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Quilt-Along: Highland Cow Block of the Month 3 | 2026
Easy |
Quick Links: What you'll need Project steps
This is a fun block, full of character, which would make a great stand-alone picture, mounted in a frame. Highland cow blocks are always popular, and this is no exception!
The Highland Cow block is one of two machine-appliquéd blocks within the quilt (the other being the Rooster). Templates are provided for all the pieces to create the picture which, when assembled, is machine appliquéd with zigzag stitch. If you have one, try using an open-toed foot for the appliqué – it will help you to follow the outline of the shapes more easily. If you prefer to hand-stitch the appliqué, that’s fine.
Using fabric adhesive sheets (Bondaweb or Heat N Bond)
Always remember that when using fabric adhesive sheets to create a design from a drawing or picture, the finished layout will be a mirrored version of the original design, so if you want to copy the original exactly, you will need to mirror the pieces. However, in this case, we’ve already reversed the templates for you.No lightbox?
A lightbox makes tracing the templates onto the fabric adhesive sheet easier but there’s no need to go out and buy one if you don’t already have one. An alternative is to stick your templates to a glass window or door, secure your fabric adhesive sheet on top and trace the template outlines. Alternatively, if you have a small glass table, position a torch underneath with the lens pointing upwards – this replicates a lightbox. Note: Check that the 1in (2.5cm) box on the template page is the right size before cutting out your fabrics (see Using Printed Patterns). If not, adjust your printer settings and print again until the sizing is correct.By the end of this project, you’ll have learnt:
- How to create a picture appliqué block using a fabric adhesive sheet.
- How to machine appliqué using zigzag stitch or the stitch of your choice.
Unfinished block size: 12½in (31.75cm) square.
Note: Stitch with an accurate ¼in (5mm) seam allowance.
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You will need:
Equipment
- Sewing machine with a multi-purpose or open-toed foot
- Rotary cutter
- Quilting ruler
- Quilting mat
- Scissors
- Templates
- Fabric adhesive sheet (e.g. Bondaweb/Heat N Bond)
- Optional: lightbox
Materials
- Scraps of black felt
- Neutral or matching thread(s) and contrast thread
- Black threads
- Fabrics (see my Introduction to the 2026 Block of the Month). From these, you will need to cut:
- One 12½ x 11in (31.75 x 28cm) rectangle in B/G
- One 12½ x 2in (31.75 x 5cm) strip in Fab G
- One each of the following (use scraps if you have them or otherwise cut from fabric):
- Centre and lower face, back body and legs in Fab H
- Face (left and right sides), ears, front body and back body markings in Fab E
- Nose in Fab A
- Horns in Fab D
- Flower stem and large petal in Fab G
- Medium petal in Fab F
- Flower centre in Fab I
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Project steps:
Step 1
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Step 2
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