Looking for a butterfly quilt block with a little personality? The Flutterby quilt block is a lovely way to turn favorite fabric scraps into a winged design using foundation paper piecing (FPP). With bold wings, interesting fabric combinations, and the option to make your butterfly face either direction, it is a charming addition to a mini quilt, cushion, wall hanging, or larger patchwork project.
This guide introduces the original Flutter By butterfly block by Nicole Young of Lillyella Stitchery, explains the paper-piecing process in beginner-friendly terms, and shares fabric ideas, practical sewing tips, and links to the designer's original resources. The original pattern is not reproduced here; the designer retains the rights to her templates and instructions.
Flutterby Quilt Block at a Glance
| Pattern name | Flutter By / Flutterby Butterfly Quilt Block |
|---|---|
| Original designer | Nicole Young, Lillyella Stitchery |
| Main technique | Foundation paper piecing (FPP) |
| Construction | Three paper-pieced sections, according to the designer |
| Orientation | Original and reversed butterfly versions |
| Skill level | Confident beginner with basic FPP experience to intermediate (editorial guidance) |
| Great for | Mini quilts, pillows, wall hangings, sampler quilts, and scrap projects |
| Pattern access | Originally shared as a free pattern; current access to its old Fabric.com download has not been confirmed |
What Makes the Flutterby Butterfly Block Special?
Instead of building a butterfly from simple appliqué shapes, this design uses foundation paper piecing to create the wings and body with fabric seams. The method is especially useful when a design contains small shapes, unusual angles, or carefully placed prints.
The designer describes her Flutter By block as having three sections and includes a reversed version so the butterfly can face east or west. That small detail opens up fun possibilities: arrange two butterflies facing one another on a cushion, alternate directions across a quilt, or let a single block become the focal point of a wall hanging.
One more advantage is the freedom to mix fabric textures. Nicole's original project combined lightweight cotton lawn, a textured woven stripe, batiks, and quilting cotton. You do not need those exact prints to enjoy the idea; choose fabrics with good contrast and a combination of small and medium-scale motifs.
Where to Find the Original Flutter By Pattern
Pattern credit: Nicole Young of Lillyella Stitchery first shared Flutter By as part of the 2017 Fabric.com Fall Block Party. Her original post explains the design, shows fabric choices, and points readers to the original free download.
Explore the original designer's Flutter By post
View Lillyella's Flutter By ArticleOn the designer's paper-piecing archive, look for the November 7, 2017 post titled “Fabric.com Fall Block Party.”
Want another free butterfly paper-piecing option?
See Lillyella's Free Pattern LibrarySupplies for a Paper-Pieced Butterfly Block
The exact fabric cutting requirements depend on the printable template you use. For general FPP preparation, gather:
- Assorted fabric scraps: at least two contrasting color families for the wings, plus a background fabric and a darker or coordinating body fabric.
- Printed foundation templates: from the original designer or another authorized pattern source.
- Sewing machine and coordinating thread: a neutral thread is convenient when changing fabrics frequently.
- Rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat: for trimming each foundation section.
- Iron or pressing tool: for setting seams as you build the design.
- Optional: an add-a-quarter ruler, a thin paper-piecing ruler, and a fabric glue stick for positioning the first piece.
Fabric tip: A soft aqua or cream background can make colorful wings stand out. For a bolder look, pair dark backgrounds with bright, high-contrast prints. Avoid using large-scale motifs in every small wing section; tiny pieces may not show the complete print.
How to Sew a Flutterby-Style Butterfly Quilt Block with FPP
The following is a general foundation paper-piecing workflow to use alongside the designer's numbered templates. It is not a substitute for the original pattern's cutting diagrams, section order, or measurements.
1. Print and check your foundation templates
Download the authorized pattern, then print it at actual size / 100% unless the designer specifies otherwise. Turn off “fit to page.” Check any printed test square before cutting fabric. Keep the normal and mirrored templates separate if you want butterflies facing in different directions.
2. Plan your wing colors
Choose one focal fabric for the most visible wing area, then add a stripe, dot, small floral, or blender for contrast. Before sewing, place the fabrics together and take a quick photo in black and white: if the values all look the same, introduce a lighter or darker print so the butterfly silhouette stays clear.
