Adding A Third Material- Reverse Applique

Under-Coloring

I love the receding dimension created by reverse appliqué.  However, there are times when I want to add a spot of color, but still have it reverse appliqué.  I call it under-coloring. I have under-colored the Victorian Urn table runner, pictured above.

This tutorial will walk you through how easy it is to under-color any pattern.

Step 1: Trace

As in all our patterns, I begin by tracing the whole design onto the wrong side of the background fabric.  In this example the white fabric is the background fabric. (See Tutorials, Reverse Needle turn Applique for step by step directions for our Trace, Baste, Snip  Stitch process). 

After looking at my pattern and my fabrics, I decided I wanted the groupings of small circles to be under-colored with a red accent fabric. 

Step 2: placing the accent fabric

I layer a small piece of my accent fabric on the right side of the white background fabric, covering the groupings of small circles traced on the wrong side, and pin in place.  Next I baste around the edges of the accent fabric. See pic 1., 2. and 3 below.

I do this for all groupings to be under-colored.

Step 3: Layer background fabric with top fabric

Next I layer my background and top fabrics, with both right sides facing up, and pin-baste.  as per our Reverse Needle-turn Applique tutorial. Layer with both right sides facing up. Pin- baste.

Step 4: Baste

I use my No. 7 Sharps needle and thick thread in a contrast color to my top fabric, and baste through all layers on the design lines. Where there is only the top and background fabric I baste through two fabrics.  Where I have basted in my red accent fabric I baste through three fabrics. (see Blog-BASTING. NO, NOT A TURKEY (tutorial, March 21, 2014) for tips) see pic 5 and 6.

Flip the piece over so you are looking at the top fabric.

Step 5: Snip

Once basted, I’m ready to trim away ONLY the top fabric to reveal the design in the background fabric.  In the sections where it is under-colored, I will see my red accent fabric.  In the rest of the piece I will see the white background fabric. see pic 7.

I carefully separate the top layer and trim away, eye-balling the creation of a seam allowance, 1/8” - 1/4”.  I clip the curves and every other basting thread.

Step 6: Stitch

I thread my No. 11 Milliner’s needle with dark green thread because it matches my top fabric.

I remove a basting thread, sweep under the raw edge to the basting line with my needle. I hold in place with my left thumb(I a righty) as I come up from the back with my needle-being sure to catch the folded edge, and take a stitch.  I continue stitching my circle until all the raw edges are sewed under. See pic. 7. 

When done, my table runner is all reverseappliqué, with the majority of the design in white with red accents.

An easy, fun way to add a bit of dimension to my Victorian Urn table runner I.