Learn how to sew a festive Halloween table topper using the AccuQuilt Flying Swallows die. This die is designed to create swirling blocks that look like they’re flying in a circle when four are sewn together, but it also works beautifully with single blocks—giving you plenty of layout options.
For this project, I combined the Flying Swallows blocks with simple nine-patch blocks for contrast and variety. While I was sewing, I accidentally switched the placement of some of the block pieces, and it created a completely different look—more like little bats swooping through the quilt! It was a fun surprise that gave the table topper extra Halloween flair.
This is a great scrap-friendly project. You don’t need a lot of yardage, and you can mix and match darks, oranges, and even purples to create a spooky, seasonal look.
For this layout I used orange fabrics and black for the bats. I also popped it into EQ8 and maybe you could make another one using white instead of black to make it a spooky ghost.
This is what the complete block looks like – it’s four blocks put together so they are flying in a circle.
When I was sewing, I accidentally switched up a section and after I sewed it together – I decided to keep it. Sometimes things like this happen and it turned out to be a great addition to the table topper. It actually looks more like a bat than the other – but you can decide for yourself.
Why You’ll Love This Project
- Halloween ready – perfect as a table topper or wall hanging.
- Two blocks, lots of movement – nine-patch + Flying Swallows.
- Happy accident bonus – one block variation looks like bats!
- Scrap-friendly – use leftover fabrics in orange, black, or seasonal prints.
- AccuQuilt die accuracy – pieces cut quickly and sew together neatly.
Materials and Tools Needed
So grab your die, pull out some fun fabrics, and let’s get sewing. You’ll have a sweet little mini quilt to show off in no time!
- Get the Accuquilt machine here: https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=587582&u=719157&m=50439&urllink=&afftrack=
- AccuQuilt Flying Swallows die.
Fabric & Color Ideas
- Classic Halloween – orange, black, gray, and a touch of purple.
- Scrappy – dig into your stash for dark and light contrasts.
- Seasonal twist – use fall prints (pumpkins, leaves, plaids) for a topper you can use through November.
A Few Tips
- Lay out your Flying Swallows pieces before stitching—they can look tricky until you see the shape.
- If you like the bat look, try intentionally rotating pieces to recreate the “mistake” block.
- Press seams carefully to keep points sharp.
- Add a dark binding to frame the design and make the colors pop.
Watch the Bat Block Video:
Watch the Nine Patch Video:
This Halloween table topper is such a fun mix of traditional blocks and playful surprises. The Flying Swallows die gives your quilt movement and a bit of whimsy, while the nine-patch blocks add balance. Whether you stick to the swirl layout or experiment with the bat variation, you’ll end up with a one-of-a-kind seasonal quilt.
Pull some scraps from your stash, cut them with your AccuQuilt, and sew up a spooky-cute project that will make your table ready for Halloween.
The full layout from EQ8 that I used.
I switched out the fabrics to make it all flying ghosts. Which, this could be fun to sew as well.
Finishing the Quilt
1. Cut or piece together your batting and a piece of quilt backing fabric.
2. Make a quilt sandwich with the backing, batting, and top.
3. Baste together with fusible batting, pins or basting spray.
3. Quilt as desired. A few of my favorite ways to quilt are Straight line quilting or cross hatch quilting. Use a walking foot on your sewing machine. Trim away the extra batting and backing.
4. Cut strips of fabric for the binding. Cut 2 1/2” tall (sometimes I use 2 1/4″) binding strips. Sew the binding strips together and bind using your favorite technique.
Additional Accuquilt projects and resources:
- How to make a flange for your binding
- Magnolia quilt block and wall hanging
- Sewing machine die
- Sew a bucket hat with Accuquilt
