Perfect inverted corners for appliqué
How do you create perfect inverted corners in your appliqué?
When designing my current appliqué project, I decided to piece my appliqué patches to create sharp points. I chose subtle tone on tone fabrics so the joins were barely noticeable. If I was going to use a busy print, I would fussy cut the fabric so the pieces can be sewn without drawing attention to the seam.
For the first part of the appliqué, each piece uses Alex Anderson’s fabulous technique from http://www.thequiltshow.com. I ironed two pieces of freezer paper together and drew the patches on them in reverse. They were cut out then ironed onto the wrong side of the fabric. The seam allowance was added and the patches were cut. I used a paintbrush to paint the seam allowances with starch and ironed them down, creating a sharp edge to the patch.
Where two patches were to be joined, I peeled back the edges from the freezer paper and lined up the seams. These were sewn on the machine but you can hand stitch the seams if you like. I secured the ends of the stitching but didn’t sew into the seam allowances. The seams can be mitred as shown below or joined as shown in the photo above.
Lining up the seams.
The seams were ironed opened and the allowance tucked under.
If you need to disguise the seams, you can always quilt a design over the patch. When it comes to your quilt, make your own rules and techniques. I wanted to have a decent seam allowance in the inverted corner and this is why I chose this technique. What works for you?
Happy quilting,
Fiona
Fiona Schiffl 
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