No Raw Edges Please!
I’ve run many polls about applique over the years and I don’t think I’m the only quilter that finds raw edge applique a little… unpleasant.
If I cut out a shape or a lock of hair, I usually want it to stay that shape! I’ve also found raw edge to always cause problems in the quilting. Do you stitch along the edge or inside the edge? How do you secure the edge and stop it from fraying irregularly if you don’t quilt along it in an even way?
All these questions are easily dealt with if you just finish the edges with a blanket stitch or zigzag stitch.
So that’s the quilting tutorial I’ve shared today! Click Here to learn how to finish those edges.
I mixed things up for my Eternal Love Quilt and did the edge finishing and quilting at the same time. Yes, this means that the decorative stitching will show on the back of the quilt.
Does this also make your skin break out in hives? What if I told you it seriously speeds up the quilting process? Willing to give it a try now?
Come learn how to finish those raw edges and master blanket stitching zigzag stitching around appliques right here.
Let’s go quilt,
Leah Day
I developed a whole process using zig zag stitches. I am too impatient lol
I know raw edge may give other quilters/artists the heeby jeebies but when you want that look in the quilt, the fray is the only way.
I recently did a raw edge applique with matchstick quilting and it won honorable mention in the 2018 California State Fair.
I often use raw edges too. I like the look.
But I also love the shortcut of doing the zig zag when you have already made your quilt sandwich 🙂