Reverse Applique Heart

DIY Projects -> sewing -> holiday

Reverse applique is the art of layering fabric, and then cutting away each layer to reveal the layer underneath.

originally on our previous site: CraftAndFabricLinks.com

Reverse Applique Lesson

I created a beautiful Valentine’s Day hot pad, and a block for a pillow front, with my heart applique piece. Use this pattern for pillow front, quilt block, hot pads, clothing - so many uses!

Disclosure: This site contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Clicking on links, and purchasing products, may result in the seller paying us compensation - at no extra cost to you. Affiliate links are in green.

Also see:
Notes From The Workroom & Trail
Home Improvement Projects
Furniture Projects
Craft Projects

What Is Reverse Applique?

Reverse Applique takes a bit of practice, but is well worth it in my opinion. It creates a very unique and pretty look. The hand stitching and machine topstitching can be seen better if you zoom in. I use my hand sewing needle to turn under the edges as I hand stitch the edges under. Then I use my machine to topstitch. The topstitching holds the edges securely. Use contrast thread for topstitching for added embellishment.

The heart was created by laying white over red. The edges of the heart outline were cut away, and the white fabric was hand stitched under with tiny, "invisible" stitches. Top stitching can be applied around the entire outside edge of the cut away image if desired. I topstitched around each heart in the hot pad.

So Many Uses For Reverse Applique

Wouldn't this reverse applique heart be beautiful on a pillow? Or add it to a table trivet or quilt block. You could also decorate our super easy tote bag or clothing. Create a larger version, and turn it into a wall hanging.

SUPPLIES

Adjust amounts for your project - these amounts were for my heart project.

Project Supplies

Fabric

One 8" square piece EACH of white and red fabric (or size required for your project)
One 10" x 10" piece of cotton quilt batting or Hot Pad Insulation (if making hot pad or trivet)
One 8" x 8" piece of cotton backing fabric (if making hot pad)

Pattern
One 8" x 8" piece of paper to draw hearts

or click here for pattern: heart pattern

NOTE: My pattern is a pdf file, and prints to approximately 8” x 8” if “scaling” is set to 100 percent. Print, then enlarge or shrink to fit your needs.

Draw cutting lines that are 1/4" INSIDE the outer edge of the small hearts (I have drawn the line for you on the large heart). Trace over your pattern with a heavy, black marker.

General Sewing Supplies

sewing scissors

quilting pins

large sewing ruler

fabric marking pencils

seam ripper

rotary cutter and mat (optional but nice)

DIRECTIONS

1. Trace Pattern To Fabric

Lay your white fabric, right side up, over your drawing. Use a pencil to trace the INSIDE lines of the hearts onto the fabric. These lines will become your cutting lines (and the pencil will not show when the project is finished). Cut one large heart, or one large heart and four smaller hearts in corners if you are creating a quilt block or hot pad and you wish to include the four small. corner hearts.

2. Layer The Fabrics

Place RIGHT SIDES UP your fabric pieces as follows: red on the bottom, then white on top. Hand or machine baste the layers together around the outer edge, close to the edge.

3. Cut Away First Layer (cut the white fabric to reveal the red heart)

Cut the white fabric along your cutting lines (be careful to only cut through the white) for all four small hearts and large heart. Remove the pieces of white fabric that are in the shape of hearts. Carefully snip the corners and curves where necessary (pattern is marked).

Turn under the edges and, using a tiny "invisible" stitch, hem under the edges. Machine stitch around the outer perimeter of each heart (on the white fabric).

I turned my heart block into a decorative table trivet. My heart block was 8” square, and I added a 1” border on all sides.

I used three layers of fabric for my heart block. The base layer was gray. Over that, I layered the red, then the white on top. For the small hearts, I cut through both the white and red fabric layers to reveal the gray fabric.

Sewing Lessons

Valentine Projects