How to Make Going Batty Quilt Block

A Fun Halloween Quilt Block!

Going Batty Quilt Block by Rona the Ribbiter for 50 Shades of Grey Block Tour

When I created the Shamrock Quilt Block for the 50 Shades of Gray Quilt Block Tour, I knew I wanted to do a second one. And what better time than Halloween time!?

One thing not many people know about me is that I am a HUGE Batman fan. So much so, I have Batman figurines (including a Lego Batman!), own all the movies and have other various Batman paraphernalia. One of my favorite cartoon characters is even Batty Coda from the Ferngully movie. So, it makes PERFECT sense that I chose a Bat for a Quilt block!

Why do Bats Hang upside down?

Fun Fact about bats – they have backward facing knees. Creepy, right? However, this allows them to hang safely upside down without expending too much energy and to ‘press off’ to directly take flight. Not just their knees are backward, but also their tendons. So, it makes sense that they don’t walk like other flying animals.

Notice I didn’t say “bird”?

That’s because bats are not birds. They are actually a mammal. The only mammals capable of flight… outside of an airplane, that is. 🙂

But, why do they hang upside down? Believe it or not, it’s a safety thing. Hanging upside down allows bats to see and hear potential predators around them. Fascinating creatures, aren’t they!?

Going Batty Quilt Block

I will mention this Going Batty quilt block does use a form of applique. But, even if you've never made an applique quilt, you should still be able to make this block. So, let's get started!

Your finished Going Batty quilt block will be approximately 6 1/2 x 6 1/2 inches square.

Here's what you'll need to make your block.

Materials Required:

For the Going Batty quilt block, I dug into my scrap stash. As you can see, you don't need much. 🙂

Applique Templates - Click HERE to download and print
Water Soluble Erasable fabric pen and/or chalk pencil
Sharp Fabric Scissors
Iron - a Craft Iron works the best
Fray Check (optional)
Background Fabric (Light Grey)	One	5 x 6 1/2
	One	1 1/4 x 6 1/2
Medium Grey	One	1 1/4 x 6 1/2
Dark Grey / Black	One	4 x 6 1/2
Yellow	One	1 1/4 x 4 1/2
Double Sided Fusible Interfacing	One	4 x 6 1/2
	One	1 1/4 x 4 1/2

Cut Out Template Pieces

Using this template, cut out the Bat and Quarter Moon template pieces.

Making the Applique Pieces

Using the instructions on the package, place the 4 x 6 1/2 inch double sided fusible interfacing to the WRONG side of your Bat (Dark Grey) fabric. Press to fuse them together.

Place your Bat template over top of the fused Dark Grey fabric. Trace the Bat onto your fabric using a chalk pencil. Cut out your Bat and set aside.

Repeat steps 1 – 2 with your 1 1/4 x 4 1/2 double sided fusible interfacing and your Yellow fabric. Trace your Moon template and cut out.

Making the Background

Place one Background (Lt. Grey) 5 x 6 1/2 and one Branch (Grey) 1 1/1 x 6 1/2 RST. Stitch down the long side. Press seams open.

Place one Background 1 1/4 x 6 1/2 and the Grey side of your unit, RST. Stitch the long side. Press seam open.

Applique it all down

Remove the paper backings from all of your cut out pieces.

Center your Bat piece on the background unit by lining up the bat’s bottom wings along the Branch strip. When you have the piece is centered as you like it, press it with an iron to fuse it in place.

Repeat step 7 placing your Moon piece on the bottom of your background unit.

Traveling Quilter Books

Price range: $14.95 through $39.90
Quilted Keychain Pattern (PDF)

$5.00
Quilter's Travel Journal - Shows and Retreats

$19.95
Water Crystals Quilt Pattern

$12.00
Winter 3-in-1 Table Quilts Pattern

$12.00

Finishing Your Block

As these are 'raw edge' applique pieces, you have a choice in how to stitch them down.

If you want a bit of a frayed look, you can do a straight stitch approximately 1/8 inch from the edge of each piece.

If you want a cleaner look, you can try a small zig zag around the piece edges. Or, you can try something all your own!

Optionally, run a small bit of Fray Check around the edges of your applique pieces. This will help keep them from ‘fraying’.

VOILA!

You’ve just completed your Going Batty Quilt Block!

And that's it. You're done! How'd your Going Batty quilt block turn out? Did you make a finished project with your block? Let me know in the comments!

Click HERE to Follow Along with the 50 Shades of Gray Quilt Block Tour!

Check out these previous quilt blocks on the tour:

And be sure to stay tuned for these upcoming blocks!

Harvest Ember by Wilde and Purdy
Grey Pumpkin by Crafty Staci
Millie and Bun Designs

What to do with your Going Batty quilt block

Now that you have your fun little Going Batty quilt block, what to make with it? Of course, the first suggestions is to put it in a Halloween quilt! But there are other possibilities too!

The 6 inch size block works perfectly with this Little Zipper Bag Pattern!

Also, the center squares in the Queen size African Violet Quilt pattern are 6 inches!! How great would this pattern be in Halloween fabrics!?

*Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links. When you click and purchase an item I earn a commission at NO additional cost to you. All the money raised helps to keep this blog up and running.

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