By Rebecca Greco
Orange Peel Applique Supplies
Thin, fusible interfacing
Scissors and//or rotary cutter
Fabric, thread, sewing machine
Orange Peel Applique Instructions
For the BOM, we will be using three sizes of orange peel blocks. This tutorial is for applique, but there are also templates if you would prefer to piece the block. You can use Anne’s basic curved piecing tutorial from last month for that.
I had never done orange peels before and wasn’t loving any of the methods I had found. Then I watched this video from Jenny of Missouri Star Quilt.
Step 1 – Make Templates
Print Template 2 at 100% (be sure the 1″ scale square on the template actually measures 1 inch when printed. Some printers don’t print a true 100%. Carefully cut out the templates on the printed lines. The largest orange peel will print on two pages. You can either tape together the pieces, or fold your fabric in half and use half of the printout.
Step 2 – Cut Fabrics
Cut one square of your backing fabric about 3/4″ larger than your final piece. After we will trim down the block, but this gives you room for error and ensures you will have enough space for your seam allowance.
Using the template, cut an orange peel from both the fabric and the interfacing. I just cut it out with scissors.
Step 3 – Sew the Orange Peel
Layer the orange peel fabric right side against the adhesive side of the interfacing. Sew a 1/4″ seam around the whole peel.
Step 4 – Cut Interfacing
Use scissors to carefully cut a slit into the interfacing. Make sure you pull the interfacing away from the fabric so you don’t accidentally cut the fabric. Increase the slit side as much as necessary to create a hole to turn the fabric.
Step 5 – Turn Fabric
Pull the fabric through the hole in the interfacing to turn it right side out. Use a chopstick, pen, or other tool to help get all the points.
Step 6 – Iron to Backing Fabric
Using the interfacing instructions, iron the orange peel onto your backing fabric.
Step 7 – Applique to Backing Fabric
Use your preferred applique method. I used machine applique, but this would be a great hand stitching project.
Step 8 – Trim Block
I used a small square quilting ruler and lined the diagonal along the orange peel. Make sure there is 1/4″ seam allowance on each side of the orange peel.
