Cameo Bloom: A Petite Masterclass in Reverse Needle-Turn Appliqué

Nic Vaughan

Cameo Bloom is a little jewel of a project - a technique-packed mini quilt that lets you explore the art of reverse needle-turn appliqué without committing to a full-size quilt. This 13″ × 13″ dodecagon block project will hit the store soon.

What Makes Cameo Bloom Special

Geometry Meets Florals: The 12-sided dodecagon shape gives a fresh, modern twist to traditional appliqué, framing a flower and scalloped border.
Reverse Needle-Turn Appliqué: Master the satisfying technique of cutting away background fabric and turning each edge under for a crisp, hand-stitched finish.
Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: Use the block as a mini quilt or a cushion top (envelope back instructions included), or square it up for easy integration into larger projects.

How You’ll Grow Your Skills

By making Cameo Bloom, you’ll:

Practice Precision Cutting: Learn to snip curves and corners for smooth, professional-looking appliqué.
Refine Hand-Stitching: Build confidence in your needle control and thread tension, taking those tiny slip-stitches that disappear into the fabric.
Understand Fabric Behavior: Choose fabrics that resist fraying and test show-through, a critical consideration when layering light and dark prints.
Finish With Flair: Explore bias-binding on curved edges and optional quilting stitches to add texture and definition.

You’ll find all the templates, illustrated diagrams, and fabric cutting guides in the full pattern - plus a bonus section on transforming your quilted block into a charming envelope-back cushion.

Creative Possibilities

Once you’ve completed the Cameo Bloom block, the sky’s the limit:

Wall Art: Cameo Bloom will look gorgeous on your wall!
Cushion Accent: Sew it into an envelope-back cushion for your favourite reading nook or sewing corner.
Sampler Quilt: Combine it with other minis from the series to create a sampler quilt top - think twelve unique blocks, each 13″ square!
Functional Accessories: Turn it into a large pouch, tablet cover, or even a unique table topper - your pattern guide includes size recommendations and finishing tips.

Tips for Success

Test Fabrics First: Especially for reverse appliqué, do a small swatch to ensure your fabrics won’t fray excessively and that show-through is minimal.
Keep Snipping Small: When clipping background fabric, make tiny snips to maintain control and reduce fraying.
Match Your Thread: A neutral grey often blends with most fabrics, but don’t hesitate to switch to a perfect match when a piece demands it.
Use Quality Tools: A pair of sharp, small appliqué scissors and a fine needle (I use Bohin Long Appliqué #9) make all the difference.

Ready to Bloom?

Cameo Bloom will be in the store soon! Join the Scrappy Digest newsletter for updates!

We can’t wait to see your Cameo Bloom blocks pop up in the Craftapalooza Designs Facebook group - or on Instagram share your photos with #CameoBloom and #MachineSamplerMinis so we can cheer you on every stitch of the way!

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