I remember the first time I saw a butterfly quilt—it was like a glimpse into a summer meadow, frozen in time. It’s that combination of tranquility and vibrancy that keeps me returning to butterfly motifs in my quilting projects.
The All Aflutter quilt captures that essence perfectly, blending a bargello-style backdrop with stunning butterfly appliqués. All Aflutter is the perfect way to bring a bit of nature indoors, and the technique is versatile enough to experiment with for all sorts of color palettes.
In this project, we’ll use a “quilt-as-you-go” method to create a bargello-inspired base that will highlight the butterflies’ delicate colors and shapes. Working on All Aflutter in this method is both fun and practical, making it a great technique for any quilter looking to try something new.
The Charm of the All Aflutter Bargello Background
The bargello backdrop in All Aflutter gives a striking impression of movement and depth. The gradual shifts in color create a wave-like, almost three-dimensional effect, which pairs beautifully with the butterfly appliqués fluttering across the fabric. By carefully arranging and sewing together strips of fabric, you’ll be able to create this dynamic effect—one of the most enjoyable aspects of making All Aflutter.
Bringing Butterflies to Life with Fussy-Cut Appliqués in All Aflutter
The highlight of All Aflutter is the fussy-cut butterfly appliqués. “Fussy cutting” refers to cutting out specific elements from printed fabric, which in this case, lets us isolate individual butterflies for appliquéing. It adds an artful, personalized touch to each butterfly, giving each one a unique place in All Aflutter. As we move through the steps, I’ll share some tips on fussy-cutting and appliqué techniques that will help you create realistic, delicate-looking butterflies that add magic to All Aflutter.
Full Pattern: Click Here
Materials Needed
Here’s what you’ll need to create the “All Aflutter” quilt:
- Backing Fabric: 1⅝ yards
- Dark Blue Tone-on-Tone Fabric: ½ yard (for rows and binding)
- Medium Blue Print, Butterfly Collage Print, Multicolor Fern Print, Green Print, Multicolor Print, and Light Blue Print: ¼ yard each (for rows)
- White Tone-on-Tone Fabric: ½ yard (for rows)
- Large Butterfly Print Fabric (for appliqués): 18×21” piece (fat quarter)
- Thin Batting: 24×56”
- Gridded Flannel (optional): ¾ yard of 54″-wide flannel with a 2” grid
- Water-Soluble Marking Pen (if not using gridded flannel)
- Quilt Basting Spray (optional)
- Lightweight Fusible Web: For appliqué
- Basic Sewing Supplies: Rotary cutter, ruler, pins, and sewing machine
Getting Ready: Preparing the Foundation
Before diving into the quilt’s intricate layers, we’ll set up the foundation. This initial step is essential, as it will help stabilize the quilt and ensure that each row aligns neatly.
- Create the Foundation Layer
- Lay the 24×56” backing fabric on your work surface with the wrong side facing up. Smooth out the batting of the same size on top, aligning the edges.
- If using gridded flannel, cut a 24×54” rectangle and place it atop the batting, aligning edges. Ensure the grid lines are visible for stitching alignment. If not using gridded flannel, draw 2” and 4” grid lines with a water-soluble marking pen across the batting for guidance.
- Secure Layers Together
- Use safety pins or basting spray to hold the layers in place. Position pins about 10 inches apart. This stabilizes the quilt as we begin piecing the bargello rows.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Creating the Bargello Background
Step 1: Assemble the Strip Sets
- Layout and Sew Strip Set A
- Arrange one 2½” x 42” strip each from the following fabrics for positions 1-7: dark blue tone-on-tone, medium blue print, butterfly collage print, multicolor fern print, green print, multicolor print, and light blue print. For positions 8-10, use three strips of white tone-on-tone.
- Begin by sewing strips together in pairs. Alternate the direction of each seam to prevent warping. Then, join pairs into one continuous strip set. Press all seams toward the strip in position 1.
- Create Tube from Strip Set A
- Sew the long edges of the strip set together, connecting positions 1 and 10 to form a “tube.” Press this seam toward position 1.
- Cut Bands from Strip Set A
- Lay the tube flat on a cutting mat. Using a rotary cutter, slice the tube into various-width bands. Cut specific widths based on the quilt’s layout, such as two 5” bands, one 3” band, etc.
Step 2: Repeat for Strip Set B
- Follow the same steps with a new set of fabrics, this time pressing all seams toward position 10. Cut the tube into 17 bands, including one 5½” band, two 3½” bands, and so on. These will form the even-numbered rows in the quilt.
Step 3: Arrange and Sew the Rows
- Sew Rows to Foundation
- Starting with a band from Strip Set A, open the band and lay it onto the foundation layer, aligning with the vertical line. Baste in place along the left edge.
- Place a band from Strip Set B atop the previous row, right sides together, and stitch through all layers. Press open.
- Continue Adding Rows
- Alternate between A and B bands, following the sequence to create 34 rows. Align each row with the grid lines to maintain consistent spacing.
Step 4: Trim and Finish Quilted Unit
- After sewing all rows, trim the edges, ensuring the unit measures approximately 52½ x 20½ inches.
Adding the Butterfly Appliqués
- Prepare Butterfly Appliqués
- Place fusible web on the wrong side of the butterfly print fabric. Following the fusible web instructions, cut around each butterfly motif, leaving a ⅛” border.
- Position and Fuse Appliqués
- Arrange the butterflies on the quilt top as desired. Fuse each butterfly into place with an iron, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Use a matching thread to stitch around each butterfly edge, adding stability and a finished look.
This “All Aflutter” quilt is a joyful blend of color, texture, and artistry. As you admire your finished work, take pride in every detail you’ve added, from the dynamic bargello background to the delicately placed butterflies. Each piece of fabric and every stitch come together to create something as beautiful and unique as the butterflies it portrays.