Free Motion and Raw Edge Applique Project

Good Morning, Quilters!

Today we are going to create a simple applique block to practice free-motion quilting.

While this is a practice piece, be sure to use colors you love and fabric that sings to you!

You will have more fun creating–even while practicing–when you use colors and shapes you LOVE!

Preparing the Fabric for Applique

There are many ways to create applique.  If you have a favorite method–do it your way.

For this project, I used the fused, raw-edge applique method.

To create the shapes, I like to begin by applying fusible web to pieces of fabric.  Create a collection of fused sheets in a workable size of 9 x 12″.

(Many fusible web products, like Lite Steam-A-Seam,  and Heat N Bond are sold in rolls or in convenient 9 x 12″ sheets.)

I keep a box of pre-fused fabrics for collage-style applique and add to it when I start a new project.

Follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cut the Shapes

Remove the paper backing to make cutting easier and begin cutting shapes.

You can layer the fabric to cut multiple shapes at a time.

Serrated scissors make cutting applique easier. (I’ve had these Clover scissors forever and still LOVE them!)

Cut a variety of leaf and flower shapes.  Add circles and other geometric shapes.

It’s fun to cut out a lot of shapes so you have plenty of choices for composition.

Compose the Applique Shapes

Choose a fat quarter fabric for your mini quilt.

Press it well or the wrinkles will be distracting when composing.

Start playing with your shapes to create a composition.

Try a round posy of flowers, or create a wreath, with the center open.

Play, Play, Play!

Try a variety of compositions and take photos of your favorites.

Cut more shapes to audition new designs.

Try a new base layer color too!  (Use your vinyl overlay to place the applique shapes and layer it over different fabric colors.)

Of course, don’t limit yourself to flowers…

Pour yourself a cup of tea…perhaps new inspiration will arise.

Press and Layer

Once you’ve decided on a favorite composition, press the shapes to fuse.

Layer the block with batting and backing.

And you’re ready to design your quilting!

Raw edge applique

Raw edge applique is a lot of fun because it doesn’t require perfection. In fact, the imperfectly quilted lines give the quilt a hand-drawn look and add to the personality.

Choose a contrasting, heavy-weight thread to embellish the applique. This is a great project for thread experiments!

Quilt around the edge of each shape and purposely quilt on and off the edge. This helps to secure the applique. Add lines to embellish within the shape and then add complimentary designs around each applique. Add leaves around flowers and tuck in a butterfly or ladybug.

If you prefer to keep it simple, stitch the borders and add a little echo stitching. 

Keep it fun! Bind your quilt–every quilt looks better with binding!