Chapter 9 Reverse Applique

Reverse applique is fun, especially when using machine stitching!
The traditional method takes longer and I'm sure with more time I'd like to explore it further.
The contemporary methods lead to relatively quicker results and I love cutting away to see what glimpses of colour appear from lower layers.

Here are presented working notes followed by a completed sample for the following:

1.  Traditional method, hand stitched, layers added one at a time
2.  Contemporary method: Sample A Four fabric layers - where the outside shape is machine stitched first and fabric is cut away inside each stitched line, a layer at a time
3.  Contemporary method: Sample B Four fabric layers - where the inside shape is machine stitched first and fabric is cut away outside each stitched line, a layer at a time
4.  Multicoloured ripple or contour effect: using a mixture of techniques as in Samples A and B.  This sample has a mixed layer of turquoise pieces
5.  Multicoloured ripple or contour effect: where all cross design lines drawn on the reverse of the work are stitched before cutting.  This sample has a mixed layer of orangey-red pieces

1.  Traditional method, hand stitched, layers added one at a time

This sample is on page 100 in my notebook.
I feel  it represents the technique in some ways.  The turquoise layer tended to fray while stitching.  With more time I'd like to explore this technique more.

2.  Contemporary method: Sample A Four fabric layers - where the outside shape is machine stitched first and fabric is cut away inside each stitched line, a layer at a time

This sample is on page 102 in my notebook.
I didn't fray the cross edges, but did so around the edge of the sample.
I feel it looks crisp because of the fabrics used and non-free machining.
Found it easier not using a hoop.

3.  Contemporary method: Sample B Four fabric layers - where the inside shape is machine stitched first and fabric is cut away outside each stitched line, a layer at a time.

This sample is on page 104 in my notebook.
Similar comments as Sample A.
Liked mix of colours.  There was no fraying on this sample.

Found it much easier machine stitching around the design shapes

4.  Multicoloured ripple or contour effect: using a mixture of techniques in Samples A and B.  This sample has a mixed layer of turquoise pieces

This sample is on page 106 in my notebook.
Used a different fabric as a background with turquoise pattern to complement the sample.  Frayed the edges of the top piece.  Liked the glimpses of shimmery fabric revealed from the mixed layer.

5.  Multicoloured ripple or contour effect: where all cross design lines drawn on the reverse of the work are stitched before cutting.  This sample has a mixed layer of orangey-red pieces

This sample is on page 108 in my notebook.
Tried to reveal different layers in a balanced way.
Inadvertently this sample becasue of the cross shape used fits in with the background fabric!  Not so obvious on the scan but there is a shimmery layer showing at the corners and around one of the contours.  Had to use this piece of fabric!  On the otherhand the use of the mixed fabric layer not so obvious.

I found this last technique the easiest and quickest.  Great fun!