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    Home » Quilts

    How to Create Applique Shapes & Raw Edge Applique Tutorial

    Updated: Apr 2, 2022 by Melissa Mortenson · This post may contain affiliate links · This blog generates income via ads · Leave a Comment

    Learn how to create custom applique shapes that you can use on a variety of quilting, craft & sewing projects.

    bat fabric shapes, scissors and fabric on cutting mat

    This week for the Spooky Sampler quilt, we are creating the bat, spider, & medium pumpkin blocks.

    Table of Contents
    • Raw Edge Applique FAQ’s
    • Video Instructions
    • Spooky Sampler Quilt Along Schedule
    • Free Patterns that Feature Raw Edge Applique

    Both the spider & the bat blocks feature a technique referred to as Raw Edge Applique. It’s a method of attaching fabric (usually a specific shape) to a project without the need to “finish” or turn the edges of the shape under.

    It’s a quick and reliable method to add specialty shapes to quilt projects.

    Personally, I love raw edge applique. I have never been able to master the art of needle turn applique and creating appliques with this method has really opened up a lot of possibilities with me when it comes to designing quilt patterns.

    Raw Edge Applique FAQ’s

    Does the Fabric Fray?

    No, I have washed several of my quilts created with this method many times and have yet to have a significant amount of fraying on the fabric.

    Do you have to stitch it down?

    Yes, I think you do. The only exception to this would be if you are using a product like Heat N Bond Ultra Hold and it’s a project that will not get a lot of wear and tear (like a seasonal project). I would NEVER leave an applique unstitched on a project for a child or a baby.

    What product do you use?

    For quilts, I like Heat N Bond feather-lite. It’s lightweight and does not add any extra bulk to the quilt. It also does not change the drape of the fabric.

    Will it gum up your needle?

    I have not had a problem with this, but like I said I always use feather-lite. If you use Ultra Hold or another product, you may use a non-stick needle in your machine.

    Video Instructions

    I’ve created a video walking you through the steps of creating the Bat blocks for the quilt. Even though I’m showing an example for a specific project, you can use this technique for ANY other project. You can create t-shirts, tote bags, quilt blocks, pillows, etc.

    bat fabric shapes, scissors and fabric on cutting mat

    How to Create Applique Shapes & Raw Edge Applique Tutorial

    Melissa Mortenson
    Learn how to create custom applique shapes that you can use on a variety of quilting, craft & sewing projects.
    5 from 3 votes
    Pin It! Share by Email Share on Facebook
    Prep Time 30 mins
    Active Time 30 mins
    Total Time 1 hr

    Equipment

    • Small Sharp Scissors
    • Pencil
    • Cricut Bright Pad (or another lightbox)

    supplies

    • 1 piece Paper Backed Fusible Web larger than your applique shape I prefer Heat N Bond Lite
    • 1 Applique Shape Can be anything! Use your imagination.
    • 1 piece Fabric Larger than your applique shape

    Instructions
     

    How to Create the Appliqué:

    • Trace each piece you want to appliqué onto the paper side of the heat n bond feather-lite. You may want to use a lightbox for this step.
      If your image is not symmetrical make sure you reverse the image before you trace it (just put it upside down on the lightbox)
      hands tracing a bat shape on light box
    • Next, cut out each piece from heat n bond feather lite leaving a ½” border.
    • Using your iron, press each piece (adhesive side down) onto the wrong side of your appliqué fabric. If your fabric is directional you’ll want to pay attention to the way each piece is oriented on the fabric.
      bat shape on heat n bon on reverse side of fabric
    • Cut out each piece precisely. Remove the paper backing.
      fingers holding fabric
    • Find the center of the appliqué piece and the center of the fabric piece it is attaching to. Adhere to the fabric according to the package directions.
      bat shape on gray fabric

    How to Machine Appliqué:

    • TIP: If you want your appliqué stitches to blend in well with your fabrics, make sure you use thread that matches your fabric exactly. You can also use invisible thread.

    For Straight Stitch Appliqué:

    • After your appliqué is adhered to your fabric, begin outlining the entire appliqué using a straight stitch on your machine. Stitch close to but not over the edge of the appliqué. An edge stitch foot will help you keep your stitching lines consistent. I prefer my machine set to a stitch length of 3.
    • When you get to a corner, put your needle down, raise your sewing machine foot and pivot. Begin sewing again.
    • For curves you may need to do several small pivots to get a clean look.

    For Blanket Stitch Appliqué :

    • Place your fabric in the desired spot. On your machine find the blanket stitch, it will look like this |_|_|_|_| .
      close up of blanket applique stitch
    • Begin stitching, the _ stitches will be along the edge of the fabric with the | stitches going onto the fabric.
      sewing machine foot sewing black and gray fabric
    • When you get to a corner, put your needle down and pivot. Make sure that you are at the appropriate spot in your stitch to do this. i.e. you need to know which direction the needle is going to go next.
    • For curves you may need to pivot several times.

    TIP:

    • I recommend you practice on a scrap piece of fabric before you start working on your quilt. Experiment with other stitches on your machine besides the blanket stitch. A zig zag or chicken scratch stitch also looks great for appliqué

    Video

    PRINT
    Tried this tutorial?Let us know how it was!

    Spooky Sampler Quilt Along Schedule

    • Introduction
    • Week 1: Ohio Star Quilt Blocks & Fussy Cutting Tips
    • Week 2: Broomstick & Small Pumpkin Blocks & Piecing Tips
    • Week 3: Bat & Spider Blocks & Raw Edge Applique Tips
    • Week 4:
    • Week 5:
    • Week 6:

    Free Patterns that Feature Raw Edge Applique

    DIY 4th of July Tees

    Summer Drawstring Backpack Sewing Pattern

    DIY Horse Pillow

    Halloween Fabric Bucket Sewing Pattern (this is a for-fee pattern)

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    • 15+ Quilted Table Runner Patterns Perfect for Spring
    • First Edition; Book Quilt Block Mug Rug Pattern

    • Share
    • Email

    About Author

    Melissa Mortenson

    Melissa Mortenson is a blogger, designer, and content creator. She is the Polka Dot Chair blog founder and has been sharing fresh and creative ideas with readers since 2008. She is the author of “Project Teen, Handmade Gifts your Teen will Actually Love.” Her work and designs have been featured on HuffPost, TODAY, Pioneer Woman, HGTV, BuzzFeed, Better Homes & Gardens, and many other established publications. Her first fabric line, “Derby Style,” debuted in January 2015 through Riley Blake Designs.  Additional fabric collections have followed it in subsequent years. A mom of 3, she considers herself lucky to be living in Kentucky.

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    I’m also a Mom and a Maker. I am like most of you, just trying to do my best every day. Some days I succeed, many days I fail.  I find joy in creating, if you do too, then I hope that you find something here bring a little “happy” to your life.  Find out more about me here.

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