behind the scenes: Modern Moths quilt + Wildflowers fabric collection

Hello quilting friends and those who find insects irresistible!

Today I am excited to introduce you to the newest addition to my insect quilt pattern series—Modern Moths.

modern quilt with 6 moths in a circle and a star and flower in the negative space

This is the fifth pattern in the series, following in the footsteps of the much-loved Bzzzzzz (bees), Dragonfly Dance, Ladybug Loop, and Butterfly Bunch patterns.

4 modern insect quilts. Bees, dragonflies, ladybugs, and butterflies arranged in circles

For Modern Moths, I decided to give equal weight to both the positive and negative space. I love using negative space in my designs as it allows a secondary (and sometimes tertiary motif) to appear.  In this case the moths themselves comprise the positive space in the quilt, with their intricate details and beautifully patterned wings.

modern quilt with 6 moths in a circle and a star and flower in the negative space

In the negative space (or background), a bold star shape appears in the middle of the quilt where all of the moths join. This helped to create a focal point and provided a sense of balance to the design. As the design was taking shape, I was delighted to discover an additional motif in the negative space— an abstract floral design around the edges of the moths, which added an extra layer of interest.

The circle of moths come together thanks to a technique called Foundation Paper Piecing (also known as FPP). One of my favorite things about FPP is the level of precision it allows me to achieve in my designs. By using this technique, I was able to create crisp, clean lines and geometric shaped elements that would have been difficult to achieve with other quilt piecing methods. Are you new to FPP or want a little bit of guidance? Be sure to check out my FREE Foundation Paper Piecing Tutorial / Mini-ClassAccess my full library of free video tutorials + patterns.

detail of modern quilt with a moth
Whether you’re an experienced quilter or an adventurous beginner, Modern Moths is a fun pattern to work with. I walk you through all of the steps with details instructions that have been reviewed by a technical editor and have been fully tested. Also included in the pattern are lots of diagrams, tips and tricks. Use the color selections I used on my quilts as inspiration or customize the pattern using the supplied coloring sheet.

This intermediate foundation paper pieced pattern makes one 32″ x 32″ mini quilt. Add a border or make additional blocks to create a larger quilt. 

Let’s take a closer look at some Modern Moths quilts:

Modern Moths quilt pattern made with Wildflowers fabric collection by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics

In 2022, I received an early sneak peek of the Wildflowers fabric collection by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics. As soon as I saw the fabrics, I knew that they were the perfect inspiration for a new design of an insect quilt that I had been wanting to create. The collection features an array of bold and colorful florals that are perfect for creating a beautiful quilt.

Be sure to check out this chat Alison and I had about how we first met and a little peek behind the scenes of how the Modern Moths pattern came to life:

The prints provided the perfect backdrop for the insect motifs, and I added some Century Solids by Andover for the abdomens and details.

Here are all the details and fabric I used — if you love Fat Quarter Bundles, this is the project for you!


Forewings + details and Antennae, Hindwings + details made with a Fat Quarter Bundle of Wildflowers by Alison Glass.
Abdomens + details: Century Solids by Andover Fabrics (colors: Butternut Squash, Pickle, Aquarium, Lilac, Passion, and Carrot)
Background: Century Solids by Andover Fabrics (color: Uniform)


modern quilt with 6 moths in a circle and a star and flower in the negative space

Forewings + details and Antennae, Hindwings + details made with a Fat Quarter Bundle of Wildflowers by Alison Glass.
Abdomens + details: Century Solids by Andover Fabrics (colors: Pickle, Aquarium, Lilac, Passion, and Carrot and Butternut Squash)
Background: Wildflowers Topography, Whisper OR Century Solids by Andover Fabrics (color: Snow)

The Wildflowers collection also works nicely with the other quilts in the insect series:

I had so much fun creating this pattern and I hope you will enjoy making your own magnificent moths as much as I did. Let’s embrace our love of all things nature and create something beautiful together.

Thank you for joining me on this journey and don’t forget to check out the rest of the patterns in the series. Pick up your PDF patterns of individual insects OR get the entire bundle!
Get the Irresistible Insect quilt series (bundle of ALL 5 patterns).
Get the Modern Moths quilt pattern.
Get the Bzzzzzz quilt pattern.
Get the Dragonfly Dance quilt pattern.
Get the Ladybug Loop quilt pattern.
Get the Butterfly Bunch quilt pattern.

Happy quilting!
Sheri

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