I have been asked to make a few heart blocks for a friend. I love helping with contribution quilts and was honored to be asked to donate a few blocks.

The theme was “hearts”. I knew immediately that I wanted to make a few reverse appliqué blocks. Not only do they look fantastic, they are easy, use up scraps in a unique way, and they are just down right fun!

•Gather up a few small scraps of whatever color you want the back ground to be- this could be just one solid piece as well.

•Sew them together in any way at all-crazy or just straight line strips, it doesn’t matter. Just whatever works is great. How about an old “orphan” block? That would work great!

•Make a square larger than your desired finished block. My block is 6.5”

•Make a paper pattern of your appliqué design. I cut out a paper heart, but it could be a circle, Diamond or any other shape you would like. Trace around it on the back of your accent fabric. Your accent fabric should also be a bit larger than your desired finished block

•Trim the INSIDE of your marked pattern about 1/2” from the line as shown above.

•Snip to the marked line about every 1/2” all the way around. Be sure to snip right in the center of any “v” like points.

•Press all of the snipped edges over to the back side of the fabric. You can fold any pieces such as the top of the heart to get the points and angles that you need. I like to press and then lightly starch as well.

•Take your beautiful appliqué fabric over to your base piece and arrange any way that is pleasing to you. Be sure to place it with the back still being large enough to cut down to your finished size

•Trim to size and sew around the edges. And FINISHED! Doesn’t that look amazing!!?

I am sure you are going to LOVE trying your hand at reverse appliqué:). Please leave me a comment and let me know how it goes!

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