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.

 

Rebecca Greco
Author: Rebecca Greco