QUILTsocial Winter 2015-15 Issue | Page 49

We’ve been having a “hole” lot of fun learning how to make cutwork snowflakes by machine. They may look like heirloom needlework, but they didn’t take nearly the time. Nevertheless, this is QUILTsocial and you may be wondering how to turn your design into a snowflake quilt block. Let’s find out how we can use this same cutwork technique for applique. Supplies Here’s what you’ll need to get started: •• clear heavy-weight water-soluble stabilizer such as Sulky Ultra Solvy •• washable marker •• fabric for the snowflake •• fabric for the background •• small short-bladed scissors with sharppointed tips •• embroidery thread Trace your snowflake onto clear heavyweight water-soluble stabilizer using a washable marker. I find fabric markers don’t show up well on the Solvy. I have better success with the kids’ Crayola markers! Make sure the marker color shows up against your fabric. Trace snowflake onto Solvy Fabric and Solvy Applique snowflake cut out Layer applique snowflake on background Satin stitch applique snowflake Dissolve Solvy in water Pin the Solvy onto the right side of the snowflake fabric. Sew through the two layers with a straight stitch on the marked lines. Then, cut out the fabric close to the stitching leaving the Solvy uncut. Layer the cut-out fabric snowflake onto the background fabric, matching ce