3. Piece each numbered foundation section
Position the first fabric piece behind the foundation paper, with its right side facing away from the printed lines. Place the next fabric right sides together, sew on the numbered seam line, fold it open, and press. Continue in the order printed on the template, checking that each fabric covers its assigned area with enough seam allowance.
4. Trim and assemble the sections
When the sections are complete, trim them to the outer cutting lines specified by the pattern. Join the finished sections in the designer's sequence, carefully aligning important points and the butterfly body. Press the seams in the direction that keeps bulky intersections flat.
5. Remove the foundation paper and finish
Once the block is assembled, remove the paper gently so the stitches are not pulled out. Give the block a final press and measure it against the designer's stated unfinished size. It can now be framed with borders, joined to other blocks, or turned into a small quilted project.
Five Fabric Ideas for a Beautiful Butterfly Block
- Floral wings with a solid background: use a favorite floral as the star and let a quiet background frame it.
- Scrappy rainbow: combine small pieces in warm and cool colors, keeping the butterfly body dark enough to read clearly.
- Soft cottage palette: try dusty rose, sage, cream, and tiny ditsy florals for a delicate look.
- Modern high contrast: black, white, and one vivid accent color create a graphic block.
- Two-way butterflies: sew mirrored versions in complementary fabrics and arrange them facing toward the center of a pillow or mini quilt.
What Can You Make with a Flutterby Quilt Block?
One butterfly block can become a focal patch on a tote bag or a small framed wall hanging. Add a generous fabric border and quilt around the silhouette to make a decorative cushion. Several butterflies, alternating left and right, can form a lively sampler or a border around a larger quilt center.
If you are making a full quilt, complete one test block first and measure its finished size. Use that measurement to plan your rows, sashing, and borders. This is more reliable than guessing the size from photographs of the pattern.
Common Foundation Paper Piecing Mistakes to Avoid
- Printing at the wrong scale: always confirm the test measurement before sewing.
- Cutting fabric too small: allow enough extra fabric to cover the full shape after folding it open.
- Forgetting that the finished block is reversed: check the orientation of directional prints and butterfly templates.
- Using low-contrast fabrics: choose values that distinguish the wings from the background.
- Removing paper too early: leave it in place until the sections are assembled unless the pattern says otherwise.
- Stretching bias edges: handle trimmed sections gently and press without pulling.
For more precise piecing, revisit our quarter-inch seam allowance guide and our explanation of pressing quilt seams open versus to the side.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Flutterby quilt block suitable for beginners?
It is a manageable next step for someone who has practiced foundation paper piecing on a simpler block. Complete beginners may want to try a basic FPP exercise first, especially if they are unfamiliar with sewing through paper or reversing the fabric pieces.
Is the Flutter By butterfly pattern free?
The designer originally offered it as a free pattern through the 2017 Fabric.com Fall Block Party. We have not confirmed that the old download is still available. Check Nicole Young's original post for the most authoritative information, or explore the separate free butterfly patterns on her pattern-library page.
Can I make the butterfly face the other way?
Yes. The original designer says the pattern includes both the shown and reversed orientations, allowing butterflies to face either direction.
Can I use scraps instead of buying new fabric?
Absolutely. Butterfly wings are a wonderful opportunity to use coordinated scraps. The important part is choosing pieces large enough for the printed foundation shapes and their seam allowances.
Can I turn one block into a pillow or mini quilt?
Yes. Frame the finished block with borders to reach your desired project size, then add batting, backing, quilting, and binding or pillow construction as appropriate.
Final Thoughts
The Flutterby butterfly quilt block is a playful introduction to combining fabric prints, directional designs, and foundation paper piecing. Start with one carefully planned butterfly, enjoy the process, and then experiment with mirrored pairs, colorful scraps, or a whole garden of butterfly blocks.
Original source: Lillyella Stitchery — “Fabric.com Fall Block Party” (November 7, 2017). Additional free patterns: Lillyella's free tutorials and patterns library.
