This pattern is called REVERSE applique because the design is layered opposite to regular applique.
In this case, the tree ornament fabric is the bottom layer, the tree lies over that (with holes cut so that the balls show through),
and the white background is the top layer.
The cut edges of the ornament holes can be finished with a satin stitch or a hand stitched hem. The white fabric has been turned under and hand stitched around the tree.
One tree pattern (see section below)
Choose your fabrics
8.5" x 8.5" piece of white or white print fabric (for background)
8.5" x 8.5" piece of green or green print fabric (for tree)
8.5" x 8.5" piece of red or red print fabric (for ornaments)
NOTE: If you prefer, you can use a cream color for the background, or sky color - or any color of your choice. I ended up choosing our "white starburst on cream" fabric. For my ornaments, I chose the border print. I was lucky - when I cut one of the ornament holes, it perfectly lined up with the star in the fabric below. A nice surprise!
Christmas Tree Pattern
We provide two patterns for you to choose from. Tree 1 has rounded corners for the "branches". Tree 2 has sharper corners. Both work well for reverse applique.
Our patterns will download as a pdf files.
If you need instructions on using pdf files, go to: PDF Instructions.
Print a tree pattern. Now, draw a new line that is 1/4" INSIDE the original tree outline.
Trace Pattern To White (background) Fabric
Lay your white fabric, right side up, over the pattern. Use a pencil to trace the INSIDE line of the tree onto the fabric (for this step, ignore the ornaments).
This line will become your cutting line (and the pencil will not show when the project is finished).
If you are using a dark fabric and our pattern does not show through, cut out our Christmas tree. Then cut off 1/4" all the way around. Place the pattern on your fabric and trace around it.
Cut Out Tree
Cut out the tree. Remember that this is reverse applique! The tree will be thrown away; the "scrap" is what we will use. Do NOT cut into the background fabric; just cut away the tree.
The image on the right shows the cut-out placed over the green fabric.
Layer Your Fabrics
Place RIGHT SIDES UP your fabric pieces as follows: red on the bottom, then green, then white on top. Hand or machine baste the layers together
around the outer edge, close to the edge.
Hem White Fabric
Carefully snip the corners and clip where necessary so cut edges of the white fabric will turn under (turn under approximately 1/8" to 1/4"). Turn
under the edges and, using a tiny "invisible" stitch, hem under the edges. Topstitch around the outer perimeter
of the tree (on the white fabric).
Cut Away Green Layer (to reveal ornaments)
Using a fabric pencil, draw small circles on the tree. Very carefully cut away the green fabric where you have drawn the circles. Hint: pull the layers apart, then use small, sharp sewing scissors to make a good cut. Be careful not to cut through the bottom layer!
Finish The Ornaments
To finish the edge of the ornaments, clip edges, then turn under and hand stitch a hem. OR use a satin stitch around the cut edge (this was the method I chose).
Finish Block
Stitch one 8.5" border stripto top of the layered square. Stitch another 8.5" border strip to the bottom of your layered
square. Then stitch a 10.5" strip to each side of the square.
You now have a 10.5" x 10.5" block (this would make a 10" sqaure quilt block)
Wall Hanging
If you wish to create a wall hanging, cut a piece of batting and back fabric 10.5" sqaure.
I chose a 3/4" wide ribbon as my "hanger" (cut to about 9" long).
I also added a hanging sleeve to the back. The purpose of the sleeve was to add stability: a wood dowel can be inserted into the sleeve to hold the piece flat. Click the links below for instructions on adding hanging sleeves. I tucked the ribbon under the sleeve so the ends were caught when stitching, holding the ribbon ends in place.
Since my piece was going to hang on the wall, I did not use batting. It is a small piece and I felt batting was not needed. I stitched the back and front pieces right sides together (being careful to keep the ribbon out of the way and leaving an area open for turning. I then turned the piece right side out through the opening, and then topstitched around the entire piece.
For illustrated instructions on Assembling and binding, go to: Assemble & Bind Quilt.
For illustrated instructions on attaching a hanging sleeve, go to: Attach Hanging Sleeve.
Sewing Hint
With reverse applique, upper layers are cut to reveal lower layers. The cut edges are turned under and hand or machine stitched. I usually hand stitch and then machine stitch. Using a contrast color thread for machine stitching adds a nice effect for some projects.
This photo is of a different project. The white layer is the top layer. The cut edge is being hand stitched under.
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