Thread: Will this work? (strange new-to-me idea)

I want to create two side-by-side applique'd wall hangings of an underwater scene. I've never done applique before, so it will be a fun challenge. For the underwater background, I found a great fat quarter bundle of Caribbean blue batiks, going from dark to light. What I'd like to do is cut the fat quarters into different width strips, put right sides together, sew together in a wavy line, and then cut away the additional fabric beyond the 1/4-inch seam allowance. Is there any reason this will not work? Are there any special tricks for pressing a curved seam?

why not try a small sample with scraps to see if you get the result you are looking for?

Thanks. Yes, I've been thinking the same thing, that I need to play with scraps. I just thought I'd also tap into the expertise here on the board.

Love your avatar, Debra! Really interesting shapes and colors.

It won't open to lie flat as you'd have a concave sewn to a concave curve, and a convex to a convex.

Ask me how I know this.
And after I did it I just sat there and laughed at myself.
It was one of those "moments."

You need to cut them with wide seam allowances overlapping, RIGHT sides up on both pieces (I know they're batiks but it has to be the final UP side).

Then you can put RIGHT sides together and sew them after you've cut the curves.

As long as it's a nice gentle curve, you won't need a template.
Just work slowly as sew the strips together, don't get ahead of yourself, keep making sure the convex and concave are mostly lining up, and you should be able to press the strip set flat.

Also, cut the strips wide enough so you have room for the curves on both sides.
I work in pairs, then sew the pairs together, then quads together, etc.

You won't need pins or a special foot.

You can square the whole thing up when you're done.

Originally Posted by MTS

It won't open to lie flat as you'd have a concave sewn to a concave curve, and a convex to a convex.

I'm so glad I asked! I see what you mean. Guess I will have to do some advance planning on the curves, after all. I really appreciate the specific instructions.

When you do the overlap if you have excess on both pieces ... you can match the two pairs and save on the off cuts and waste.

For me I'd start with the FQs as is and lay on top of each other. both facing up. Then take the top left and bottom right as a pair to sew ... and the top right and bottom left as another pair. Then move onwards to another FQ set. And then eventually match up sets that are sewn already for a second wave and a new set of colours mixed/

Tedious ... but it can be very effective!

Originally Posted by QuiltE

Tedious ... but it can be very effective!

I'm okay with tedious. It's only fun if it's difficult!

Originally Posted by MTS

I did the outer ombre wavy border.

WOW!!!! That is gorgeous!!! I love the wavy border effect. Thank you for sharing your technique.