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Melon Patch Block of the Month #1 and #13 Quilt Tutorial (2023)

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Learn machine piecing and appliqué with the first quilt block in Debbie Shore's sew-along.

Welcome to the start of our sew-along! To start off our 2023 quilt, we’ll be making two blocks.

Although we’ve labelled these blocks as Block 1 and Block 13, technically they’re made in exactly the same way – the only difference is the orientation and placement of the appliqué pieces.

The blocks are made with machine piecing and machine appliqué; you could sew on the appliqué by hand if you wish. Making the melon pieces through appliqué avoids curve piecing, and creates very accurate curves too. Unlike straight-line piecing, curved piecing requires careful pinning, precise cutting, and slow stitching to align the curves properly without puckering or distortion. This technique is commonly used in quilt patterns such as Drunkard’s Path, Double Wedding Ring, and New York Beauty.

Note: You will need to make one of Block 1 (FAB2 melons on FAB1 squares) and one of Block 13 (FAB2 melons on WW squares).

Untrimmed finished block size: 12½in (31.75cm) square

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You will need:

Equipment

• Sewing machine
• Iron
• Rotary cutter
• Quilting ruler
• Quilting mat
• Scissors
• Lightweight iron-on interfacing

Materials

Fabrics (see my Introduction to the 2023 Block of the Month). From these, you will need to cut:

• Four 6½in (16.5cm) squares in WW
• Four 6½in (16.5cm) squares in FAB1
• Four 9 x 4in (23 x 10cm) rectangles in FAB2
• Four 9 x 4in (23 x 10cm) rectangles in FAB4
• Eight 9 x 4in (23 x 10cm) rectangles of lightweight iron-on interfacing

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