Patchwork Rabbit
I thought it would be fun to make an applique patchwork wall hanging with rabbits on it. Something to make me feel like Spring is on the way and perfect for Easter! I had some leftover batiks from other quilt projects that worked perfectly.
Patchwork Rabbit
24 x 24
The first thing I did was go through my batik scrap 2-inch squares and pick colors that would work well with the fabrics I had picked for my wall hanging.
Then I traced the rabbit on to my Heat n Bond Lite fusible iron on. There are two different rabbits, one has a bent ear and the other which I’m using has both ears upright.
When working with a large applique piece, I like to cut out the center of the iron-on fusible. This helps your patchwork not be as stiff.
Now that I have the patchwork rabbit ready to applique, I’ll make four small rabbits for the corners of my wall hanging.
For the small rabbits I chose the template with the bent ear and just used the background fabric for them. You could do patchwork but if I did, I would use smaller squares of fabric.
Half Rectangle Triangle Blocks
The wall hanging is made of squares and half rectangle triangle blocks (HRTs). I have included easy directions in my pattern so you can make the HRT blocks without a template.
I really prefer using my AccuQuilt GO! Half Rectangle Triangle die when making 3-inch x 6-inch HRTs. There are also several templates and Deb Tucker has the Split Rects quilting ruler that allows you to make several different sizes of them.
Here is the wall hanging all pieced before adding the applique rabbits.
Applique
I have a sewing machine that I rarely use. The one thing I really like about it is the blanket stitch so I decided to use that to applique my rabbits.
I used it around the small rabbits also.
Rabbit Mug Rug
I also made a small mug rug using another of the small rabbits. If you don’t enjoy applique or need something finished fast, try this method.
I fused the rabbit on the fabric, added my batting and backing and then made rows of stitching to catch the applique. This is a good time to use a walking foot if you have one.
The quilting is just a simple free motion meandering stitch done on my vintage 15-91 Singer sewing machine.
Patchwork Rabbit Quilt Pattern
The quilt pattern includes full-size templates for two different rabbits in two different sizes and complete directions for making the wall hanging.
Get the Patchwork Rabbit quilt pattern
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Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns.
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This is gorgeous! I am very new to quilting. Is there a way to scale the star pattern down to make a baby quilt?
Thank you so much 🙂
Thanks for the mug rug idea. I thought you just *had* to stitch around the edge of all applique. Quilting over the applique will speed up the process! One of our LQS collects mug rugs for Meals on Wheels. I was thinking about what would be a good (and easy) design for this project. Thanks!
Where I live we have some stray cats who live under my neighbors garage, but they are no social at all. We live in deer country and they are always around and when my dog, Sophie, a welsh corgi, and I walk down our path to the mail box, the deer just stand there eating grass and Sophie just looks at them. We don’t have possums but we have quail, many birds and doves at our bird feeders. We also have hawks sometimes and skunks and racoons. We live on a river so we also get moose down by the river. My husband has seen them but I haven’t. However, when we lived in Anchorage Ak, Moose walk through our yard all the time. I love hearing about Mr. Mickey and seeing him. He is a sweet dog.
Thank you for sharing your animals and quilts.
Sincerely,
donna
just beautiful
Hi Connie from Sydney Australia I wanted to thank you for showing all your beautiful work and your beautiful area specially the photos of the deer’s grazing in your yard how beautiful is that I always look forward to see what you do next your bunny and cat patch work is great idea and looks very pretty
WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! WOW! Spectacular!! I’ve already ordered and received my pattern. Must somehow, eke out my time but I will do this. Thanks for such an eye-catching design, the many tips and instructions, and for useful, cutting-manually methods.
Oh yes the colors for the bunny table topper and mini are really wonderful. It a must try after I finish the snowflake topper you showed. I received a Cricut maker for Xmas from my husband. And it cuts patterns for appliqué really nicely. I put a snowman head in center of snowflakes appliqué and it is ready for me to quilt. I really like your patterns. I made the truck with trees in it for my sister who lives in Maine. And the cool table topper with brown colors which I happened to have from a purchase when we visited quilt museum in Nebraska last year. Gave to my youngest son and he placed it under his coffee making station on his kitchen counter. He really liked it. Thanks again for ideas and free patterns. Stay warm. My second oldest son attended college at Iowa state. We always enjoyed visiting him there.
Yes I do have 2 more baby quilts to make – these girls are sneaking up on me! I thought I was done with the line of baby quilts I was making! But who doesn’t love bunnies!!!!! I’m still trying to clean out my stash – but I think it should all go in “pass it on” box. Prints from the 80’s, colors from I don’t even remember when. Not old enough to be vintage – just old.
Glad to see the kitty back. And Mr. Mickey looks so handsome! Thanks a picture for the piano! Thanks
Very cute! And great tip of cutting out the centre of the applique!
Thank you! Thank you! I have been looking for instructions on how to make a patchwork rabbit for a quilt that I want to make for my great niece. I am inspired now to get started!
Cute wall hanging!I don’t have any more wall space. I have noticed that you basically outline your applique with Wonder Under or what ever. Why just the outline and not the whole applique? I know it saves on your sealer, but what advantage in not sealing the whole piece? If you’ve been asked before sorry,
Thanks for the information,
Jane
Hi Jane, sometimes on bigger applique pieces I like to cut out the center so the piece isn’t quite so stiff. You can do it either way.
Absolutely adorable!! The mug rug would be such a cute and quick gift idea!
I adore your Bunny Wall Hanging and the Mug Rug. I also adore your batik fabric choices. Thank you for always sharing your simple and doable techniques. Happy Spring Dear.
This is such a cute Easter pattern. The patchwork rabbit is adorable. I hope your ankle is better after resting it a bit. Take those chores easily!
So cute and easy to do before Easter – although he is so cute to use all year!
You mentioned that you rarely use this machine – any particular reason? Any particular thread? Is it true that you should use same in top and bottom? I hear conflicting stories. Take it easy – you have all spring and summer ahead!
I am so used to my vintage 15-91 Singer for my piecing and quilting. This machine had a tendency to skip over seams.
Love your bunnie! Has given me an idea as I’m planning on making an applique hare for a friend. Love the mug mat!
Cute bunny!
I love the colors! Thank you for yet another inspirational project!
That is the cutest pattern and I adore the colours you’ve used. I just might have to add it to my collection of Connie Kresin Campbell Patterns.