Large Butterfly Appliqué Quilt Pattern
If you are searching for a large butterfly appliqué quilt pattern that makes a bold artistic statement, this step-by-step guide will help you recreate a quilt similar to the stunning butterfly design shown above. This style of quilt is often called a modern appliqué art quilt because it combines layered fabric collage techniques with free-motion quilting to create a dramatic, oversized motif.
This quilt is ideal as a wall hanging, bed quilt, or showpiece for quilt exhibitions. The design features a single large butterfly centered on a neutral background, with vibrant fabric collage filling each wing section.
Materials for This Butterfly Appliqué Quilt
To create a butterfly art quilt, you will need:
• 3–4 yards neutral background fabric (cream or off-white)
• Assorted bright fabrics for wing collage (fat quarters work well)
• 1 yard deep contrast fabric for butterfly outline (such as burgundy or plum)
• Black fabric for butterfly body
• Fusible web (lightweight for layering)
• Cotton batting (queen size or desired size)
• Backing fabric (4–5 yards)
• Free-motion quilting thread (coordinating colors)
• ½ yard binding fabric
Using high-quality quilting cotton enhances durability and color vibrancy.
Finished Size
Approximate finished size: 60” x 70” (adjustable)
You can scale the butterfly template to fit smaller wall hangings or larger bed quilts.
Step 1: Prepare the Background Quilt Top
Cut background fabric to your desired quilt size. If needed, piece together large panels using a ¼” seam allowance.
Press carefully and square up the edges.
Mark the center of the quilt lightly with chalk or washable marker to help position the butterfly template symmetrically.
Step 2: Create the Butterfly Template
Draw or print a large butterfly template scaled to fit your quilt. Fold the template in half to ensure both wings are symmetrical.
Separate the butterfly into:
• Upper wings
• Lower wings
• Body
• Antennae
For a collage look, divide each wing into internal sections resembling organic shapes.
Step 3: Cut the Wing Base Layer
Using fusible web, trace the full wing shape onto the paper side. Iron onto the wrong side of your chosen outline fabric (deep burgundy or plum as shown).
Cut out the entire butterfly wing silhouette and fuse it onto the center of your quilt background.
This layer acts as the bold outline and foundation for the collage pieces.
Step 4: Create the Fabric Collage Wing Sections
Now build the internal wing sections.
Trace smaller organic shapes onto fusible web and iron onto colorful fabrics. Cut out shapes and arrange them within the wing outline.
Mix florals, polka dots, solids, and bright prints for a vibrant effect. Layer shapes slightly to create dimension.
Once satisfied with placement, fuse pieces in place.
Step 5: Add Butterfly Body and Details
Cut the body from black fabric using fusible web. Fuse to center.
Add antennae using narrow fabric strips or embroidered stitching.
For decorative highlights (white oval shapes on wings), cut small accent shapes and fuse in place.
Step 6: Secure the Appliqué with Stitching
Using a satin stitch, blanket stitch, or narrow zigzag stitch, sew around each appliqué shape to secure it.
For an art quilt finish, consider using free-motion stitching to outline internal shapes and add texture.
Use matching thread for subtle blending or contrasting thread for bold definition.
Step 7: Quilt the Background
Create a quilt sandwich with batting and backing.
For the background quilting, use:
• Swirl patterns
• Feather motifs
• Echo quilting around the butterfly
• Free-motion meandering
Echo quilting around the butterfly helps it visually “pop” from the background.
Step 8: Bind the Quilt
Trim excess batting and backing.
Cut 2½” wide binding strips. Sew around quilt edges with a ¼” seam allowance. Fold to back and stitch in place.
Quilting Techniques Used in This Butterfly Quilt
This modern butterfly quilt pattern incorporates:
• Raw-edge fusible appliqué
• Fabric collage technique
• Free-motion quilting
• Echo quilting
• Layered fusible design
• Large-scale motif placement
These techniques combine traditional quilting with contemporary art quilting style.
Why Large Butterfly Quilts Are So Popular
The butterfly appliqué quilt design is one of the most loved art quilt themes because butterflies symbolize transformation, beauty, and creativity. The oversized single-motif layout creates dramatic impact while allowing creative fabric expression.
This type of quilt works beautifully as:
• Bedroom décor
• Living room wall art
• Quilt show entry
• Handmade wedding gift
• Statement modern quilt
Customization Ideas
You can personalize this quilt by:
• Using batik fabrics for richer texture
• Adding metallic thread accents
• Creating a rainbow gradient wing design
• Quilting dense background textures for contrast