Bias Tape Applique Quilt Blocks – January’s Try Something New Every Month Experiment

Another year, another round of ‘Try Something New Every Month’! This year, Rebecca from Hugs are Fun is co-hosting and we are making it even easier for you to join in too (no blog required, everyone is welcome). See the introductory post and all the monthly themes here.

I decided to sign up for one month of the “Mighty Lucky Quilting Club” from Lucky Spool Media, which perfectly coincided with the January theme of ‘Quilting’. The club sends out monthly challenges/lessons from different designers, focusing on experimenting and practicing skills. The description mentions it is for people who are ready to move beyond the basics, but I decided to dive in as a beginner quilter.

January’s designer is Krista Fleckenstein, and she sent out a challenge to experiment with bias tape applique, giving instructions for making a small quilt. I have never used bias tape in this way, so I was intrigued! The method she detailed for making the bias tape was cool and new to me, using a fat quarter of fabric. I used a scrap of Anna Maria Horner’s Free Spirit line, with its funky graphic print. Instead of white background blocks, I used up some black scraps from my very first quilt.

I started with two funky mountains.

I really slowed down my top-stitching, instead of rushing, and am happy with the results!

An asterisk was up next, trying out some angular lines.

I struggled the most with the circle – the folded over end looks pretty awkward. I think clipping the wonder tape before the end would’ve helped reduce bulk. Next time.

I wanted to throw in a mitered corner/tight angle too. I didn’t think I would like this, but I do!

Now, I’m not sure what to do with the four blocks! Instead of rushing to decide or finish anything, I’m just going to let them simmer. I don’t think I have enough of either fabric to make something large enough to sit under, but maybe a wall decoration? I’d love to hear any suggestions!

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