Opinions needed
 

I made these leaf blocks but they don't look right with out a stem. What do you think , should I add stems and how , with out adding more bulk to the seams. I already have 12 done this way and need 18 more.

There's a product called "Quick Bias" which is a fusible bias tape. It comes in different colors. You could use this to make stems. You could also make your own fusible bias, or, as the area is short, you could just make a straight stem and attach with a fusible.

....... or do an applique stem?
.............. or embroider the stem?

Though once you add the stem, you are losing the view of the secondary pattern that is forming where the HSTs meet.

Having gone as far as you have, I would leave them as is, and join them up. Kind of like autumn leaves on the forest floor, with bits of evergreen scattered amidst.

I think they are beautiful just as they are. I recognize them as leaves and has been pointed out, there is a secondary thing going on there. Very pretty colors.

I think they look absolutely fine and leaflike without stems, just maybe a tad less "literal".

Totally agree, they look fine as they are.
That being said, if you really want stems.. I like the idea of emoroidering them.

If you want stems buy some bias tape to form them or find a bias strip maker and make small strips that can be hand sewn or machine sewn on. No need to do much more. you might rip a couple stitches on the leaf to tuck in the stem end and another tiny hole on the green triangle.

You have several suggestions on how to add a stem. You might take a piece of bias tape and place, or use temporary adhesive to see if you like the blocks with a stem.

I think they are very pretty, just the way they are.

i think they would look much better with stems

I'd use fusible applique to add stems and I would make the leaves turn all different directions. Then it would look like fallen leaves.

I think they are very pretty. I would not add a stem. It leaves more interpretation to the viewer.

I do agree that they look beautiful as they are, but if you want stems I think Tartans idea would look great!

Should I put sashing between the blocks? all those seams are getting bulky together.

I personally like it just the way you have done it.

I just made three (3) utility quilts with the maple leaf pattern and I think your leaves need a stem. A stem would fill the hole where a stem should be. The pattern I used had a straight strip (3/4 inch wide cut) in the bottom left corner, where you have a half square triangle. You take a background square and cut it on the diagonal (from one corner to the opposite corner), place the strip between the two triangles and stitch a 1/4 inch seam and viola, you have a stem.

Leave as is and add stems and leave out the corner triangle next time.

I like this pattern it's like the Bear paw

You could even embroider a stem...if you want a thicker one, you could do a "couched" thicker thread...or machine satin stitch as wide as you can.

I think I would try to do stems and veins in the leaves just with the quilting. It would be subtle and wouldn't take away from the secondary pattern, but would emphasize that they are leaves.

embroider if you feel it's really needed. I like them the way they are.

Rename the block. :)

Missouri Star quilt co has a great video on stems. I agree it looks fine without.

I think that they do look like leaves, but I agree that they are not appearing clearly and in my opinion the green colour needs to recede more.

Doubtless you don't wish to change the colour after so much work but I don't think any other change will make much difference. I think stems might just clutter up what is a lovely design.

Exactly what I was thinking!!