Get into the Halloween spirit with this fun and spooky sewing project! Learn how to create reverse applique ghosts with a free template.
Reverse applique is a technique whereby the top layer of fabric is cut away to reveal a different fabric underneath. This project uses the method of reverse applique with ghost shapes to create a fun, spooky checkerboard patchwork design. Whether you want to make a unique cushion cover or a quirky bag, this sewing technique is a great way to show off your creativity while getting into the Halloween spirit. Plus, you can play around with different fabrics and colours to make it as bold or subtle as you like!
What you’ll need to make this 9 ghost panel:
Free ghost template -
five 6.5" squares of printed fabric (I've used a floral design)
four 5.5" squares of printed fabric
four 6.5" squares of contrasting fabric (I've used a grey blender)
five 5.5" squares of contrasting fabric
Nine 5.5" squares of scrap fabric
Approx. 3 x 6" of plain black and plain white for the eyes
Approx. 3 x6" of Bondaweb (or similar double sided adhesive for applique)
Tools:
Small, sharp scissors or snips
Erasable fabric pen
Pins
Use 1/4" seam allowance throughout unless stated otherwise.
Instructions:
1. Draw around the ghost template on the centre of each scrap piece of fabric.
2. Place each scrap fabric centrally over the right side of each 6.5" square. Pin in place.
3. Sew around the ghost outline. Shorten the stitch length on your machine as it's easier to create a good curve, and go slowly!
4. Using sharp scissors, carefully cut out the centre of the ghost shape, cutting close to the stitch lines. Snip small lines the into the seam allowance around the top curve of the head and all along the bottom of the ghost. This will make turning the fabric through easier.
5. Push the remaining scrap fabric through the cut-out ghost shape and press flat on the other side. This can be a bit fiddly so take your time to turn out. Make sure no scrap fabric can be seen from the front. Be careful not to distort the fabric as you press.
TIP - if you find that the fabric is puckered once it is turned out, go back and snip extra lines into the seam allowance.
6. Place the cut-out shape over a 5.5" square of the opposite fabric. Sew around the ghost shape close to the edge using a small stitch length.
Adhere the plain black and white fabric to Bondaweb according to the instructions from the manufacturer. Draw eye shapes onto the back paper and cut out. Remove the backing paper and ion the eyes onto the ghost.
You can give your ghosts different expressions, or place the eyes off-centre to make it look as though they are looking and moving different ways.
Sew around the eyes to finish.
Repeat these steps with the remaining squares.
Sew the squares right sides together in rows of three. Press the seams flat.
Sew the rows right sides together and press the seams flat.
I've added a cream piping around the edge and made a cushion with an envelope back from my blocks -
Happy sewing!
Kym x