Reverse Applique Tutorial (in downloads)

Here's how I've been doing my reverse applique tops, I just love how these turn out!

Aside, whenever I post how to do something, I worry that someone will tell me that's not how it's really supposed to be done. This is how I do it, it works for me. If you know another way, good for you. I hope this helps those of you who are wanting to try this out, but need a little nudge.

First, choose your design. For a first try, I recommend a simple shape (the toes on my froggie were a bit tricky, so try something with fewer turns at first, then you can progress to more difficult images). I use google image search when I'm looking for ideas, I search, for example, "frog silhouette" and see what comes up. If you find the perfect image, use that, or you can draw an image inspired by what you find.

Here is my shirt front, contrast fabric, and the froggie I drew (I drew one half, folded the paper and cut it out, so it's symmetrical). I cut out my image so I can sew around it, but you could put it on tissue paper or the like and sew through it, you'd just have to pick the paper out of the stitches later.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic003-1.jpg

I place the contrast fabric behind my shirt front, making sure there's plenty of room around the edges, then place the image on top of the shirt front, pinning everything in place. I like to center the image from side to side, but place it more to the top of the shirt.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic004.jpg

Here you can see the contrast fabric pinned on behind:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic005-1.jpg

Now, you'll use a fairly short stitch length to sew around your image. I started at the froggie's "armpit", stopping with needle down to pivot at any turns:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic006-2.jpg

Here's another shot, a bit further around the frog. Stop to take out/reposition any pins that are in your way, but be careful not to skew your template from where it started.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic008-1.jpg

Whew! I made it all the way around!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic009-1.jpg

And, after I take out the pins/template:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic012.jpg

Here's what it looks like from the back, you can see the stitching better here:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic010.jpg

Now, I use a small, sharp pair of scissors to cut out the image from my shirt front, just inside the stitching line. Since knits do not ravel, I leave the edges unfinished. I like the vintage look the edges get when they roll a bit after being washed.

Start by pulling the layers apart and snipping a little in the middle. You do not want to cut through your contrast fabric, so be careful!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...9/pic015-2.jpg

I put my hand behind the contrast fabric while I'm cutting, so I know I'm only cutting the shirt panel (black fabric here):
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic016.jpg

Now, I'm done trimming out my applique! Stop and admire your work:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic018.jpg

On the back, you'll want to trim away the extra contrast fabric:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v4...489/pic014.jpg

Now, sew up your shirt, and wait for the compliments to start rolling in!

that's really cool looking! thanks.

That's awesome! Thanks!

And I don't know of many things whereby there is only 1 way to do it. As far as I'm concerned, YOURS is the RIGHT way!

I am going to have to try this! Thanks!

Very cool tutorial! I'm thinking you could use temporary spray adhesive to help keep your template in place. Or washable glue.

Thank you for doing the great tutorial!

I'm addicted to reverse applique, and that's pretty much the way I do it, too.
Here are a few other tips & tricks: I use iron-on, tear-away stabilizer to keep my 'reverse' fabric from moving. Oh, and I usually draw my design on with a water soluble marker so that I don't have to pin a template on.

But kat's applique's are way cooler than mine, so I should hush up now. ;)

Awesome! I think your way is much better than how I tried in the past. :yes:

so cute!!! thanks for the tut!

Thank you . Can't wait to try it

Awesome idea to just use the paper cutout as your guide! I like your version, it's great.

That's awesome! The cute little toes make the froggy, as far as I'm concerned! :) Definitely going to have to try this!

Thanks...that looks great! I can't wait to try it. I know what you mean about worrying about posting how to do things. I feel the same way :) Your way looks great to me!

That's going to be one cute shirt! Thanks for showing ;)

Just wanted to say that is a cute design! That is the only way I know to do it too, so I think you have the right way, LOL!

Love this!! I can't wait to try it - thanks for sharing!

ohhh noooo.......... I've just been inspired...... I jsut have to try it, and maybe learn to spell aswell...LOL


"Thanks sew much" Nancy

WOW!~ That is awesome, thanks so much for sharing the tut- things like that will be perfect for my little man, I am so excited to try that this weekend.

THat's cool. I'm going to have to try that!

Wow thanks for sharing that. I can't wait to try it out.

Exactly what I have been searching for. Thanks so much !!