top of page

Raw Edge Applique 
TUTORIAL

Sometimes it is fun to add a bit of applique to a quilt or a cushion, or maybe some clothing.  So, what actually is Applique?  Applique is a way of adding designs (shapes or patterns) to something, for me it is mostly a quilt.  There are two main methods of applique, needle-turn or raw edge.  Needle turn applique is when the raw edges of the fabric are turned under and the fabric is then hand stitched to onto the background fabric. 

​

I will be describing raw edge applique.  The cut edges of the fabric are left exposed but secured in place by stitching, either by hand or machine. 

 

Preparation is key!  Materials required ...

  • Cotton fabric for applique

  • Base fabric to applique onto

  • Template or pattern

  • Paper based fusible heat bonding

  • Pen or Pencil

  • Scissors

  • Iron & ironing board

  • Thread to match applique

  • Sewing machine 

  • Open toed clear foot for sewing machine is helpful but not essential

BDQ005 Be the Best You_edited.jpg

Things to think about before you begin…

Which Stitch? 

When machine sewing you can use a decorative stitch, but I find I like blanket stitch.  Blanket stitch adds durability to your design. Many sewing machines will have a blanket stitch or version of it.  Open zig zag is another alternative.  Satin stitch is another good stitch to use, but just be aware that you are better off using a stabiliser behind the fabric you are appliqueing onto.  This will prevent puckering and give a nicer, flatter finish.

​

What fabric to use?

There are a few things to consider when choosing fabric for applique. 

  1. If the fabric has a directional print or pattern, consider how this will work in your design. 

  2. If you have several layers to your design, consider the placement of darker fabrics and how they interact with the lighter fabrics.  Ask yourself, will they show through the lighter fabric, does this enhance or detract from the design?

 

You can use 100% cotton, felt, or other fabrics for applique.  Just keep in mind what the end use of the finished item will be used for when choosing your fabric for applique.

​

Let's get started

Step 1: Design

Choose your design to applique.  Print it out to the desired size. 

IMPORTANT – any design you use will produce an applique that is reverse of the design you started with.  So, if you are appliqueing text, don’t forget to reverse it before you print it.

​

Step 2: Preparing 

Place the fusible webbing over the pattern with the rough side (glue side) down and trace with a pencil (don’t use a soft pencil as this will smudge) or pen.  Trace each pattern piece separately, with about 1/2 inch between them.

​

Cut out the traced shapes for each block, roughly leaving about 1/4 inch of webbing around the traced lines. You can leave smaller items for the same fabric as a group for ease of ironing onto your fabric.  Don’t cut on the pencil line yet!

​

Step 3: Transfer Design

Place the fusible webbing piece (rough side down, paper side up) onto the wrong side of chosen fabric, then fuse for a few seconds with a dry iron.  ONLY press, do not slide your iron!  ** Using steam will weaken the fuse.

**If you are using fabrics that are not 100% cotton, consider using something to protect it, like a scrap piece of cotton fabric.

applique (3)_edited.jpg
applique (2)_edited.jpg

Note: Iron temperature and fusing time will depend of the type of fabric and fusible webbing you are using. Please refer to the instructions that come with your fusible webbing for more details.

 

Step 4: Cutting out Applique Design

Cut out appliqué piece(s) neatly on the lines.   Don’t use your fabric scissors, the paper backing will blunt them!

TIP: Smaller items are easier to cut out if you hold them with a pair of tweezers.

 

Step 5: Applying Applique

Peel off the paper backing from all the shapes.  Be patient & gentle, it can be a bit tricky!

 

Position them in place onto the background, referring to the pattern for placement.

​

Once you are happy with the placement secure your applique in place by ironing with a hot iron. Iron in place by pressing down gently. The heat will ‘melt’ the bonding agent to secure the pieces in place.  Try not to rub backwards and forwards as you may move the pieces.

​

Step 6: Stitching Applique

Time to machine stitch around your image!  I like blanket stitch. Straight stitch or satin stitch also work well.  As most of the images are a multi pieced design, start with the bottom fabric first, stitching the top fabrics last. 

​

For best results, take your time and stitch slowly and carefully.

 

Optional Step: Embellishment

Some designs can be further enhanced by embellishments.  Be sure to attach them securely. (If you are adding a bow, remember to heat seal the ends of the ribbon to prevent fraying. )

​

​TIPS FOR APPLIQUÉ STITCHING:

  • Use a bobbin thread the same colour as your top thread.

  • An open toed clear foot will make it easier to see what you are doing.

  • Threads can enhance a design, choose carefully.

  • Quality thread is less likely to break.

  • Try to start stitching in an inconspicuous place (in a bend or a corner).

  • Pivot the fabric as you navigate bends and turns, but make sure the needle is down when you do!

  • Remember to secure your stitching well at the beginning and the end (by back-stitching on the machine).

  • For best results, take your time and stitch slowly and carefully.

  • If you need to keep something straight (e.g., words) you can use an erasable pen to draw a straight line & then when you iron it, the line magically disappears!

​

Quilt patterns that use applique:

​​

BDQ 005 Be the Best You quilt pattern_web (1).jpg
Tutorial - FPP: About
bottom of page