Rag-Edge Applique

Today I want to talk about a different way to do edging in quilting. Most people will do appliquéing by needle turn, satin stitch, or blanket stitch but this one is called rag-edge appliqué.  This pattern is called “French Roses” by Heather French.  This is a fun project for everyone to try regardless how much you’ve quilted.  The rag-edge appliqué is done with each rose and gives it a nice soft edge around the petals.  After washing and drying (the more you wash the more it frays out) you will be amazed at how it looks, so soft and comes to life.

This type of appliquéing doesn’t have to stop with just flowers.  You can apply this to any quilt that has circles, another type of flower, anything that can be appliquéd.  Lynne Hagmeier, owner of Kansas Troubles uses this technique in her quilts.  She is a well known fabric designer for Moda fabrics, books and lots of patterns and is from the Bennington, Kansas area.  Check her out at http://www.ktquilts.com/ or http://kansastroublesquilters-lynne.blogspot.com/.  She has some fun things going on!

So here's a different way to applique.  Give it a try and see what you think.

So for now keep that sewing machine a stitchin,

Until next time,

Connie