Tutorial : step by step for split applique...

The other day I explained in written form how to achieve my Split Applique technique for a softer and more elegant finish to applique blocks. One of my lovely readers left a comment expressing her desire to 'see' close-up how I do it, so this morning I prepared a new sample of the angel block from one of my older designs, the 'Shabby Angel Cushion', to show you, and to help dear Dolores. 

If you have the May Bundle, print up your pattern sheet for the cushion cover.

On the sheet there are two angel heart designs - one is a reverse. When you are doing blanket stitch applique you always trace the reverse shapes because when you fuse them onto your fabric they will be facing in the correct direction of the design.

So let's begin by tracing your reverse shapes onto the smooth side of your preferred fusible webbing. I love Vliesofix and it's the only one I use, but you may have your own favourite...

Choose three fabrics that compliment each other. 

One solid background fabric, and two prints...

Fuse the two wing shapes onto the back on one print fabric, and the heart shape to the back of the other.

Cut out each shape along the traced lines - be as accurate as you can be. I use very sharp little scissors for this because they give me beautifully neat and precise lines...

Trace the embroidery section only onto a piece of your solid background fabric...

Peel the fusible webbing paper from your applique shapes and fuse them carefully around the traced embroidery section, using the pattern sheet for guidance...

Your wing and heart sections should sit up against each other, but not overlap as they would with normal blanket stitch applique...

Let's stitch!

Using just one strand of thread in a complimentary colour we will blanket stitch around the heart...

Again, using a single strand of coordinating thread, blanket stitch around the wings...

The final step is to accent the section where the heart and wing sits side by side.

Using two strands of thread this time, stitch a row of tiny chain-stitches 'in the ditch' between the two applique sections...

I find this effect so pretty!

The final step is to backstitch the roses and leaves...

I hope this has helped you, Dolores, as well as all my other readers who (like me) are visual learners and need to 'see' how something is done. 

Now I wonder how I can use this sweet little angel-heart block? I already have the cushion made, so this little beauty can become something else.

Any ideas?

Enjoy the week ahead, and be sure to plan some fun things that make your heart sing!

hugs