Hawaiian Applique for journal cover
 

Hi Everyone,

I'm new(ish) to appliqué and definitely new to Hawaiian patterns.

For a journal covering, I've made a Hawaiian-inspired template for a patch that measures 5.5" x 5.5", the narrowest portions of which are barely 1/8" across. What might be the best way to go about appliquéing something this small, especially those narrow portions? My first thought was to fuse and then maybe do a blanket-stich by hand, but thought I'd seek wise council first. :o

I've attached the paper cut-out for reference. If you think it looks a little like a sea creature....please tell me...please. This will be a gift to someone very important to me.

Thanks,
Aso

My first thought was with such small areas it might be easier to reverse applique. But then again those narrow areas would give you little to turn under. Fusing this may be the best route to take. If you are using a sturdy fabric like batik, you could just sew a straight stitch close to the edge. It is going to be interesting to see what you do with it. Love to see the finished product.

Thanks Tartan and cjsews. I'm cutting fabric now.....using a 100% cotton corduroy for the piece (very narrow wales). Didn't think of buttonhole stitched. And I rather like the idea of straight stitch close to the edge. I will definitely post the finished product.

You didn't mention corduroy in your first posting so of course, do a buttonhole stitch. Play with getting the right width and stitch length first to be proportional to your design.

Or, button hole on wool applique...it won't ravel.

Hi, Everyone,

You all were so helpful with this project, that I thought I would post the result. See picture below. The original design is the front cover (natural linen and corduroy), the laua'e on either end (one with cat in the bottom corner) are the inner leaves of the book jacket and the hyacinth and cat (with blue background) is the back.

I used thin interfacing on both the corduroy and linen to give them a little more heft, which really helped. They didn't unravel at all during the appliqué process or even after a wash. I used buttonhole/blanket stitch at 1.6 width and 1.6 length.

I can't thank you all enough for your help. I plan to use this stitch for other appliqué projects and would never have thought of it without your guidance!

Best,
A

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