Using the Leaf Stencil Fabric

A while back, I took a class on Alabama Chanin style reverse applique. That got me thinking about designing a fabric that was meant specifically for reverse applique. I came up with two designs and made them into cut-n-sew skirt patterns.

The pattern is a simple pull-on skirt and it is made out of 2 yards of cotton knit fabric. The first yard has the skirt pattern printed on it and the second is a complementary fabric that will show through once the reverse applique has been finished.

I used heavy-weight jeans top-stitching thread on this project. I pinned both layers together and then stitched around the leaf stencil. I left long tails and knots showing on the outside of the fabrics. Once done, I used embroidery scissors to carefully cut out the top layer of fabric so that the bottom layer showed through.

The waistline is finished with fold-over elastic and the hem is left unfinished. I cut the under layer about ⅛” shorter. I wear this skirt quite often as it is simple but still makes a statement.