Half-a-Heart Runner: Hearts & Crafts: Project #4
STANDARD METHOD: Zigzag Applique, "Zigzapping".Use scraps or:
Hearts: 12 Charm Squares, OR (10) 3.5" x 5" rectangles.
Background: (I used painter's drop-cloth). (1) 12" x 40/42" (Width of Fabric)
Backing: 18" x 48" (to allow for quilting, you can use less if you aren't quilting it). 1/2 yard if 48" wide. 1 yard if less width than that.
Batting: same amount as Backing
Quiltsmart Interfacing: 1panel of Sweet Hearts
INSTRUCTIONS:
1) Cut fabrics according to list above.
2) Sew the squares or rectangles together in pairs. Press the seam open, or to the darker of the fabrics.
In the middle of the small heart, there is a dotted line. Cut along that. This project only uses the large heart. If you wish to save the small heart, cut it out - it is best though if you can sew it first, then cut on the dashed lines. It will leave the most margin on the large heart for this project.
I laid my pieces out ahead of time as I wanted alternating darks and lights, and for the hearts to alternate right side up and upside down.
3) Place interfacing rough side (glue dot side) to RIGHT side of heart fabric. Charm squares are shown. 
4) Stitch on the solid line.
TIP: The smaller the stitch, the smoother the curve. A2.0mm or 1.5mm is great on this project.
TIP: If you don't wish to pin, you can tap your iron OUTSIDE the stitching lines and the fusible will adhere to it, usually well enough while you do the sewing.
TIP: If your fabric is very light (not recommended), and the printing on the interfacing shows through, cut away what is showing through (probably the small heart).
Use a pointer-creaser to get a great smooth line and points. Keep the tool in between the fabric seam, not next to the interfacing! TIP: I like to use the rounded end of the pointer-creaser first, then the pointed end. Be very careful so you don't poke through! Everyone does this at least once! If you do, just tuck that part under later when you zigzag.
6) I layout the fabrics before I sew the interfacing, to make sure that I like the way the colors are landing. 
7) Position the hearts as shown, or as you wish. I have about 1/2" between the hearts at their closest spot. I was also auditioning the scrappy binding at this point.
8) Fuse to the Background.
9) Many people are afraid of "applique" but it is really the same thing. It is not hand-applique, but "applique" in French mean "to apply". I like to call it, "zigzapping" for zigzag applique.
This is Quiltsmart's STANDARD METHOD:
Stitch the hearts to the background. You can use an invisible thread if you don't want the stitching to show, or use a thread that will blend, or contrast. Keep the stitch on the heart, with the needle just piercing the background fabric. For a zigzag, I like a 1.5mm width and a 2.5 or 3mm length, but use what you feel comfy with. You can also use a decorative stitch. I like to start stitching at either the bottom point of the heart, or the straighter sides, and go around and overlap the stitching by about a half inch.
Clip threads .
NOTES: - Close up of hearts zigzagged with invisible thread. It is REALLY hard to see!
- We have over 30 ZigZapp designs - you could use any of them on a background for a table runner, or in blocks for quilts, or strips for borders: Click here if you want to see more:.ZigZapps
What I used:
- The hearts are made from Liberty of London (don't you LOVE those!) charm squares.
- Hardware Store Painter's Drop-Cloth - this makes a great "linen-like" background without the expense. It was a little comical using the Liberty of London prints with a drop-cloth background as they are very delicate and not inexpensive at all! Kind of like Cinderella meeting the prince.
- I used blue gray quilting thread, and my sashiko machine....which has one stitch (and it is lovely!), which looks like a hand-stitch. I drew lines with a blue Frixion (TM) pen 1.5" apart horizontally, and then 1 line through the center of each of the hearts. You can do this with a regular stitch also.
Take Care,
Mattie
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