How to Attach a Quilt Block to a Sweatshirt

When life gives me quilt blocks...I don't make a quilt! As Riley Blake Designs recently released their new Block Challenge, I couldn't wait to utilize some adorable fabrics I had left over from a recent baby quilt. However, the combos were just too cute to wait until May to see the final result! I just had to use these beauties now....so behold.... my new favorite sweatshirt.

Now, this was a little tricker than I anticipated. It's very easy to sew these suckers on crooked (not that I know from experience or anything), as the sweatshirt fabric gives and shifts as you sew. I decided to include a small tutorial below, or at least how I did it!

On the first go round, I tried to fold over each side of the block, press, and then pin to my sweatshirt. I just didn't like the result. It looked wonky and off-centered, but some people may not even notice this. Below is how I attached my quilt block with a raw edge appliqué.

How to sew a quilt block onto a sweatshirt:

Materials Needed:

• Sweatshirt

• Quilt block of choice

• HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive

• Sewing Supplies: Rotary cutter/mat, thread, and sewing machine

Instructions:

1. BEFORE trimming your quilt block: Cut a piece of HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive that's the same size as your quilt block. My block was about 10.75" before I squared it up, so that's the size I cut from the HeatnBond.

2. Following the directions on the back of the adhesive package, fuse the adhesive to the BACK of the quilt block.

3. Trim your block to size. The Riley Blake Design's Blocks measure 10.5" square.

4. Find the center point on your sweatshirt. This can be done by folding it evenly in half, then ironing along the crease.

5. Remove the paper backing to the adhesive that you fused on the back of the quilt block and align it on the sweatshirt.

6. Following the package directions, fuse it in place.

7. Using an 1/8" seam allowance, or lining up your standard foot's edge to your quilt block's edge, top stitch around the quilt block.

The result is beautiful! The raw-edge appliqué method keeps the quilt block in place and through machine washes, the edges fray a little. Have no fear- it gives it more of an organic and unique look. And, the quilt block will stay in place.

I used the same technique on my daughter's jean jacket below!

Get creative! Share where you're putting your quilt blocks below!