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’Hatching’ a Quilt – Part 5 – Trapunto Block
Hatch
Blog | How to
October 4th, 2017
4 minute read
Fun quilting tutorial series with Kristie J Smith - FREE tutorials and embroidery designs

This week we’ll explore trapunto with ’Hatching’ a Quilt – Part 5 – Trapunto Block. Trapunto traditionally means to quilt with padding or puffiness. Old-school trapunto was done by pushing extra layers of yarn into a quilted project to provide padding and a raised appearance. A similar concept and look completed in our block here, except Hatch Trapunto utilizes thin design elements to create a padded stitch with thread and then digitizes outlines for a quilted effect. It’s a fun addition to any creative toolbox and sure to “raise, pad, and puff” your spirits. Happy designing!
Basic Objectives and Creative Options
- The goal is to have fun and become more familiar with Hatch Embroidery.
- The quilt blocks in this project are all created in Hatch Embroidery Digitizer and stitched completely in the embroidery hoop. Block assembly is done on the sewing machine.
- The basic concepts learned in the lessons are stepping stones to your creativity. Consider using these techniques in combination to build new quilt blocks.
- Don’t be afraid to flex your creative muscles and put your own slant on the quilt. You are the designer and Hatch Embroidery provides endless opportunities to express your imagination.
- Blocks are 10” square (9.5”/24.13 cm finished) and there are lessons for 6 different blocks in the project (9 blocks total with duplicates in the corners). The finished quilt project as shown is 28.5”/72.39 cm X 28.5”/72.39 cm. Note: Block size can easily be adjusted based on the hoop size used and additional blocks can be added to make a larger quilted project.
- Embroidery machine tension may need to be tweaked so that upper and lower threads are evenly balanced.
Supplies for the Entire Project
- Hatch Embroidery Digitizer
- Fabric for front of blocks: (white)- 1.5 yards/1.4 meters recommended or adequate fabric to cover the hoop used
- Fabric for back of blocks: (print)- 1.5 yards/1.4 meters recommended or adequate fabric to cover the hoop used
- Fabric for applique and pieced blocks: ¼ yard/0.25 meters each of 2 prints
- Batting: 1.5 yards recommended or adequate fabric to cover the hoop used (enough for 9 blocks)
- Sashing fabric (Print): 1/3 yard / 0.3 meters
- Binding fabric: ¼ yard/0.25 meters
- Mesh-type cut-away stabilizer: 1 roll, width/height to cover selected hoop
- Temporary adhesive spray
- Assorted embroidery thread
Optional Supplies
- Applique’ scissors for removing excess stabilizer/clipping around appliqued fabrics
- Rotary cutter/mat and acrylic rulers (12”/304.80mm square and long ruler recommended)
- Masking tape (to better secure the backing of the blocks while stitching as backs are not hooped in most blocks)
- Invisible thread (used to top stitch sashing fabrics)
- Water-soluble stabilizer: 1-2 sheets for Trapunto block
Supplies for the Trapunto Block
- Circle embellishment design (included in the zip file you downloaded)
- Front fabric: Minimal 12”/304.80 mm square (to be trimmed after embroidery)
- Backing fabric: Minimal 12”/3048 cm square (to be trimmed after embroidery)
- Batting – 1 piece large enough to cover the hoop
- Water soluble stabilizer – 1-2 pieces
- Assorted Embroidery Thread
- Temporary Spray Adhesive
First I will show you how to create the design in the center.

Then you will learn how to create the flower by using the center design and the Circle Layout tool.

The next step is creating the trapunto.

We will finish the block design by using the Ambience Quilting tool.

Finally, all there is left to do is stitch out your block!

Please note: You will need to sign in or register a free account to be able to download the free project.
Once you register an account, you will have unlimited access to ALL the free projects that are currently on the Hatch Embroidery website and future ones two. You will also automatically receive our newsletter about free projects and designs. You will NOT be requested to download the software. Having an account does not come with any obligations to you at all.
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Kristie has been an educator, designer, business consultant, and sewist for over 20 years. She currently consults for the sewing industry, providing guidance on product development, writing articles, testing products, teaching, and creating marketing pieces.
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