Fabric Embellished Sweatshirt with Hush Hush 4

Have you seen the latest assortment of low-volume backgrounds by Riley Blake Designs, Hush Hush 4? Each print is absolutely adorable and bound to add a special sparkle to any quilting project. With its wide variety of designs and subtle array of neutral backgrounds, this collection blends seamlessly with any fabric pull, making it a versatile addition to your stash.

Typically, background prints quietly support the bolder colors and patterns in a project. But for my latest creation, I decided to flip the script and let these beautiful fabrics take center stage!

Quilted apparel is really on-trend right now and while a quilt coat is on my quilting bucket list (who could resist after seeing this great tutorial), I wanted a quick and easy project to get started. So, I decided to embellish a comfy sweatshirt with iron-on applique to highlight they fun and sweet prints.

For the design, I used a template from Edyta Sitar of Laundry Basket Quilts. Edyta masterfully integrates applique and pieced blocks into many of her quilts and it’s something I want to try as well. This is a nice way to “get your feet wet” in practicing the technique and it is so much fun laying out the pieces and creating a pattern.

I used HeatnBond UltraHold for this project. This adhesive is strong enough to withstand washing without needing the appliqué to be sewn in, and it’s very easy to use.

I love how the light neutrals from Hush Hush 4 pop against the sage green of the sweatshirt, and I adore the tiny details in each piece—like strawberries, stars, hearts, and leaves. It’s those little touches that make this project extra special! I can’t wait for cooler weather to cozy up in my embellished sweatshirt.

Happy quilting!
Zaineb