfacing (optional)
• Thread for machine buttonhole applique
• Basic sewing supplies

Instructions:

Step 1:  Print out the applique templates and trace onto paper backed fusible web.  (Note:  The templates are shown as a mirror image so that you can trace the applique pieces by place the fusible web on top of the printed template sheet.  When you apply the fusible web and cut out the fabric pieces, they will be facing the same direction as my sample block above.)

Step 2:  Cut each traced shape from the fusible web leaving at least 1/4" around each shape.  

Step 3:  Place the fusible web shapes on the WRONG SIDE of your fabric and press into place with a hot iron.  NOTE:  I used batik fabrics and had problems with the grainy surface of the fusible web showing through on the right side of the fabric.  I applied fusible interfacing to the back of my batik fabric first, then pressed the fusible web shapes on top of the fusible interfacing.  Problem solved!

Step 4:  Cut the shapes out along the traced lines and remove the paper from the back of the fusible web.

Step 5:  Using the block above as your guide, place the shapes on the black background, tucking the purple heart under the pink heart, and the cat under both hearts.  Using a hot iron, press the applique pieces to fuse into place.

Step 6:  Applique shapes using coordinating thread.  I used a machine buttonhole applique stitch.  You can satin stitch by machine or buttonhole stitch by hand to finish the edges.

Step 7:  Once you have appliqued all of the shapes, trim the background fabric to a 6-1/2" square and you are done!

Recommended Reading:

Mastering Machine Applique by Harriet Hargrave

Machine Applique:  A Sampler of Techniques by Sue Nickels

Applique Delights by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins