Raw edge applique quilt tutorial

Learn how to sew this little quilt with the easiest and fastest technique: fusible raw-edge applique.

Free Swirl Quilt Pattern
raw edge applique tutorial

Quilt size: 20” x 20
Fabric: Kona cotton

Tools and materials

  • background fabric: 22” x 22”
  • colored fabrics of your choice
  • batting and backing
  • fusible web  (Wonder Under or Heat ‘n Bond or Vliesofix)
  • water-soluble pen.

Here is an overview of the technique:

Transfer the design to the background fabric
Use a light box or tape the paper pattern onto a window. Use water-soluble pen.
If you use a very light color fabric, lay it on a table and slip the paper pattern under the fabric; if you can see the lines, there is no need to transfer the design on fabric.

TRENDING patterns


Prepare the applique pieces

Reverse the paper pattern (flip it over) and tape it onto a window.
Copy the swirl design (the grey pieces of the printed pattern) to the paper side of the fusible web.
Add the corresponding label to each piece.
Cut them out leaving an allowance (about 1/4″).
Then fuse each piece of fusible web on to the wrong side of your fabric of choice.

Cut on the lines…

…and peel off the paper backing.
Repeat for all the pieces.


Applique the design

Fuse all the applique pieces onto the background fabric.
You have to press the applique pieces and the iron will touch the drawing lines. Make sure you test your water-soluble pen before!

You could stitch down the edges of the appliqué pieces at this stage (use a straight or zig-zag stitch).

Usually, I prefer to make the quilt sandwich first, then secure the edges of the appliques by stitching (quilting) through all the layers.

I used invisible thread (in the needle) and a narrow and short zig-zag stitch.

Here is the back.

Then quilt as desired.

raw edge applique tutorial

Another look with just two colors. Which one is your favorite?

raw edge applique tutorial

If you want to make your own version, click below to download the design. It’s free.

SWIRL DESIGN
FREE DOWNLOAD


3 sizes available: 14”, 20”, and 25”


Related pattern:
Heart Patterns

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32 Comments

  1. Greta, you did it again. Gorgeous work! I prefer the rainbow of colors, it is so happy and pleasing to the eye. Thank you for sharing the tutorial.

  2. I prefer the multi-coloured quilt although if I made one, it would likely be only 2 colours. As always your quilting is impeccable.
    I shared on Pinterest.

  3. A very very fun pattern!! And I love the quilting too. The other patterns are intriguing it looks as if they are turning, don't you think?
    Groetjes
    Annemieke

  4. I truly appreciate the beauty of your quilts. You are very creative and I'm so happy that you have shared some of your wisdom.You have an incredible talent. I'm just starting out and it's mind boggling to be able to do things so perfectly.

  5. Hi Geta, I am having a go at the swirl pattern, I wondered if I can cut it out in one colour fabric (which is a ombré design) then get two for one cut as in another of your patterns?

    I hope I have explained that correctly!

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