Raw-Edge Applique Coasters are a nice little gift and a great way to advance your REA skills. "Practice makes perfect" when it comes to building up to poster-size fiber art projects for the wall or table. Here I cover two projects in one: a set of 4 and also an over-sized coaster for a friend.
0:00 Coaster Intro: I am scissor-cutting out of my scrap bin for this project. Remember that you can change the character of old fabrics by building your designs on top of them.
MATERIALS FOR 4 COASTERS:
10 x 10 inch fabric
9 x 9 inch Insulbright
10 x 10 inch backing
MATERIALS FOR ONE BIG COASTER:
7 x 7 inch fabric
6.5 x 6.5 inch Insulbright
7 x 7 inch backing
MATERIALS FOR BOTH PROJECTS:
3-4 contrasting scraps
Various threads
Batik scraps for binding
1:37 IF YOU HAVEN'T SEEN my earlier REA videos, please check these out, especially #2. In the series, I comprehensively cover REA's various topics for beginners, while with the current video, I just make the coasters and explain what I am doing.
Raw Edge Applique No Fusing | # 1 tea cozy, trivet, table mat | art quilting |Advanced Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F27G6qkWVVA
Raw Edge Applique | # 2 Intuitive Sewing Basics | Art Quilting | Advanced Tutorial: https://youtu.be/uu-ZFCLccYY
Raw Edge Applique | # 3 Finish Bind | tea cozy trivet table mat | art quilting | Advanced Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5kQk-UEdEQg
2:18 Pick out scraps in the palette you want to work with.
2:28 I use a size 90/14 needle throughout this project. Test sew with every thread change. YOU MUST BE CONFIDENT AT FREE-MOTIONING TO DO REA.
2:45 Baste as needed. I usually do not anymore.
3:03 Build up your background quickly working back and forth on as many pieces as you have, based on thread color in the machine and how it contrasts on your fabric.
3:22 Trim as you go leaving a 1/8-inch margin.
4:00 Use contrasting threads that pop to add life.
4:25 Remember to trust your creative instincts and the creative process and lay down some design quickly.
4:52 Your shapes are probably more interesting than mine. Trim them as you go.
5:39 I just do the same shapes over and over.
6:06 I think I'll do flowers on these...and then I'll stitch the background.
6:40 Don't forget about pencil practice. It really improves your needle drawing.
7:16 My habitual flower...
7:26 Stitch and trim a red flower.
8:36 Stitching the white flowers in 4 quadrants.
9:46 Stitch in empty areas to add interest.
10:00 I stitch the stamens with black all-purpose thread. Fill background starting in each discrete area with tiny little stitches.
10:28 When in doubt, audition your thread. I hippie stipple (anything goes) the background around the white flowers, starting and stopping from the edges as much as I can.
11:20 After washing, drying, and steam-pressing from behind, clean up the ratty fray with bent tip embroidery scissors.
11:55 Cut coasters out, but not too square.
13:30 Sew wrong side of coaster to right side of fabric, going around twice, using a very small stitch, 1.5mm or 17/inch. Stay between 1/8 and 3/16-inches from the edge of the coaster.
14:07 Trim to the same tolerance.
14:42 Cutting an opening and turning the binding creates some waste. Use a bodkin or screwdriver to push out stubborn corners.
Options:
1) slit 3/4 inch from seam
2) cut out a box - good for beginners
3) cut an X - also good for beginners
4) center slit
15:55 Press with lots of steam.
17:53 Free-motion around bindings twice, or just stitch around with a regular foot if you aren't ready to try this part. It is a little tricky. Please stay safe!
19:04 Trim binding to 1/8-inch margin. Brush and clean up the new edges.
20:07 Please find handy links at the end of the video.
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To check out my fiber art techniques playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaGo_8Zz-f0ZlD3jxlDP_TAN-QbMmwHbt
To learn more about my favorite tools for the techniques I do, please watch 12 Pro Tips to go from Homemade to Handmade: https://youtu.be/--npARjukAA
My best pro sewing tip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXF5H885eyo
My most popular gift project: https://youtu.be/VEOw8Xu0ncY