Same block. Same templates. Very different results.
Quilters are always looking for inspiration, and sometimes the most helpful inspiration comes from seeing the same block finished in different ways. That’s why I’m sharing the details of two versions of Frosted Branches. While they use different colors and construction methods, they start from the same foundation — and that’s what makes the comparison useful.
What Both Versions Have in Common
Both pillows use the exact same Frosted Branches block.
I used the Frosted Branches Template & Stencil Set (link) to trace the shapes for both projects, which saved me the step of making freezer paper templates. (You can read more about that process here: Using Freezer Paper Templates)
The color placement is also consistent between the two versions. Similar gradients were used, with lights and darks in the same positions. There were no sneaky inversions or swaps — the structure of the block stayed the same.
Both blocks were finished as 20″ pillows, which makes them a great size for showcasing the design while still being practical for everyday use.
Winter Tides (Teal) — Simple Fusible Appliqué
The Winter Tides version uses a straightforward fusible appliqué approach.
My fusible of choice here is Misty Fuse. I first fused the leaves and stems together to create a single motif, making sure the edges of the leaves touched the stems so everything connected cleanly. Once the motif was assembled, it was centered on the background and fused in place.
At this stage, I did not secure the appliqué with stitching.
For the border, I used the heart template from the stencil and template set to create a dozen small appliqué blocks. (For quilters who use cutting machines, the shapes are also available as SVG files.) These were alternated with solid blocks to form a pieced border. To save time and energy, all of the borders were added using a quilt-as-you-go method.
Once the borders were attached, it was time to quilt and secure the appliqué. I used 40 wt polyester embroidery thread, such as Superior’s Magnifico and ThreadDelight, because the slight sheen and thicker weight added just enough sparkle to suit the winter theme without overpowering the design.
I also reused the heart template again when quilting the corners of the block. Repeating the same shapes in multiple ways helps bring cohesion to the overall design.
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- Frosted Branches – Winter TIde
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- Frosted Branches – Winter TIde
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- Frosted Branches – Winter TIde
Nantucket Mist — Dimensional Appliqué & Decorative Stitching
The Nantucket Mist version was constructed using a completely different method: dimensional appliqué.
With this approach, the first step is quilting the background. The quilting helps define where the appliqué pieces will sit and fills the background space with echo quilting. All of the quilting was done on my domestic machine, without a walking foot (yes — I know).
After quilting the background, I added a flange for more texture, followed by two simple quilt-as-you-go borders. The coordinating batik added visual interest, but this version was also my excuse to really play with the specialty stitches on my machine.
To refine the stems, I used Karen Kay Buckley’s Perfect Stems templates along with ¼″ Steam-A-Seam tape. The repositionable quality of the tape makes it especially forgiving and easy to adjust.
For the leaves, I wanted more surface detail, so I stitched a decorative stitch down the center of each leaf using coordinating 40 wt Magnifico thread. This added texture and dimension without overwhelming the design.
At the center of the block, I substituted the standard center piece with a decorative button. Silver and blue naturally belong together, and the button tied in beautifully with the rest of the embellishments.
Along the borders, I stitched close to the ditch to flatten the seams, then added a single row of decorative stitching down the center of the wider borders.
On the light border, I used a star stitch with metallic thread to add brightness, then added silver seed beads at the center of each stitch. The stitches naturally created a hole, making the beading quick and easy.
On the darker border, I used a snowflake stitch with medium blue 40 wt thread. It showed up beautifully on the dark batik and echoed the winter theme established elsewhere in the pillow.
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- Frosted Branches – Nantucket Mist
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- Frosted Branches – Nantucket Mist
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- Frosted Branches – Nantucket Mist
Pillow Construction
Both pillows were finished with unquilted backs, each featuring a centered zipper with a fabric flap to hide it. This is a great way to save space if you want to change pillows for the seasons!
Full pillow assembly instructions are included in the Winter Whispers Runner QAL. The full construction process for the dimensional appliqué version is taught step-by-step in the Winter Whispers Runner Quilt-Along, which begins March 12.
Materials Used
If you’re interested in any of the materials used in these projects, you’ll find them linked below.
(These are affiliate links. I earn a small commission on purchases, which helps support my work and allows me to continue sharing inspirations like this.)
I’d love to see what you’re making with the Frosted Branches block. If you give it a try, please leave a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram or Facebook — I always enjoy seeing how different quilters interpret the same design.
Instagram: #ttquilts
Facebook: #tandtquilts
If you’re new here, you can learn more about the Winter Whispers series as a whole here.
And if you’re ready for the next block in the Winter Whispers series, Frozen Flowers is now available. You can read more about it here.
Happy Quilting!
