How to Do Reverse Applique

Reverse appliqué is an embroidery technique that is used in a variety of crafts, most often in quilting. It involves layering fabrics, and then cutting away at the top layers to reveal the ones underneath in unique patterns. It is a great way to add dimension, color, shape and texture to a project, giving it an interesting twist.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Two pieces of fabric
• Hand needle
• Quilter's pins
• 5-inch sharp sewing shears
• Sewing machine
• Sewing chalk pencils
• Invisible (clear) thread

1. Pre-wash and pre-iron your two pieces of fabric. You can layer more than two fabrics, but for the purposes of this, we'll assume you are using just two. As you improve your reverse appliqué technique, you can experiment using three to five layers of fabric.

2. Transfer your pattern to the right side of the fabric that will be on top. You can trace, mark, or draw freehand, whichever works best for you. This transferred marking will be the seam line.

3. Draw a dotted line 1/8 inch away from the seam line, using a chalk pencil. This will be your cut line.

4. Cut along the dotted cut line.

5. Clip inside curves and notch outside curves to seam allowance. Clip inside corners to seam allowance, and square off outside corners. This technique will help your reverse appliqué lay flat when it is sewn together.

6. Layer the two pieces of fabric, both of which should be right side up. Pin together.

7. Blind stitch together by hand, using the tip of your needle to pull the top fabric under to the seam line.

8. Top stitch by machine, along the seam line. Use a tight zigzag stitch.

9. Finish the project. Now that the reverse appliqué step has been completed, use your other crafty techniques to make your project into something special. Finished reverse appliqué pieces can be used in quilts, hot plate holders, clothing, and home décor.