If you feel like your hand appliqué isn’t as precise as you’d like it to be, today’s post is for you!
Stitched from the Heart author Kori Turner-Goodhart was in the same boat: she felt that her traditional needle-turn appliqué lacked finesse—until a change of technique allowed her to create out-of-this-world appliqué. Here’s what she had to say about it.
“The perfectionist in me wants my appliqué shapes to be exactly like the pattern. My mom taught me a method that I love. We call it Stitch-and-Flip appliqué. This technique uses a little extra fabric and takes a little extra time, but your appliqué shapes will come out impeccably. The reason for the extra fabric is to hide any show-through (where you can see the background fabric through the appliqué shape), and also to mimic the look of needle-turn appliqué. Try it—I think you’ll love how it looks.”
We were lucky to sit down with Kori recently, and she showed us exactly how the Stitch-and-Flip method works. Watch, learn, and ooh and aah below!
Reading this post in email? Click here to view the video online.
It’s easy to see how Kori’s appliqué shapes turn out so flawlessly. And now you can joyfully say “YES!” to appliqué too! Kori’s patterns in Stitched from the Heart will inspire you to play with the clever technique.
You could appliqué a pair of chatty birdies:
Beloved Bed Runner
Or create pockets of posies:
Pocket for Your Thoughts Wall Hanging
Stitch a simple ode to love:
Good Heart Love Quilt
Or a heartfelt ode to family:
Heart of the Family Banner
See more from Stitched from the Heart >>>
Have you tried the Stitch-and-Flip method of appliqué?
- It’s the only way I appliqué!
- I appliqué in all kinds of ways.
- I’ve yet to try it, but I plan to give it a whirl!
Tell us in the comments!
I have not tried this method. I love applique so I will for sure be trying this method. Thanks for posting this article.
—Cheryl Scott on July 29, 2019I have not tried it yet but would love to give it a try!
—Deb on July 29, 2019The patterns are lovely, but this is an old method.
—Angelia Ulrich on July 29, 2019Yes, passed down by Kori’s mom – and we’re guessing it was passed down to her mom too, Angelia! –Jenny
I haven’t tried this yet but looks like something i need to try.
—barb on July 29, 2019It is the only way I appliqué. By the way, love her little Gingher scissors!
—Sharon Lowy on July 29, 2019I have not tried the Stitch and Flip method yet, but I certainly will in the future. What a creative way to do applique! Applique has been what I have been working on for the past year, and I will definitely add this technique to my skill set. Her book looks like a "must have" for my library.
—Ann West on July 29, 2019I applique all different ways. I have not tried this with another layer of fabric but have done it a time or two using a fusible stabilizer for the back layer. This technique with two layers of fabric looks like it would be good for simple single-layer designs but might add too much bulk for more complex layered designs.
—Dottie MACOMBER on July 29, 2019I have not mastered applique but I love it done well. Some time before I die. 🙂
—Kay of Cincinnati on July 29, 2019Yes, and I learned it from Eleanor Burns and Fons and Porter: they use interfacing or sometimes iron-on… Eleanor does a simple tutorial!
—Sharon S on July 29, 2019I think I’ll give this method a try.
—Barb Walsh on July 29, 2019The stitch and flip method is the best way to applique! I have the same issue Kori does with perfectionism. 😊
—Debby on July 29, 2019I have not tried this method but it looks like a great way to applique.
—Anne L. Rightler on July 29, 2019I haven’t tried it, but would like to. Thanks for the chance to win!
—Kim on July 29, 2019I have used several methods of applique. I have used the stitch & flip method with fusible. I find this convenient if I don’t have time to hand applique a project or don’t want to machine applique it. I would not want to waste the fabric that would be on the backside & not seen. Also, another layer of fabric would add bulk that fusible would not.
—KathyM on July 29, 2019I haven’t tried this, but will on my next appliqué!
—Elizabeth on July 29, 2019I simply LOVE this method of applique! ( and p.s. the book is WONDERFUL!!)
—Monique Adams on July 29, 2019I have not yet tried this method, but it’s something I’m definitely going to try. I love the results.
—DorothybCarter on July 29, 2019Lori Holt also does a stitch and flip with light weight interfacing and it isn’t so bulky. Interesting video, but I don’t think I could control my sharp scissors like she does!!
