This sounds similar to faux trapunto, sans muslin. If you were to cut away the excess batt around the applique and layer it as normal, quilting around the applique it would indeed pop up.

With this technique water soluble thread is used in the top and I like to use a matching thread in the bobbin but the instructions say any thread is OK as it will be 'buried' between layers. Since you are appliqueing, the water-soluble thread is NOT suggested. ;-)

I personally would not do it as you suggest. You'll get too much bulk and extra bulky seams and I don't think you'd be happy with the results. Just use a stabilizer on the back, machine applique each block then assemble. If you have applique's that trail from one block to another, applique within an inch or so of the seam, piece the adjacent block and finish the applique.

I've attached a link to Beth Ferrier's online video on machine applique. Click on "choose category" and select Applique. You will be happier with the results and with a little practice become a master machine appliquer. :-)

Sue

Here is a link that might be useful: Beth Ferrier's applique video

George Bonesteel tought that techique a no. of yrs. ago and I made a queen sized quilt that way. I quilted each block by hand, adding sashing strips to the blocks. When they were all done I sew them togeather along the front seam via the machine by rows, sewing the back seams by hand. Binding in the usually way. My daughter has it. It worked. I can't say that I will do it again but no problems. Jayne

I would not applique a block like that! JMOP I think it would be harder trying to stitch around applique and if you have a lot of little pieces it may not lay flat it that is right word I won't to use....

link to trapunto quilting and as you can see it is different then applique because the shrinking will cause a more pronounced effect!
Red

Here is a link that might be useful: Link

Jayne, What she wants to do is not quite Georga's technique if I understand what she is planning. Read the paragraph that starts with Afterwards...once she appliques thru the batt and muslin backing she then wants to put that on more batt and I'm guessing another back then quilt it. How would she "quilt like normal, still adding the layer of batting to the whole quilt & stitching in the ditch" if she's not planning on adding a second layer of batting and another back? This is not Georga's technique.

Redpenny, This would be, as I said, SIMILAR to faux traupunto if she cut away the excess batt and then layered it to another back and batt. I ALSO said I did not suggest she do this and gave the link to a good machine applique video.

Sue

I've done something similar with hand embroidery (like the redwork class I taught here). I use 1 layer craft batting while I'm sewing, then when I square up the blocks I square it all up together (fabric and batting same size). Then I sew the top together and then layer with batting/backing like normal. It gives an extra layer of puffiness. On mine I quilted in the ditch and then also around the butterflies to make it pop. The only thing to think about is the maximum distance between quilting if you plan to wash it, but the Stroll Blocks seem more like a wallhanging. --Amy

I'm curious about the trapunto. I've heard of it, but never looked into it. But I don't think that's what I'm after here.

Nanajayne, I think you are referring to the QAYG technique.

Amy, I think your interpretation of what I wrote (or meant!) was more like it. I was wondering how a quilt would look if each block was quilted/appliqued with the sandwich of batting & muslin BEFORE assembling the whole quilt. I've always done it the trad. way. I did not want the QAYG where you have to sandwich in (somehow) some batting in the sashing strips or hand sew anything in the back. I just wanted to quilt the blocks down like they were mini quilts before it turned into a large(er) quilt & hard to maneuver. Figured I could kill 2 birds with this technique & make the finishing quilting simpler by S.I.D. but still have each block "quilted".

"I've been working on the Stroll the Block but haven't stitched the pieces down yet. Thought that maybe I could sandwich each square with batting & muslin & then quilt/stitch the applique." What I meant by this was quilting each individual block freemotion, not the tiny pieces by themselves.

I guess I shouldn't leave messages so late. LOL Thanks Amy for being able to read between my Zzzz lines. :)