Ever since I tried to develop a few new applique techniques on a large grouse (posted on 12 March 2015) I’ve been obsessed with working out ways of using applique without having to rely on those big fat lines of satin stitching that people usually use to bind the raw edges of appliqueed fabric. Here’s my most recent experiment. It’s an oystercatcher sitting on a fence post – we get lots of those up here in the Cairngorms in summer
An appliqueed and embroidered oystercatcher
There are three areas of applique – the bird’s head and neck, the bird’s wings, and the fencepost. The black fabric of the head and the brown fabric of the fencepost are appliqueed on just by overstitching the fabric with very low density stitching. The effect is very subtle – here’s a close-up of the edges of the fencepost which shows it a bit more clearly.
Fencepost applique without fat borders
The grey fabric of the bird’s wings, on the other hand, is stitched on with a more conventional border running around the edge of the fabric piece
Here’s another example – a little ptarmigan. The lower edge of the fabric of the bird’s body is bound with a conventional border, while the upper edge is just stitched down by the pattern of the wings – there’s no border involved
Ptarmigan applique in two ways
I’m really happy with the way these techniques are working. The raw edge of the fabric is perfectly well secured and well hidden, and there’s a nice, subtle three-dimensional effect to the final stitched object. In fact I’m tempted to go back and re-do some of my past appliquees using this technique
Oh, I *like* that! Very nice. Yes, there are pieces where the fat satin stitch around the applique kind of ruins the effect. This is much better for these pieces. Congrats!
I really like how you’ve done both birds and the fence post without the heavy satin stitch. It makes them much more realistic. Looking forward to seeing some of your reworked designs. You are very inspiring in your work. Makes me think outside the box. Thank you.
This is amazing and genius! I am excited to learn to use this technique!
Love your creative approach to applique designs. The various stitches that you used to cover the raw edges are perfect and blend into the design rather than taking over the applique.
Mia, love your technique. The low density stitching on the fence post gives it depth, almost a 3D effect. Thanks for sharing. Your background painted fabric is just perfect.
Wow! I’m totally going to copy this… 😉
Love, Love, Love all three, especially like the applique. Are these designs for sale? I really want them.
Joan
When I think it can’t be better, then you come up with this. You have out done it again! Beautiful work!
I’m anxious to try this type of applique. May I please have the dove design file? Great new idea! Barb
My husband is a bird lover. Thank you for all the lovely designs.
I LOVE your new, 3-D-style of applique! The technique really adds dimension to the birds! Your ptarmigan is nothing short of artistry.
Thanks for sharing!
J
OH YES, please send me the beautiful dove! 🙂
Thank you,
Jacque