Folk Flower Block – Online Class

Modern quilter and fabric designer, Anna Maria Horner, teaches you how to make this basic folk-inspired flower block using floral print scraps.

About Anna Maria Horner

Anna Maria Horner is an American artist, designer, author, and educator. She was born in Nashville, Tennessee in 1976, and grew up in a family of artists and musicians. Horner has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Tennessee and began her career as a jewelry designer before transitioning to fabric design.

Horner is best known for her vibrant and eclectic fabric designs, which are inspired by a variety of sources including nature, folk art, and vintage textiles. Her fabric collections are produced by FreeSpirit Fabrics and have been used in a wide range of sewing and quilting projects.

In addition to her work as a fabric designer, Horner is also an author and has published several books on sewing, quilting, and embroidery. She has also taught classes and workshops on these topics and has appeared on various television shows and podcasts to share her expertise.

Horner is known for her passion for creativity and her desire to help others find their own creative voice. She has been involved in a variety of community projects, including creating public art installations and organizing workshops and events for children and adults.

Anna Maria Horner is a multi-talented artist and designer who has made a significant impact on the world of fabric design and sewing. Her unique and colorful designs continue to inspire and delight sewists and quilters around the world.

Her notable works

Fabric Collections: Horner has designed many fabric collections for FreeSpirit Fabrics, including the popular collections “Good Folks,” “Innocent Crush,” and “Fibs and Fables.” Her fabrics are known for their vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and unique designs.

Quilts: Horner is an accomplished quilter and has created many stunning quilts over the years. Her quilts often feature intricate piecing and applique techniques, as well as bold color combinations and unexpected design elements.

Books: Horner has authored several books on sewing, quilting, and embroidery, including “Seams to Me: 24 New Reasons to Love Sewing,” “Anna Maria’s Needleworks Notebook,” and “Handmade Beginnings: 24 Sewing Projects to Welcome Baby.” Her books are known for their clear instructions, beautiful photography, and creative project ideas.

Art Installations: Horner has created several large-scale public art installations, including a colorful mural in Nashville’s East Nashville neighborhood and a mixed-media installation at the Tennessee Governor’s Mansion. Her installations often feature bright colors, bold patterns, and a sense of whimsy and playfulness.

About this pattern

In this pattern, you will learn how to piece a background, fussy cut fabric, and reverse applique the flower and leaves using a sewing machine (no hand-stitching required).

The flower block can be made in several different sizes, so piece them together in whatever way you like to create a quilt that is bursting with colour and texture.

Get this folk-inspired flower block here.

If you’ve ever finished quilting a beautiful project… only to find faint blue lines still staring back at you…

You know the panic.

Marking tools are one of those quilting notions we don’t think much about — until something doesn’t wash out.

And unfortunately, not all marking tools are created equal.

Some disappear perfectly.
Some fade too fast.
And some leave ghost lines that refuse to budge.

Let’s talk about how to choose the right marking tools — so your quilt is remembered for the stitching, not the stains.

Why Marking Tools Matter More Than You Think

Marking tools guide:

Straight quilting lines
Free-motion designs
Appliqué placement
Foundation paper piecing
Border alignment

Without them, accuracy suffers.

But using the wrong one can permanently affect your quilt top — especially on light fabrics.

For hobby quilters who invest hours into a project, safe marking choices matter.

The Most Common Types of Quilting Marking Tools

Here’s a simple breakdown of the main options and when they work best.

Water-Soluble Fabric Markers

These are among the most popular marking tools for quilting.

They:

Write clearly
Wash out with water
Work well on light fabrics

Best for:

Straight line quilting
Temporary placement marks
Detailed designs

Important tip:
Always test on a scrap of the same fabric first. Some fabrics hold pigment longer than others.

Air-Erasable Pens

These fade naturally over time.

They’re great for:

Short-term marking
Quick projects
Small quilting sections

The downside?
They can disappear before you’re finished — especially in warm climates.

They’re not ideal for large quilts that take several days to quilt.

Chalk Pencils & Chalk Wheels

Chalk is gentle and visible, especially on darker fabrics.

It:

Brushes away easily
Doesn’t penetrate fibres deeply
Works well for hand quilting layouts

Chalk wheels offer fine lines for precision marking.

Be sure to brush or rinse fully before pressing, as heat can set some chalks.

Hera Markers (No Ink at All)

Hera markers are underrated.

They:

Create a crease line rather than pigment
Leave no residue
Are ideal for straight-line quilting

They work beautifully on lighter fabrics and are perfect for quilters nervous about ink.

If you’ve ever worried about ghost marks, this tool feels very reassuring.

Heat-Erasable Pens

These disappear when pressed with an iron.

They’re popular for:

Detailed quilting designs
Visible but temporary lines

However, caution is important.

In very cold temperatures, marks can reappear. They usually fade again with warmth, but it can be unsettling if you’re not expecting it.

What Causes Marking Lines to “Ghost”?

Ghosting happens when:

Ink bonds with fabric fibres
Fabric sizing reacts with pigment
Marks are pressed before removal
The wrong tool is used for that fabric type

Light-coloured quilting cotton is usually forgiving.
Dark or heavily dyed fabrics need extra caution.

Always test first.

Even experienced hobby quilters do this.

The Safest Approach for Hobby Quilters

If you want to minimise risk:

For light fabrics:
Use water-soluble pens or hera markers.

For dark fabrics:
Use chalk pencils or chalk wheels.

For long-term projects:
Avoid air-erasable pens unless working in small sections.

And most importantly — remove markings before applying high heat.

Marking for Different Techniques

Straight-line quilting:
Hera markers or water-soluble pens.

Free-motion quilting:
Chalk pencils or fine water-soluble pens.

Appliqué placement:
Light water-soluble markers.

Foundation paper piecing:
Usually no marking needed, but chalk can help with alignment.

Different tools suit different stages — you don’t need every type.

When to Replace Your Marking Tools

If your marker:

Skips or scratches
Leaves inconsistent lines
Doesn’t erase fully
Has dried out

It’s time to replace it.

Marking tools are inexpensive compared to the cost of fabric and time invested in a quilt.

Reliable quilting retailers like Fat Quarter Shop carry a range of water-soluble pens, chalk wheels, and specialty markers designed specifically for quilting cotton, which helps reduce the risk of staining.

Common Marking Mistakes to Avoid

Pressing before removing marks
Using regular office pens (please don’t)
Skipping the scrap test
Leaving marks for weeks before washing

Even experienced quilters have learned these lessons the hard way.

The Bottom Line

Marking tools are meant to guide your quilting — not haunt it.

Choose tools based on:

Fabric colour
Project timeline
Quilting style
Your comfort level

If you’re unsure, start with a water-soluble pen and always test first.

A few seconds of testing can save hours of frustration.

This article is part of our Ultimate Guide to Quilting Notions for Hobby Quilters, where we simplify essential tools without overwhelming you.

Next in the series:
Pressing Tools That Make Quilts Look Professional