We've been having a "hole" lot of fun learning how to make cutwork snowflakes by machine. They may look like heirloom needlework, but they didn’t take nearly the time. Nevertheless, this is QUILTsocial and you may be wondering how to turn your design into a snowflake quilt block. Let’s find out how we can use this same cutwork technique for applique.
Supplies
Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- clear heavy-weight water-soluble stabilizer such as Sulky Ultra Solvy
- washable marker
- fabric for the snowflake
- fabric for the background
- small short-bladed scissors with sharp-pointed tips
- embroidery thread
Trace your snowflake onto clear heavy-weight water-soluble stabilizer using a washable marker. I find fabric markers don’t show up well on the Solvy. I have better success with the kids’ Crayola markers! Make sure the marker color shows up against your fabric.
Pin the Solvy onto the right side of the snowflake fabric.
Sew through the two layers with a straight stitch on the marked lines. Then, cut out the fabric close to the stitching leaving the Solvy uncut.
Layer the cut-out fabric snowflake onto the background fabric, matching centers, and pin in place. Choose embroidery thread to match.
Set your sewing machine to a satin stitch wide enough to cover the cut-out edges and the straight stitches. You may want to test the stitch on scrap fabric to find the best settings. Satin stitch around the cut-out edges. Read more about my three-pass approach for an excellent satin stitch in a previous post.
Once the stitching is complete, soak the snowflake block in water to dissolve the Solvy.
Sulky Solvy provides an excellent alternative for satin-stitch applique. The satin stitching covers the raw edges and appliques the snowflake onto the background – all in one step. It may not be heirloom needlework, but it sure looks like it! Lacy snowflakes, glittery snowflakes, snowflake quilt block – what else? How about a stained glass snowflake? Come back tomorrow to learn more.
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