Raw edge appliqué is a method where elements that will be appliquéd are cut at the exact size, with no seam allowance. The raw edge is then is either fused, covered with a machine or hand stitch, or left to ravel a bit. The edges of your appliqué design element are not turned to the back as with other appliqué methods.
This technique is generally quicker – perfect for beginners to experiment with appliqué or collage design, also used by some highly notable fiber artists creating amazing results.
What are the raw edge appliqué techniques?
There are four (4) basic methods placing raw edge appliqué pieces to a base fabric:
- Using fusible web to attach the design element
- Using removable fabric glue, such as a Sewline glue pen
- Using wallpaper paste
- Using pins before stitching
To secure the appliqué fabric design element to the base, there are four (4) basic raw edge appliqué techniques:
- Press the fabric pieces for appliqué with the fusible web already applied to the wrong side of your fabric to the right side background fabric using the manufacturer’s instructions for your fusible product. Fusible web appliqué has minimal fraying. Read our article with everything about fusible web.
- Machine finish with decorative stitches, satin or zigzag stitch that covers the edge of the appliqué
- Scribble stitch to enhance the design element using either a straight stitch or free motion stitching, stitching close to the edge for a smooth finish or in from the edge for a frayed finish
- Hand embroidery to finish the edges
Raw Edge Appliqué Projects
There are several methods and techniques for raw edge appliqué. Browse through these projects with step-by-step directions for a variety of techniques.
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Learn how to use fusible web to secure the elements to your project, pins and even wallpaper paste! Each method has it’s own benefits. Choose the method that is best for your project.
What makes raw edge appliqué attractive is that you cut your fabric at the actual size of the element. No worrying about how much to turn under – simply cut and apply!
Here are some fun projects that include different ways to do raw edge appliqué with step by step tutorials:
How to raw edge appliqué without fusible web
Play around with your fabric scraps to make some adorable raw edge appliqué tea towels using pins to hold your pieces in place while you scribble stitch around the edges of the elements. An alternative to pins is to use a touch of a school glue stick.
Read how to make raw edge tea towels.
Appliqué with a blanket stitch on a zipper pouch
Embellish a zipper pouch with a boxed bottom with appliqué! Here I’d added some flowers that I’ve attached with fusible web and then gone back and added hand embroidery in the blanket stitch and some French knots.
Learn how to make the zipper pouch with boxed bottom.
How to make fabric postcards with fusible web and machine stitching
Quick and easy little pieces of art to make and give for special occasions or just to let people know you are thinking of them! Start with fusible TimTex, add fused vase, flowers, stems and beads and you’ve got a great little gift for someone special in your life!
Read how to make the postcards here.
How to make a scribble appliqué bird ornament
Super quick and easy project that looks adorable, too! Learn how to make scrappy scribble appliqué bird ornaments with these step-by-step directions. Start by rough sketching a bird with wings and then have fun using up scraps of fabric and ribbon to make these ornaments!
Learn how to make the bird ornaments here.
Raw edge appliqué with wallpaper paste
Yes, wallpaper paste! This is a great technique when you want the flexibility to change the placement of your collage elements.
Paint over your design with watered down wallpaper paste. Let it dry. Want to make a change? Not a problem. Just peel up the piece you want to move and paint it with the wallpaper paste mixture again!
Learn how to use wallpaper paste for raw edge appliqué.
Make a lovey with raw edge appliqué face
Learn how to make a super soft bear lovey with our step-by-step directions using a zig-zag stitch with a narrow stitch length. The body blanket for the bear is made with minky, making it so soft. The face and ears are made with coordinating fleece fabrics that are appliquéd.
Read our article on how to make a lovey.
Decorate a notebook with raw edge appliqué and fusible web.
A little fabric and some creativity and you can decorate a notebook that is special for you or give as a gift! With this project, the raw edges of the design are not covered by any stitching (since it is difficult to stitch through a notebook!).
Read our article on how to decorate a plain notebook with raw edge appliqué.
Does raw edge appliqué fray?
It depends on which method you use to secure your appliqué to your base.