—Carol Bejtlich on July 29, 2019I have not tried this method but am impressed….will give it a try!
—Kathi on July 29, 2019I have used this method only using light wt fusible interfacing on the back. I have used various methods for my applique. There are some really nice ideas in this book.
—Peggy on July 29, 2019Definitely have to try it 😍
—Martina on July 29, 2019Love all kinds of applique!!
—Geri on July 29, 2019Will try this method but am concerned about more detailed designs
—Hilda Krebs on July 29, 2019Oh my word!!! Where has this been all my life?? I NEVER thought of doing this! Brilliant! Will be using it on my next appliqué project!
—Denise on July 29, 2019I’ve done similar stitch and flip, in fact when a friend started a appliqué quilt with a ton of circles in a workshop and was shown the starch method and was ready to throw it out. I suggested a stitch and flip, only we decided to use used drier sheets which are much thinner and worked great! She finished the quilt.
—Ruth Schroeder on July 29, 2019I can’t wait to try this method. I do wool applique and embroidery all the time, but am afraid of hand applique! I hope this new method will have me doing hand applique without fear!
—Patty F. on July 29, 2019This is a great way to avoid seeing the shadow of the background fabric. I also like the extra dimension it gives to the applique shapes. The book has some great projects! I love the ‘one family one heart’ small quilt.
—MoeWest on July 29, 2019I love this idea. I can’t wait to try it. It is nice how it adds some dimension.
—Rita Long on July 29, 2019I have used this method but with fusible interfacing instead of a second layer of feature fabric. I fuse the shape then stitch it down by hand
—Karla Shinnick on July 29, 2019This technique has been around for a long time, I used it in the early 90s
—Susan on July 29, 2019Have done this method with stabilizer, but I think I would love to try the two pieces of fabric. I can see where it gives it dept and texture ! Love her patterns too !
—Lynn on July 29, 2019I use the flip and stitch method with fusible interfacing instead of two layers of fabric. Not sure about using a double thickness of fabric. Don’t think I could control my scissors well enough to replace my current seam pusher. Might try it on scrap fabric to see if it works for me.
—SandyMay on July 29, 2019Looks like some really cute ideas. I haven’t tried this method but I like the preciseness of it.
—Jenniffer Howling on July 29, 2019I have yet to give this technique a try, but I’m more than willing to give it a shot. Applique is not one of those things that has come easily to me, so I’m always looking for another way for it to "make sense" to me (as far as how it’s done). Thank you for the video!
—Teri D. Gailey on July 29, 2019I use various methods of appliqué. I have tried this method and use it occasion.
—Trish Probandt on July 29, 2019I’ve not tried this method yet, but would like to try it!
—MS Barb on July 29, 2019I love appliqué but haven’t tried this method. I plan to try it!!
—Catherine Zerr on July 29, 2019I have not yet tried this method but am definitely willing to give it a go. Thank you for the opportunity to learn something new.
—Michele Cais on July 29, 2019I’ve yet to tried it, but I plan on trying it soon.
—Denise V on July 29, 2019I think I will give this method a try. Happy Stitching.
—Clare on July 29, 2019I have not tried this method but I just bookmarked the video and hope to give this a try on the weekend.
—Cathy Cavagnaro on July 29, 2019i HAVE NOT TRIED THIS METHOD, BUT I WOULD LIKE TO. SO BEAUTIFUL.
—ROBERTA J on July 29, 2019I’ve never tried this, but it sounds fascinating. I’d love to improve my appliqué.
—Kaboodle on July 29, 2019I’m a newbie at applique. Still learning the different techniques. Kori’s way looks easy enough that even I will give it a try!
—CAROL L. on July 29, 2019What a fantastic way to applique i’ve used raw edge & needle turn but will definitely give this a go.
—Suzanne on July 29, 2019I have tried a version of this but I used interfacing on the reverse side. It seems as though this would be easier as interfacing is far more delicates and easier to tear
—Judi on July 29, 2019Been using this method for years. QIAD used to do the same thing with a fusible web.
—Linda Lee Ahn on July 29, 2019I have appliqued in all kinds of ways except this one, I will try it.
—Stephanie Woodward on July 29, 2019I look forward to using this method of applique on my quilt labels. Excellent video!
—Kate in Iowa on July 29, 2019I have never tried to do appliqué but would like too. But I am afraid to try as I just know it is going to be a disaster.
