September 21, 2011

A number of you have asked about reverse appliqué. It may sound mysterious, but it really isn’t.

Appliqué (sometimes referred to as direct appliqué) is covering up the background fabric with motifs.

oak-leaf-reelOak Leaf and Reel from Inspired by Tradition. This is regular ol’ appliqué.

Reverse appliqué is cutting away part of a motif to reveal the background fabric, or another fabric.

rose-basketRose Basket from Inspired by Tradition. The basket has a touch of reverse appliqué. I inserted the gold fabric behind the body of the basket and when I cut out and stitched the decorative ovals, the gold was revealed.

That’s it! Nothing more to it. The stitching is all the same. Just remember:

Appliqué = Covering up what’s underneath.
Reverse appliqué = Revealing what’s underneath.

Hope this helps,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

Comments

6 Responses to “Reverse appliqué”

  1. Debbie St.Germain on September 21st, 2011 6:16 pm

    I love the effect of reverse applique and it gives so much more depth. I haven’t tried it yet, but something on my to do list.

    Debbie

  2. Carrie P. on September 22nd, 2011 4:31 am

    reverse applique is a great technique even though I don’t use it much.

  3. Arlene on September 23rd, 2011 4:28 am

    Love your blog; so glad I found it.

  4. Volume 11 winner, and let’s talk about reverse appliqué! : All About Applique on May 15th, 2015 10:24 am

    […] the meantime, check out my earlier post about reverse appliqué for a gentle […]

  5. Sheila on May 16th, 2015 10:40 am

    LOL! I have a pattern and the fabric for a reverse applique project that I’ve been scared silly to start on. Since I’ve done the Rose Basket, I have to ask myself what in the heck I’m afraid of!
    Thanks for clarifying!

  6. Quiltmouse on May 18th, 2015 8:19 am

    Of all the blocks I tested for Volume 11, your Scroll Heart has received the most comments! My appliqué skills are not strong and I will be interested in seeing your tutorial in a few months.