This shadow trapunto quilting tutorial is part of the series
1 Design – 5 Quilting Techniques.
Here is an “improved” version of the applique technique. The design is appliqued then it is raised with a layer of batting -this is an interesting combination of applique and trapunto.
- The batting under the design and a dense quilting will make the design stand out. Compare the pictures above and you will see the difference.
For this technique you need:
- background top fabric, fabric for the appliqued design, batting, backing (starch very well both fabrics used for the top of the quilt)
- batting for trapunto
- water soluble pen
- temporary glue
To assemble the pattern, cut on the dashed line of the first page and tape it to the second page.
Transfer the design to the background fabric
Use a light-box or a window. I taped the paper pattern to a window then I taped the fabric over it.
Using the water soluble marker, transfer the design onto fabric.
Reverse the paper pattern (flip it over) and copy the designs onto the wrong side of the fabric.
Cut on the lines.
Then using a temporary glue, glue the applique pieces in place.
Let it dry.
Add under the design a piece of thick polyester batting (see the trapunto tutorial for more information about the batting for trapunto).
Stitching through the top fabric and batting, secure the edges of the white design.
I used a matching thread and a medium zig-zag stitch. You could stitch with straight stitches too.
Here is the view from the back.
- Cut the batting away around the design (see the trapunto tutorial for tips on cutting the batting away). Cut as close to the stitching as possible but make sure you keep the stitching intact.
- Then make the usual quilt sandwich and quilt as desired. Usually, I outline the appliqued design first (quilting just next to the edge of the applique pieces) then I densely quilt the background.
Here are a few of my quilts stitched in this technique.
Flower Power
Trapunto Heart
Snow Kisses
See the other tutorials of the series here.
Happy quilting,
Alexandra says
Foarte frumos, felicitari pentru acest tutorial. Mai ai un episod?
labugaiski says
Thank for the tutorial on trapunto! I will give it a try I do have 3 books on trapunto and have read them, but still haven't tried it. Thanks for show us!
legato1958 says
Wow… I always wondered how this technique was done! Thanks for this excellent tutorial!
Susie
Judy says
This is how I do mine and thought I was either being original or not doing it right. Currently I am making another baby a alphabet quilt this way., but I use a tight satin stitch.
Donna Kirkland says
Good morning Geta! I was wondering what scissors do you use when cutting the batting away for the trapunto? You get very close to the stitches and I was wondering which scissors have you found to do the best job.
Thank you for sharing your tutorials! They are awesome and very inspiring.
Geta Grama says
Hi Donna! I use thread snips for For cutting the batting away; – they are the best!
See here: http://getasquiltingstudio.com/2013/03/how-to-make-trapunto-quilts-tutorial.html
Cheryl Bennett says
Awesome tutorial. I love the look of this. Thank you for sharing.
Terry Clift says
Hi Geta, Love your tutorials and designs. Is there a particular reason that you didn’t use fusible web when doing the appliqué and trapunto? I’ve never done trapunto so thanks for such a great tutorial.