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I'll begin by saying that I like handwork. I've done various types of embroidery since I was 13 and have become a knitter in the last few years. I've also become a quilter in the last few years, so I consider myself new at this. I'm going to discuss some methods of raw edge applique with a poll at the end. I have already stated is that I am new to this, so I welcome any additional comments and discussions of technique.
The four forms of applique that I am aware of are: 1) two types of raw edge fused applique; one where the edges are finished with buttonhole stitch and the second where the edges are finished with blanket stitch or buttonhole stitch. 2) The other two methods produce finished edges. Basically those two methods are freezer paper turned edges and needle turned edges.
In this diary I am going to focus on the two types of raw edge applique.
Below are two different applique projects I'm working on using the two types of raw edge applique styles.
Whig Rose with Blanket Stitching
4th of July with button hole edging
Both methods of raw edge fused applique are worked exactly the same way. The only difference is in the finishing. To begin with you will need some sort of fusible material to adhere the applique to the base fabric. There are many types of fusible webbing available. All have sticky on both sides. The primary difference is one type has a paper backing on one side and the other does not.
Whether you use a fusible webbing that has paper backing or not depends on the project and the amount of material being fused. For larger areas it is best to use the paper backed fusible webbing. It is sturdier and adheres better.
In the Whig Rose example, which used button hole edge finishing, the blue petals and the large center circle were done with paper backed fusible webbing.
This paper backed fusible webbing will have a paper side and a non-paper "sticky" side and is sort of transparent, enough to see bold lines through. To begin with you trace the design you want on the paper side of the two sided fusible webbing, remember that it will end up reversed and plan accordingly. Cut out the design with a bit extra around the edge. Place it on the WRONG side of the fabric, sticky side down, and iron (or if it is pressure sensitive, press it down with your hand). Then cut it out exactly on the line. Carefully pull of the paper backing off the double sided fusible web, leaving a sticky surface on the back of the fabric. Place the applique on the base fabric where it belongs and iron it in place.
You can also use thin fusible webbing (like stitch witchery) for smaller applique pieces. In this case, the fusible webbing is kind of like thick spider webs -- it is already sticky on both sides without removing any paper backing. Rough cut the webbing to the size of the applique and press it down on wrong side of the applique fabric where you have already traced the applique pattern using some form of eraser marking. Cut to size and place on the backing fabric and iron in place. You can also make freezer paper templates, iron them to the right side of applique fabric and use them as a guide to cut out the applique, instead of marking directly on the fabric.
Between the two types of raw edge applique the only difference is the way the edges are finished. In one case they are finished with a button hole stitch. That can be done by hand or with a sewing machine.
A close up example of machine done blanket stitch. The stems and one of the leaves show the blanket stitches.
The second method of finishing is by buttonhole stitch, where the stitch are very close together. An example from the 4th of July banner is below.
You should completely cover the edge without leaving any fabric showing. So this isn't the best work, but still from any distance it will look fine.
This 4th of July banner is still a work in progress. I haven't done the center of the flowers yet. I'm going to do yo-yos with cute mini buttons in the center.
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