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Techniques

Raw-Edge Appliqué

Appliqué where fabric edges are intentionally left unfinished, fraying slightly with washing for a soft look.

In raw-edge appliqué, shapes are cut without seam allowances and applied to the background without turning edges under. The raw edges are either left to fray naturally after washing (creating a soft, textured look) or secured minimally with a straight stitch near the edge. This technique is popular in art quilts and casual lap quilts where a slightly rustic aesthetic is desired. It is faster than needle-turn appliqué and forgiving of imprecise cutting.

Related Terms

AppliquéA technique where fabric shapes are applied on top of a background fabric.Fusible AppliquéAn appliqué method using iron-on adhesive web to bond fabric shapes to a background.

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