Monday, May 5, 2014

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



28 comments:

little acorns said...

I love the appliqué stitched down by hand, & your stitching is beautiful! xo

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Bren, you are such an encouragement to me - and a blessing. x

Lyn said...

Thankyou for the label Jenny. I just love the idea of the chain stitch over the blanket stitch. Beautiful. Hugs.

byhokiquilts said...

Jenny you are a sweetheart. I love the tutorial and although I have enough UFO's the set the skies alight I just might have to make a wee cushion with that heart on it. Thank you sweetie xx

Melody said...

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful creativity and techniques with us. You are a star.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

It's that simple little extra that just takes this form of applique up a notch, Lyn...and I'm all for pretty and sweet. x

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the tutorial Jenny, your technique gives a lovely overall effect, beautiful stitching. A suggestion for your new block of the angel perhaps a lingerie bag would give it a lovely home, make a very special gift. I have added it to my list of want to do projects and maybe for a lingerie bag, that is something can have many uses really. And thank you too Delores, for your enquiry, we all benefit. Happy crafting, Judithann :-)

RandiT said...

Thank you so much for sharing your wonderful techniques with us. ;) I love it!

Belinda said...

That's a very sweet little project. Thank you for sharing it with us!

Patricia said...

Jenny, Thank you for the close up and Dolores for requesting it!

Patricia C

Angie Padilla said...

Just stopping by to say "hi" and saw this great tutorial. I'm passing it on to others. Love your work.

Elita@Busy Needle Quilting said...

I love this look! I don't do alot of embroidery but this will be a welcome addition. Already purchased & downloaded. Thanks for sharing the tutorial! Beautiful work!!

Helen Philipps said...

I loved seeing your beautiful stitching and applique, Jenny! Thanks for visiting me, it is lovely to discover your gorgeous blog!
Helen xox

Chris from Wisconsin USA said...

I'm going to make handkerchiefs for weddings of their color scheme as a remembrance of their special day. I'm an on hands so I have to see how things are done once & then the brain kicks in. ***THANK YOU""" so much for this tutorial the visualization really helps & can't wait to see many more great items, & wish I lived closer. I purchased your alphabet letters but now I don't know what to do with them are there any ladies out there that would have ideas? Chris from Wisconsin , USA

Tammy said...

What a super cute label for your daisy days And thank you for the wonderful tutorial.

Dolores said...

Wow, unbelievable. You certainly are quick and oh so efficient. Now I understand it completely and will be doing this tomorrow when I find a bit of time. Thank you so very much Jenny. Now I'm off to find me some fabrics and embroidery floss.

Farm Quilter said...

Thank you for the great tutorial on how you achieve your great applique! The chain stitch between the heart and wings is a fabulous extra touch! I am going to send this on to a friend who also loves applique and stitching!!

Lline said...

Thanks for the label Jenny. Have you ever tried mixing threads. When I have blanket stitches (or any others) next to each other I sometimes will take 1 of each color. Now I think I'll try using 1 color for the blanket stitch and mix the threads for the chain. You always seem to make my mind in motion wandering 'What if I...?' Another 'what if' is using tiny chains or back stitches around my satin stitches. My edges are always uneven and this could smooth out things. Seems its time to begin another project to start answering a couple of those what ifs. As always you inspire me in many ways. Thanks for sharing.

Createology said...

Oh My Heavens...I am totally in love with your shattered heart stitching. This is such a fabulous look with your beautiful embroidery. I have purchased my May Bundle Trio patterns and now just need to get busy. Thank you dear for the details on how you proceed and create your amazing stitcheries I love sew much!

Kokkewiet Scholtz said...

hi Jenny
I can look for hours at your beautiful needlework! thank you so much for sharing it with us
love

Véronique Rose said...

bonjour Jenny,
je suis très admirative de votre appliqué
douce journée
rose

gina said...

Jenny,

I realize this is an old post, but could you tell me how far apart you make your blanket stitch and about how long? Any tips for keeping them even?

Thx,
gina

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Gina, it's very small...see the needle beside the stitches to give you an idea. :-)

leejohn said...

Beautiful work....I've purchased some of your patterns on Craftsy, but can't find the Angel Wings one above. Where can I purchase it?
Thank you for such inspiration!

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Leejohn, it's not in my shop right now. Perhaps very soon. I'll make a note of it. :-)

Jenny of Elefantz said...

leejohn, the pattern is now in my shop. :-)

leejohn said...

Thanks so much for responding to my request. I've looked, but can't seem to find it...
help.

Jenny of Elefantz said...

It is here leejohn :-)
https://www.craftsy.com/embroidery/patterns/angel-heart-hoop-pocket-embroidery-and-project-/521470