Hi Lisa, we know how you feel! There are lots of tips and tricks in Kori’s book, perhaps they’ll help you along! –Jenny
—Lisa on July 30, 2019I do my applique in a similar method, however for ther second layer I use a light fusible interfacing. Fusible side facing the right side of the fabric so when its turned RS out, I can iron the applique down.
—MJ IBARGUEN on July 30, 2019I have not but will definitely give it a try. Thanks for sharing this awesome tip!
—Carol McClelland on July 30, 2019I’ve yet to try it, but I plan to give it a whirl!
—Joan M on July 30, 2019So that’s why I’ve been saving all those old outdated scraps. Can’t wait to try it! I’m feeling braver already.
—Krissy Butorac on July 31, 2019I tried this yesterday and I LOVE it!! Where has this been all my life!😍
—Marja on July 31, 2019I do the freezer paper applique and have done this same technique with interfacing on the back instead of fabric.
—Peggy Kanz on July 31, 2019I’D LOVE TO ORDER THIS BOOK, but checking it on Amazon, it only has 2 options: Kindle (don’t want) and then I could buy it for 56.00! What?!!! Do you all have it listed on Amazon for the regular price? (I’d like to get it ordered today so I can get it by Friday for a trip I’m taking.) THANKS!!
Hi Helen, thank you for alerting us to this problem, we were unaware that the book was listed for the wrong price on Amazon. We have people looking into it. In the meantime, you can order the book at our website and we’ll send you a link to download the eBook for free, which you may be able to take on your trip. –Jenny
—Helen L on July 31, 2019Something new to try.
—Rose-Marie on July 31, 2019I have yet to try this, but would really like to learn how to do this to bring other aspects & design to my quilts!
—Lisa Bierman on August 1, 2019I adore appliqué but are not good at it this technique may help my attempts!
—Martha Mita on August 1, 2019I definitely will try this method! Love how it becomes 3D!
—Sandy on August 1, 2019I’ve yet to try it, but I plan to give it a whirl!
—Nancy Seitz on August 2, 2019I have always used needle turn.
I haven’t tried this method. I think with this type of applique, I might applique more.
—Sherbie Tollefson on August 2, 2019I haven’t tried this, but plan on doing so in my next appliqué project.
—Barb H. on August 2, 2019It’s a great no raw edge applique technique. Yes it’s an old technique but it’s easy and it works. This is why it’s still being used today.
—Marie Walton on August 2, 2019I love the whimsy in Kori Turner-Goodhart’s designs. People respond to the lovely, soft creations!
—Carolyn Fulmer on August 2, 2019Oooh this technique is definitely going on my list of new-to-me quilty things to try!
—Gail K on August 2, 2019I haven’t tried this method but it looks fun!
—Janna Lee on August 2, 2019I’ve always done applique this way, learned it from Eleanor Burns on her Quilt in a Day program.
—Carolyn Cavanaugh on August 2, 2019I have not tried this method, and actually haven’t tried any applique method bc I want it to be perfect. I can now try it after I get this book. Great demonstration.
—debby on August 2, 2019Now that is right nifty….I enjoy applique already but this looks like fun method to try. Thank you Kori…
—Kay on August 2, 2019I haven’t done very much applique because I too am a perfectionist and I don’t seem to be very pleased with my results – – I will definitely give this a try and very soon!!
—Susi on August 2, 2019I don’t do applicable because of the turning the edges under and trying to keep the shape. This is brilliant for me, and I will definitely be making appliqué projects now!
—Alexia Jandourek on August 2, 2019Kori I too love precise applique, i will have to try this technique. LOVE the birds on your bedrunner-too cute!
—Patty H. on August 2, 2019I applique in all kinds of ways. I have stitched and flipped but I have used Pellon interfacing…it’s a bit less expensive than doubling up on the fabric…just a thought 😀
—Becky Schultz on August 2, 2019I haven’t tried doing appliqué, this book looks fun!
—Charlene G on August 3, 2019I have used this method in the past. I find needle turn appliqué quicker, but appliqué is not my favorite process in quilting.
—Linda Towers on August 3, 2019I like appliqué very much, but my attempts at needle turn method have been abysmal! Will definitely try the stitch and flip method.
—Frank Figueredo on August 3, 2019Haven’t tried this method yet.
—Judy B on August 3, 2019