Reverse Applique Machine Embroidery Tutorial

Using different techniques within your embroidery can create some amazing results! Among the many techniques, one often forgotten is reverse applique embroidery. It’s not only fun but also creates one-of-a-kind garments. Although it’s similar to regular applique, do you know how to embroider it?

You can use reverse applique with most regular applique designs. It is a great yet simple technique.

Reverse applique is very similar to regular applique embroidery. Regular applique involves placing the fabric on the TOP of the garment. On the other hand, reverse applique involves placing fabric BEHIND the garment. Reverse applique adds depth, texture, and dimension to your project by revealing fabric underneath your embroidery design.

Did you know you can use the reverse applique embroidery technique with most regular applique embroidery designs too? Simply change where you place your fabric.

To make reverse applique, hoop the fabric under the garment, embroider your design, trim it, and let the applique show through.

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Check out our collection of reverse applique embroidery designs.

Here’s a few of our favorites:

Don’t forget to check out our large selection of 3,000+ embroidery applique designs you can use this technique on.

Do you have a favorite shirt or pants that fit perfectly but have a stain from dropped mustard? Maybe your daughter or grandson had a few too many falls, and the knees in their new pants are wearing thin. Don’t throw them away! This is a great cause to use the reverse applique technique.

From stains and holes to making something new, this technique can enhance your garments as you want.

You can create this technique by using either of the two different stitch types: the running stitch and the satin stitch.

When you use the running stitch, it will show the raw edge of the fabric.

When you use the satin stitch, it will show a clean edge. Before embroidering your last satin stitching, you need to cut away the top fabric.

The satin stitch’s final result looks similar to regular applique. Use this stitch type only when removing a stained or damaged part of your clothing.

Put the applique fabric (dark blue fabric in this photo) underneath your garment to embroider (canvas material in this example). Hoop the garment this way and place it on your machine. You don’t need a stabilizer since the design only consists of running stitches.

Each design should be fairly quick to embroider. After it finishes embroidering, take the embroidered garment off the hoop.

Turn the garment inside out and trim the applique close to your design using applique scissors. When we finish the project, you will not be able to see the inside of the design.

Flip the clothing so it’s right-side-up, and separate the fabric from your material using two fingers.

Carefully trim along the inside edge of the running stitch, only cutting your garment material. This will reveal the applique fabric underneath for a reverse applique effect. How much of an edge you leave will depend on the look of the edge you want. Leaving space makes a long fringe; cutting close causes short fraying of the fabric.

This is what the design will look like before you launder it. After you launder the garment, the exposed edges will fray depending on the garment material you embroidered on.

Now you know how to use reverse applique with machine embroidery to create unique projects.

P.S. Don’t forget to check out our 3,000+ applique embroidery designs to embellish your next embroidery project perfectly! Plus, want to learn 14 other amazing embroidery techniques? Skyrocket your creativity with our fan-favorite Embroidery Fun Effects Course.