Cutwork Applique is a popular method used for Baltimore Album blocks. It simplifies the applique process and is particularly handy for single-fabric designs.
Getting Started
Step One: Transfer the design to the front side of your applique fabric.
Step Two: Position the applique piece onto the background fabric, checking orientation and margins.
Step Three: Pin baste the design to the background fabric. Now you are ready to applique.
Cut as You Applique
As you applique, cut one edge at a time. If you are working on a curve, only cut one side at a time, applique, secure the turn, then cut the other side and continue to applique.
If the parts you are cutting away begin to get in the way, simply cut them off.
Once you’ve appliqued around the design, you are finished.
Try this fun technique with free blocks:
Block A
8″ applique. Enlarge as desired.
Block B
8″ applique. Enlarge as desired.
Blocks designed by Lynda Smith.
Want more cutwork blocks? Click here.
If you try designing a block, be sure to take a picture and share it with us on our Facebook Group, Project Parade. We love to see what you are up to!
Hallo AQS, Thank you for the 2 blocks. Will there be more to follow? I would love to make a full size quilt in these type of blocks.
Hi Wilna, on a totally different note – where are you from originally and do you live in America?
Hallo Lazeth, I am living in Pretoria, South Africa…. very far from America. 🙂 And you?
Did I miss the size of the appliqués? I know one can put it on any size background, but if one is planning a project, the applique’ size is needed.
Hi Linda, Thank you! I’ll add it to the pattern. It looks like it didn’t make it to the PDF. They are 8 inches so they print on a sheet of paper. You may wish to enlarge them. Again, thank you! Betsey
Thanks, Betsey! I appreciate your quick reply.
Linda
Wow! These are intricate. Do you cut on the pattern outline or do you have to add seam allowance? How much? Looks like fun to try after the holiday rush.
Hi Dolores, The pattern line is for sewing. As you work around the applique, only cut away the section you are getting ready to stitch, leaving enough seam allowance for turning. After the holidays, be sure to share your progress! We’d love to see. Thanks, Betsey
Hi Wilna, I live in the Chicago area in the USA. Its not very often I see such a very Afrikaans name around here – it made me smile from ear to ear! I grew up in Pretoria (Lynnwood Glen).
Whaaoo!! Well “hallo friend”… when i saw your name it never crossed my mind that you might “recognise” my Afrikaans name. It is a privilege to share our passion for quilting and sewing around the world!
Indeed!!
Praat jy Afrikaans of is Engels jou moedertaal?
Sewing clothes around here is not as popular as in good old SA, but crafts are. In the Midwest the making of quilts is very popular and the history is just amazing. Modern quilting is taking off with a speed!
Happy quilting!