Really Cool Method for Using Appliques over the "Leave Open to Turn" Slit.

On this blog, I am going to explain this technique which I created to make the edges easier to sew and much nicer than when the project is turned through the outside edge.
You can sew around a potholder or placemat, leave an opening through the outside edge, turn it right out, press and whipstitch or tuck and machine sew - and struggle with getting it to look as great as the rest of the edge.  OR..... you can do what we did in our Placematties - so that you get a beautiful curved edge.

Placematties with Bunnies & Carrots

The teal part of the placemat is turned right side out before the yellow inner section is placed.  The slit to turn is in the teal section, under the yellow applique. Beautiful wavy edges!

 This sweet little bunny was stitched all around the edge - right side of fabric to printed interfacing pattern, and turned right side out.  He is turned through his bum, and then his tail is zigzapped (Quiltsmart method for easy applique) on top, covering the area where he was turned.

 This project was shown in our potholder class - Quiltsmart LIVE!
To use this edge method, set the applique aside.  Place the heat-resistant batting to the wrong side of the background.  Make a slit in the applique background through the batting where you are going to be placing the applique.  So, the slit needs to be small enough to be covered when the applique is put on top.  Put the background right side together with the other side (in this case, the grid work).
Layer the heat-resistant batting against the background - not the grid. 

 Sew on the solid line ALL the way around the project, continuing to stitch right through the "leave open to turn" section.

 Turn through the slit.

Place the applique over the slit and fuse it in place. Stitch with a 2mm width and a 2.5mm length.  Change either of those as you see fit.  Be careful of getting the length too long.

I hope that helps!  If you have any questions, you can reach out to us at info@quiltsmart.com.

Enjoy and Take Care!
Mattie