Jun 6, 20226 min read

Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Smitten

Woohoo! It's block 11 - Smitten. This pretty little block is quick and easy and oh so sweet. I think Smitten is such a nice little word for having a crush on someone or something. And this precious Dresden block fits the ticket for sure!

As we launch into summer activities my goal is to continue with our quilt along progress using blocks that have techniques that are quick to sew or can be sewn by hand while you're "on the go" with your family and friends.

This block is put together using several techniques which makes it very fun - English paper piecing and raw-edge applique. The Smitten block is also a fabulous block for showcasing your fabrics and fun applique stitches.

Also you do need double-sided fusible if you want to complete it using raw edge applique. If you don't want to use that technique, you can cut the two center templates 1/4 inch larger and use the turned applique method.

The Block Pattern

Let me give you a brief overview of how this block is constructed, and why it is different than previous techniques.

In Refuge, the 2nd block, we used fusible turned-edge applique for the 4 little hearts. For the center of this Dresden we are using fusible raw-edge applique which is actually a little easier but leaves the edge raw, so there is a possibility of the fabric edge fraying slightly as time goes by depending on the stitch you use around the edge.

The petals or blades of our Dresden plate (that is the name of this flower-like block) are put together using English paper-piecing. Now I am not an expert, so consider this a very basic introduction. Typically EPP requires that you cut your fabrics precisely 1/4 inch larger than your MANY paper templates, and then press or fold the edges around the template, and finally sew the pieces together using a special stitch since the stitches are somewhat visible.

THIS version is much more like foundation paper piecing (FPP) which we have done on several blocks now - Adoration, Inspiration, and Admiration. So we are cutting our fabrics the exact size of the templates, but we are machine stitching them together like FPP, and then pressing/folding the seam allowance over and removing the paper templates. The block is completed by appliqueing the petals to the background square and then the center appliques on top.

Let's get to the important stuff, here are the downloadable pattern and templates for Block 11 - Smitten:

Please print 2 copies of the "petals" template.

If you have any questions or issues with downloading please ask here, click the "Let's Chat" button, or on the contact page.

Making the Smitten Block - Tips and Tutorial

First off - please ignore the printed letters on the template and change them to the ones from the pattern if you'd like.

Now let's make the center pieces using the fusible applique. I tried a new product this time, AppliWeb. It does not come with paper backing, you have to buy a special pressing paper - The Goddess Sheet - to keep it from sticking to things. I recommend paper backed double-sided fusible for beginners, but this wasn't very difficult to use and it works great!

So following your pattern directions and the instructions that come with your fusible of choice, attach your fabrics D and E to the double-sided fusible (which means it is sticky on both sides).

Then place your roughly cut templates on the right side of the fabric (the printed side), and then cut your template shapes out exactly on the dotted outer line. Set them aside for now.

Onward to the paper piecing..

Cut all the blade pieces out on the outer dotted line. I secure mine with a pin but it is a little tricky to deal with

You are stitching the blades together in pairs. Make sure you sew all of your pairs together using the same process so that they match up correctly (colors are in the correct order) when you sew them into a circle. My process is to have left piece facing up and right piece facing down, line up the paper edges exactly, and sew ON the solid line. Then press seams open. You can also do this by hand as seen in 3 rd photo of slideshow. **This is almost exactly like the FPP we have already done.

Then connect your pairs into "foursies, and then sew your three "foursies into a complete petal ring.

No for the different part - Once you have made your petal ring, then you need to fold over and press all of the edges at the top ONLY. I start by doing all of one side and then I press over all of the other side. Make sure all of the edges are folded over and no raw edges are sticking out. You do NOT do anything to the inner ring edges.

Time to put the block together

Since this is all applique, the most important aspect is finding the center. So fold the background piece (A) in half once vertically and lightly press, and then repeat with a horizontal fold. Then center your petal ring, line up the seams on the fold lines, and pin in place. Sew the pointy outer edge with your favorite applique stitch.

Three important tips:

If you want to quilt this block at the same time as you applique then go ahead and put on your batting and backing piece before stitching the outer ring.
You can choose fun threads that match or contrast if you want.
Also your stitches can be the same for all three applique sections or different.

Next it's time to put on the center! I fused my heart onto the circle first so I could stitch while it was smallest, but you can fuse the circle to the ring first, stitch, and then repeat for the heart if you'd like.

Either way, find the center of the circle (D) first.

No matter the order make sure you press the heart and the circle to the block before stitching. Let cool, and then applique stitch the outer edge of your heart and the outer edge of the circle.

And now your beautiful Dresden block is done! Are you Smitten?!

Be a share bear...I know you're out there

I'd totally LOVE to see your blocks, hear your questions, and cheer you on so please share your progress here on the blog, on Instagram, or Facebook. Just put it in the comments or tag me with @polkadotpeepquiltsetc on your post and/or use the hashtags #nothingbutloveQAL and/or #smittenblock on your posts as well.

The quilting motif for next week is the walking foot LARGE SPIRAL.

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Here is the quilt along schedule (with links for you to catch up anytime):

Nothing but Love Schedule

December 20, 2021 - Quilt Along Intro & Details

Ring in the New Year with Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 10, 2022 – Get Ready: Prep the Fabrics & Batting

Let's Get Prepped for Nothing but Love (polkadotpeep.com)

January 17 – Affection

Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Affection (polkadotpeep.com)

January 31 – Refuge

Nothing but Love Quilt Along - Refuge (polkadotpeep.com)

February 14 – Joyful