Notes to self: "A little spice goes a long way," "Less is more," and "It's all in the details."
These 4-patch blocks were pieced with squares from a charm pack from
Diamond Textiles and leftovers from
jackets I made with these fabrics. These yarn-dyed cotton fabrics are rich with texture. Some have a pronounced plaid or check while others have a more subtle pattern. A few have a brushed surface. They all whisper, "comfort."
My original ideas was to combine the 4-patches with wool appliqué blocks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghN4cVnEOW98KI5g0eACtKC9_jU8fC2JDaFdUef1rJZdCqDfKftcTVulWchePjWmjdR1SWfcVWQF-kmlQmXQcm6FrOvjJLNdNYI_W4QOScsURWelr3n0p2cP-ihmYEU6vVUGm5Jz0ZOtE/s400/noStitching.jpg) |
Auditioning the 4-patch blocks with wool appliqué. |
But there needed to be a better dialog between the brighter colors of the wool and the 4-patch blocks.
Enter: 12 wt. thread (Spaghetti from WonderFil Threads) and decorative stitches!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrdP0g4JIHmmwmBe2Ue6rBrNKwmdSTrGTOn5CGc53JTrg0STctEXxP4gpvSTlimqPoODSW2zVd-QkW0iVx0SRXiTgFPQomvVdAtan-6g91aEvWhsWuaiBseBoZla0vznwli-rl3cy8QXw/s400/green.jpg) |
Sewing across the seams with decorative stitches. |
Putting my sewing machine's built-in decorative stitches to work not only started the "color conversation" but it was fun to experiment with fabric pattern and stitch combinations.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDosEYRg1o0BENEi6AfE5rlA_kjGy3KTSrB6F39OsFmrD9KjAjodo-BcQTKqSsGLoP06Sg-PyD8ME-NuWa0-oJHPyjRi-topmkrcot35VLQwCksoLzRQQP-tSDtIhHXY41ZrO3j-8DPcg/s400/lime.jpg) |
Decorative machine stitches using 12 wt. thread. |
WonderFil's 12 wt. cotton thread holds its own. The decorative stitches add detail and color to the blocks. I do like to "spin" the seam allowances at the intersection of the 4-patch blocks (see photo below). This makes a flatter seam and easier sewing of the decorative stitches across the intersection. You will be thankful you used this seam allowance technique when you get to the quilting step, too.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCFUav5JyydWKWZUxvQZrRm5AdQNrasNKmV7IyuCJRSnCO_TYozf2eJh3cE54wvAq1HBEJnx_iKWlKSJKTGF0vkl8PO5zcoQcgERnwmQo-Xney-koAmWRmktlCK9SWhyphenhyphenPM5TS4UyAbipE/s400/spinSeams.jpg) |
Spinning the seam allowances on the 4-patch blocks. |
I am pleased with how this sprinkling of decorative stitches is adding a wonderful new flavor to my 4-patch blocks.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAwhJ9LHV5s5ZY8nGGhCT-aRv9RqYK3WHOeYPnKKAi7zitpi1tDO4y7TdWpV-NZUnSiwtBXn8LNHau2nFqYLiaiEARKbgf88xsp8yS3RN6koN6cTXw0BK08FM6DyvN1V3zbRmH1g-Qx38/s400/4patch_allBlocks.jpg) |
4-patch blocks with decorative machine stitches in 12 wt. threads. |
Hey there, blog stalker: do you add decorative stitches to your patchwork or appliqué?