Today we are working on our first border for the medallion quilt along- the Busy Body Quilt Along!
This border is a mix of 4 flower quilt blocks in the corners with a vine or stem and leaves in between. Outside of that is a stop border.
For the flower blocks I did keep with one color for all the blocks– you don’t need to do this. Feel free to mix up your flowers and have some fun!
If you are working with your scraps, just make sure you have the finished number of pieces required- combining multiple fabrics.
We’ve compiled all the steps into a complete pattern ->
Snag your copy here- Busy Body Medallion Quilt Along Pattern
Let’s start with the flower quilt blocks.
Because the squares are being cut diagonally, it is exposing the bias edge- so make sure when you are stitching you don’t pull on those points. Also watch that when you are pressing. You might want to hold off on pressing until after the corner pieces are sewn together. They will be a little more stable that way.
Cut for flowers:
4 1 3/4″ X 1 3/4″
8 – 4″ X 4″
8 – 2 3/4″ X 2 3/4″
Background:
16 – 1 3/4″ X 3 1/2″
16 – 2″ X 2″
8 – 2 3/4″ X 2 3/4″
Flower Quilt Block Instructions:
1) Cut the 2 3/4″ X 2 3/4″ twice – diagonally from corner to corner. Each square will give you 4 pieces
2) Match up one light triangle with a dark triangle and stitch together 16 pairs of EACH combination
3) Sew one triangle set to either side of the 2″ X 2″ background squares
4) Cut the flower 4″ X 4″ squares in half diagonally – you will have 2 triangles per square
5) Sew one triangle to the piece from step 3
UPDATED: 6/24/2016
When you are stitching your triangles to the sides of the square, LINE up the TOP EDGE to the side. Notice that the point is going off of the edge of the square.
*check your triangles to make sure that they are the same size.
open and iron- notice that your point will be hanging off the edge-
sew your second triangle section to the side of the square
Sew the larger triangle to the new section. Your points should be 1/4″ from the edge. When you are stitching the blocks together, you will have perfect points.
6) Sew 3 rows in this combination
7) Sew the rows together to finish with 4 flower blocks
Square up to 8″ X 8″
Stems:
Cut for stems and leaves:
26 – 3″ X 2″
4 – 19″ X 1 1/2″
Stems & Leaves Instructions:
1) Sew together the background 3″ X 2″ in between the leaf 3″ X 2″
Repeat until you have 8 sets
2) Sew the 4 1/2″ X 2″ background to one end of each set
3) Trim these to 19″
4) Sew one set to either side of the long stem piece – it’s just fine if the leaves don’t line up to the opposite leaf! Could be fun to flip them and not have them line up at all.
5) Sew the background 19″ strips to either side
Stop border:
2 – 2″ X 34″
2 – 2″ X 36″
Border Instructions:
1) Sew one stem section to the top and bottom of the center block
2) Sew flower blocks to either end of the last two stem sections
3) Sew these sections to either side of the center block
4) Sew the stop borders to the sides and top and bottom of the center block
If you are sewing along and would like to help spread the word here are some blog buttons you can post and share on your site.
link the following blog buttons to: https://www.patchworkposse.com/medallion-quilt-along
(150px wide)
(350px wide)
(450px wide)
Skill level: Beginner Confident Beginner. I really am kind of a lazy stitcher. I’m not a huge fan of difficult or brain thinking quilt blocks, so for the most part they are simple and a great place to start. Because of the community atmosphere, you are able to get help if you are stuck, ask questions and share a hint.
Technique: There are a few paper piecing blocks, but mostly their is patchwork. The blocks aren’t too difficult- that is why the beginner skill level.
Price: free!
Pattern Format: blog post format. You have the option of using the print option at the bottom of the post if you would like a paper version of it.
We’ve compiled all the steps into a complete pattern ->
Snag your copy here- Busy Body Medallion Quilt Along Pattern
If you are sewing along- make sure you post your progress in the quilting fb group. Can’t wait to see it!

Becky Jorgensen is the creative quilter behind Patchwork Posse, the Patchwork Planner and her online quilt group Patchworkers Plus. You can find her patterns in books, magazines, and her quilt membership. Gather your quilting supplies, organize your sewing space, explore the process of disappearing quilt blocks, or finish a free quilt pattern. I'll help you use what you have, finish what you start and make your quilting journey fun!
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All done! (well almost – I still have the last border but until I can get in the loft and dig through my stash that will have to wait!!) http://www.driftwoodthimble.com/blog/busy-body-medallion-quilt-along
Hi there!
just joined up and wondering if I will get the 1st 2 parts by email?
Looking forward to starting!
Glad I found your site, just starting out with embroidery and lot to learn. Some great ideas here, thanks.
Becky,
I didn’t have time to sew along with this quilt. When do you think the next one will start?
Thanks,
Pamela
The next year we’ll have a new one. 🙂