Backbasting Technique

The quilt guild I belong to had a Schoolhouse night where members taught different quilting techniques. The following are the samples I brought to demonstrate the backbasting applique technique.

It's as easy as Trace, Baste, Clip, Flip...

Start by TRACING a reverse image of your design on the wrong side of the background fabric.

Place a piece of the fabric to be appliqued right side up on the right side of the background piece. Make sure it is larger than the line you just drew on the back. Using a good-sized needle and thick thread (I use quilting thread), BASTE around the pattern line on the back of the background fabric through both layers. No need for knots--just leave tails. Basting stitches do not need to be perfect and even, however, they should be reasonably close because they are marking your pattern. (The spot on the left where the stitches are larger is the spot under the bat which will be appliqued later--that spot isn't critical because it will be covered with more applique.)

CLIP (trim) the fabric to be appliqued a scant 1/4" from the basting line...on the outside of the shape.

Using your needle, pull out an inch or two of basting thread and FLIP (needle turn) the edge of the applique shape in using the holes left from the basting needle/thread as a guide. Keep pulling out basting thread as you go.

This is an easy "to go" style of applique. No glue, pins, or freezer paper coming loose. Try it, you may like it!