‘Fall Into a QAL’ Block 10 Tutorial

Here it is! ‘Patchwork Pickles’, Block 10 of our ‘Fall Into a Quilt Along’!
I wanted to celebrate all the bountifulness of this time of year. Especially as our new pear tree has produced it’s first crop. Woo-hoo!

This pattern includes all the fabric requirements, cutting instructions and full-size applique templates.

Tutorial

Chose your fabrics with care!
A good contrast between the jar body, jar lids and the block background will help show this block off to its best advantage.
Start by cutting out all the pieces as detailed in the ‘Cutting Instructions’ in the pdf file.

Make the Jar Lids

First we join a background piece to either side of the jar lids.
The image shows the front and back of the two lids.

Make the Jars

To make the bodies of the jars, position a background square on each corner.

Rule a line diagonally across the square. Stitch along the ruled line and trim off the excess fabric, leaving a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Press the seams open.

Assemble the Jars

Sew the jar lids onto the jar bodies.

Complete each jar by adding a further background piece above the jar lid.

Join the two jars together as shown in the main photo and finally add the last background strip to the right hand side of the smaller jar to complete the block background.

Adding the Applique

If you’ve not sure machine appliqué is your thing, check out my applique guide for detailed tips and instructions.

Referring to the main photo and the applique templates carefully position each piece.
I left 1/4″ space between the edges of the applique and the sides of the jars, allowing an additional 1/4″ seam allowance on the left hand side and bottom of the block.
When happy with the applique placement, fuse the pieces in place.
I stitched around each piece using blanket stitch but the pattern is suitable for whichever applique technique you prefer.

Alternatives to Applique

Not everyone is comfortable with applique and if that applies to you then you could chose a lovely fruit or veg print for your jar body or even just a rich coloured fabric to represent jam.

Make the Label

The label is made using a scrap of a pale fabric, backed with interfacing so it retains a stiff shape.
Begin by tracing the label outline and text from the template onto your fabric scrap using an air-erasable fabric pen.
Back the fabric with a scrap of interfacing larger than the outline of the label.
You may additionally wish to use a removable tear-away stabiliser to stop the dark embroidery thread showing through to the right side.
Stitch in the date using back stitch.
To secure the embroidery thread knots on the reverse of the block, I fuse a tiny piece of interfacing over them. This helps to prevent the knots from unravelling.

Alternatives to label

If embroidery is not your thing, you could use a fabric with a text print instead or write the date on the label with an indelible fabric marking pen.

However you decide to make the label, cut it out along the traced outline and pin it to the jar where desired and stitch in place. I used a zig-zag stitch to cover the raw edges.

Prize Giveaways

In addition to the giveaways below, until midnight on 1st October 2018, I’m offering a 20% DISCOUNT on all patterns in my online shop for all you quilt alongers. Use discount code FALLINTOAQAL20 at checkout.

To be entered into the prize giveaway, upload your completed block to our Facebook group or Instagram with the #fallintoaqal tag before 11.59pm Eastern time on 1st October, 2018.You can also enter by uploading your block to the linky party at the end of this post.
The prize for the lucky winner is this voucher and a PDF pattern of your choice from my collection!

If you wish to enter the grand prize draw, then enter a quilt top using all twelve blocks of the QAL by 11.59 pm on 13th November, 2018.
Please note that patterns may not be offered for free after this date.

Before you start stitching, check out all the other inspiring versions made by the QAL hosts! Have fun! I can’t wait to see your versions!

Abbie @Sparkle On
April @JANDA Bend Quilts
Bobbi @Snowy Days Quilting
Jennifer @Inquiring Quilter
Karen @Tu-Na Quilts, Travels, and Eats
Sandy @SandyStar Designs
Sherry @Powered by Quilting
Vanda @Quilt in Piece

If you’re new to this quilt along, then join the Facebook group and don’t miss out on all the quilty fun! We’d be delighted to have you quilting along and you can find all the links to the previous blocks there.

Be in with a chance to win! Link up your block here!
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