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:

• fabric
• tear-away stabilizer
• fusible interfacing
• spray adhesive
• scissors
• embroidery machine (this is the one I own and recommend)

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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

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. 

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!