Introduction: How to Make Reverse Applique Using Swedish Tracing Paper

By yngla.blogspot.com

Reverse applique is a fun technique to add some spice to an otherwise boring garment. You can use it both for refashioning (for example using an old t-shirt print you love and have outgrown onto a new one) and for making real one-of-a-kind decor on your own design.

In order to be able to make small details I used Swedish Tracing paper. 

Swedish Tracing paper is normally used for- you guessed it- tracing patterns. It is a kind of non-woven and you can sew right through it without dulling your needle.

Step 1: How to Prepare Your Print

Find a text and a font you like. I used "Whoa" free font from dafont. 

Print onto regular printer paper to check the size. 

Cut at piece of Swedish tracing paper roughly the size or your printer paper. Attach to printer paper using double sided tape. (Not regular tape as that is going to melt and ruin your printer).

Print again. I chose to print my tracing paper upside down since the original top side was slightly wrinkeled. 

Step 2: Pinning and Sewing

Cut a piece of contrasting fabric slightly larger than the printed tracing paper. 

Pin tracing paper to the front of your garment and pin the contrating fabris to the back. 

Use your sewing machine and stitch all the contours of the letters. Use stitch length 2-3 mm. 


Step 3: The Most Boring Part...

This really is the most boring part of it all but still really important.

Pull the threads to the back side. Tie knots. 

Step 4: Time to Get Rough

After all the aggression builiding up in the last step is is now time to tear the tracing paper away. 

Be careful though not to rip your seams. 

Step 5: Be Careful. Be Very, Very Careful.

Now you have the chance to ruin it all. Seriously. 

You are going to cut the fabric inside the stitching without cutting the backing fabric. I repeat. Without cutting the backing fabric. 

Using the same kind of carefulness cut excess fabric on the back side. 

Step 6: Almost Done!

Now your done with the applique. If you used a readymade garment you are done by now. 

If you did not, finish it all by using the front you made to make a T-shirt to your favourite girl!