If you leave the raw edge completely free of stitching, you will get some fraying. If you want more fraying for a design element, you can stitch about 1/8-inch inside the cut edge of the design element and then clip the fabric edges to encourage fraying.
Fusible web appliqué will have the least amount of fraying.
How do you stop the raw edges from fraying?
Generally the edges of quilting cottons won’t fray once you hand or machine stitch the edge to the base fabric. If you attach the design element using fusible web, the fusible keeps the fabric edge intact.
Some fabrics are very loosely woven and fray very easily. With those types of fabrics, either use fusible web, or run a line of fray check along the outside edge of the design element.
What stitch is best for machine stitch appliqué?
Oh, gosh – no stitch is better than another! It’s your choice!
The most common machine stitches used for appliqué are the common zigzag, satin (zigzag with a very short stitch length) and buttonhole (also referred to as blanket) stitch.
This is your opportunity to have fun with all of those built in stitches on your sewing machine you’ve never tried! The key to picking a stitch is one that goes side-to-side that will cover the edge of the design element. Have some fun trying out the stitches on a scrap of fabric first.
And then, if you want the thread work look, just stitch a straight stitch about 1/8-inch inside from the edge. Make it random for a whimsical design look.
Can I appliqué with a straight stitch?
Yes! You can use a straight stitch to add some interesting design elements to your piece. The straight stitch can be just that, straight. Or sew multiple rows of wonky free motion sketch stitching for a whimsical look to your piece.
Can I appliqué with a regular sewing machine?
Of course! As long as your machine can sew a straight stitch, you can machine appliqué! Bonus if you have a zig-zag stitch or other internal stitches. This is the time to try the different stitches that come with your machine and have some fun!
What threads should I use for machine appliqué?
Any thread you’d like! Sometimes I like to use a black thread to make the appliqué element stand out more. And, if I don’t want the stitching to show I use invisible thread.
I like to use a bobbin thread in my bobbin for all of the machine appliqué techniques. It is a thinner thread and doesn’t show. And, you don’t need to wind a bobbin with the thread you are using on top. I use a light grey bobbin weight thread.
What stitch is best for hand embroidery appliqué?
The most common embroidery stitches used for appliqué are the blanket (buttonhole) stitch or the feather stitch. Again, any stitch that works right to left will work for hand embroidery appliqué. You could even use a short running stitch, back stitch or chain stitch if you want to give the appliqué edges the freedom to fray.
What kind of designs can I do with raw edge appliqué?
Anything! Seriously, anything. If you can imagine a shape, you can add it to a textile piece with raw edge appliqué! From complex designs, to designs with tiny pieces, raw edge appliqué is a quick and easy technique.
How do I start raw edge appliqué?
First, determine your design. You can find inspiration in a drawing, illustration or even a coloring book page!
Next, look at the design. How would you break it down into unique elements? What types of fabrics and colors would you use for each element? Maybe even take the time to trace the elements to paper, making sure that each one is its own shape.
If you haven’t already, now is the time to decide which techniques you’d like to use to apply your design elements to your base fabric.
Then, have fun watching your creation come alive!
Check out these raw edge appliqué projects that describe many of the techniques mentioned above.
Where is raw edge appliqué used?
Anything made from textiles! Raw edge appliqué is perfect for making throw pillows, decorating clothing, making a quilt for a bed or an art quilt for the wall. Decorate your kitchen with fun kitchen towels, send someone a fiber art postcard that has been appliquéd! The ideas are endless!
Tips for raw edge appliqué
- Use really sharp scissors for cutting out your pieces. I like the Fiskars Micro-Tip Each Action Shears or the Karen Buckley Perfect scissors.
- When you apply your favorite fusible web to some fabric, always do a little bit extra. This way you will have a stash of small pieces of fabric with fusible on the back ready to have some fun making a quick and easy collage!
- If you are working with light weight fabrics, use a tear-away stabilizer under your base fabric when you are machine stitching to prevent puckers.
Browse through more appliqué projects and inspirations on Create Whimsy.
