raw edge applique tutorial

I’ve always been drawn to the rich colors and artistic patterns of fabric, and I’ve always adored the beautiful detailing of embroidery. So when I discovered the free-spirited look of raw edge applique, I was hooked. This is a technique that combines delicate embroidery with colorful fabric applique, but without the heavy stitching of traditional applique. Just so lovely.   

Learning to create raw-edge applique designs on your home embroidery machine is not difficult. For this demonstration, I chose a simple design with only two appliques. Once you get the hang of it, you can tackle more sophisticated designs that will rival any Anthropologie tea towel.

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supplies needed:

step 1 – download embroidery file 

Download your embroidery file. If using a My French Twist design, also print the PDF file, which includes a cut file with true-to-size applique templates needed for the project.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

step 2 – gather materials

For this project, I am using a piece of off-white cotton fabric; but this design would also be cute stitched onto a store-bought plain dish towel. For the appliques, I have chosen two complimentary cotton prints.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

step 3 – prepare appliques

Cut small squares of fabric a bit larger than your applique designs. Reinforce the fabric pieces with fusible interfacing. I prefer a lightweight interfacing.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

Cut out the applique templates from the PDF file you downloaded and pin them onto the fabrics.  When cutting the shapes out of the fabric, cut them a little bit larger than the templates. 

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

applique tutorial - myfrechtwist.com

It is wise to have your appliques ready before you begin stitching. Place the appliques, wrong side up, in a small cardboard box, then lightly spray the backs with an adhesive. Set aside to use later.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

step 4 – prepare hoop

Determine the size hoop you will need, and hoop your fabric along with a piece of tear-away backing. Pull the fabric taut.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

step 5 – begin stitching

Time to begin the stitching! Have you selected your thread color? Are your appliques ready? If using a My French Twist embroidery design, usually the first stitch-out will be placement lines for the appliques. It is best to use a thread color that matches your hooped fabric. Watch your machine closely and pause stitching once placement lines are sewn.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

Place the cut appliques on top of the placement lines. Press firmly to make sure they adhere well and won’t slip.

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

Now continue stitching. You can watch a little bit of the magic happening in the video below (It’s fun to watch the industrial machine in this demonstration, but keep in mind this can easily be stitched on a home embroidery machine.)

step 6 – finishing touches

When finished, remove the fabric from the hoop, trim any loose threads with embroidery scissors, and tear away the backing. 

applique tutorial - myfrenchtwist.com

I hope this tutorial gives you a glimpse of all the fun designs you can create with this technique. If you want to give it a try, see this post to download a free embroidery file for a sweet little boho pillow.

The biggest compliment is a little share – pin the photo below!

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