With the use of the following applique techniques, you can enhance the appearance and durability of your quilt applique whether you are using raw edge applique or needle turn applique. I use a simple technique to give raw edge applique a wow factor. By using one extra step in your needle turn applique, it makes attaching the applique easier and instantly you have smoother edges that won’t fray. When you use these techniques for raw edge or needle turn applique it elevates the overall look and it affects the longevity of your quilting projects. These techniques can give your applique a bespoke stunning look.
You will need a few supplies that you probably already have on hand:
For Raw Edge Quilt Applique:
- Your fabric applique cut out
- Sewing Machine
- Low Loft Batting
For Needle Turn Applique:
- Your fabric applique cut out
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- Scrap Fabric
- Iron
I love quilts with applique. There is something about a quilt with applique that draws me in. It gives you a bit of a 3D effect and adds some depth and whimsy to a quilt. In a sense, it helps your quilt come to life. As I started playing with quilt applique, I tried different ways of doing this. There are a variety of existing ways to apply raw edge and needle turn applique. I wanted to achieve a different outcome though for my raw edge. I wanted it to stand out more to give it more visual appeal.
With needle turn applique, I wanted to be worry free from possible fraying and make the process a bit easier. There isn’t a right or wrong way to do this when designing your quilt. So the technique I use to do needle turn applique achieved the look I was hoping for. Have you thought about combining raw edge and needleturn applique? You can even combine the two styles to create a stunning and almost magical look to your quilt block.
Raw Edge Quilt Applique Process
As shown in my photo above, you can see a raw edge (not turned under) green meadow quilt applique attached to my quilt block. Let me back up a bit. Wait. “Let’s start at the very beginning.” Are you wondering what does raw edge mean? It’s pretty simple. Your applique has an unfinished edge that is left just as you cut it out that you sew to your quilt block without turning the edges under. Here is a unique way to sew on your raw edge applique.
- Cut out a piece of low loft batting the same size as your applique.
- Pin the batting and the applique piece to your quilt block.
- Carefully and slowly sew a quarter inch seam on your sewing machine all the way around your quilt applique and your batting.
- Smooth the applique as you sew around it so it doesn’t bunch up. You have the option to hand sew a blanket stitch or backstitch or just leave it like I show in the photo above. You could also sew a machine stitch on the edge of your applique but I like the simplicity of the raw edge look left raw so to speak.
- Trim the low loft batting that may extend beyond the edge of your raw edge applique.
This gives your applique a charming punch to it! It really does look 3 D and it stands out. I think the unfinished edge adds to the charm of a quilt. The slight puffiness from the batting gives it extra attention and cuteness that will get noticed.
Line your applique for a smoother and fray free result.
Needle Turn Quilt Applique or Lined Applique
The process I use for needle turn applique ( I call it that because most people know this type of applique by this name) is simply adding a backing to the quilt applique using scrap pieces of fabric and not interfacing. I was looking for a way to prevent my applique stitching from eventually coming undone and fraying. This method gives your applique more of a wow factor too. Maybe it is better to call it lined applique instead of the traditional needle turn. Great way to use more of your scraps. You’re welcome haha! When you add a backing to your applique, you can easily hand stitch it to your quilt project. It makes the whole stitching on your applique smoother and I think easier. You get the added bonus of not having to worry about your edges fraying in the future. Peace of mind worth it! I mean come on. If you are going to all the trouble of creating and hand stitching a cute applique you want it to last! Just make sure to iron your applique once you turn it inside out. Press flat.
- Cut out your applique.
- Take a piece of scrap fabric and place your applique right sides together…your applique and the piece of scrap.
- Cut a square or circle (depending on the shape of your applique) out of scrap fabric slightly bigger than your applique.
- Sew a quarter inch seam around your applique and through the two fabrics.
- Then trim the excess close to the sewn seam.
- On the back of your applique, pinch the scrap fabric and pull it away from your applique. Carefully cut a horizontal line and a vertical line through your scrap backing fabric.
- Turn your applique inside out.
- Put your sharp scissors inside the applique one the backside and carefully push and smooth the edges of the applique as far as it will go around the edge.
- Press flat.
- Technically you can match your thread to your backing although I use white thread often and I don’t mind cute little stitches showing as long as they are not super noticeable.
- Hand sew your applique to your quilt block using small even stitches.
- Knot your thread and pull your needle up through the back of your quilt block. Catch the top edge of your applique and continue with even and small stitches to hand stitch your applique on. (Relaxing and fun to do while watching a movie or listening to a podcast. Wink Wink….)
Get Creative
Don’t be afraid to experiment with your applique style. Combine some raw edge and some lined applique in the same quilt block. I do it often. I like both styles but mostly like to combine the two. Remember break out of the right way wrong way of applique. Yes there are traditional methods but you don’t have to use those if something works better for you. I love my style of applique. I think it enhances the look of the quilt block and can be very bespoke and stunning. You got this! You can do applique no matter your skill level. Bigger appliques probs easier to do than small pieces. Just get started. Give these two methods and try and see what you think. Happy appliquéing!
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