Make Fireworks POP with Trapunto
Have you started using trapunto in your machine embroidery projects? We have a great feature in the latest Creative Machine Embroidery magazine. Here are a few tips and tricks to combine machine embroidery with trapunto techniques to create striking projects.
This quilted wall hanging is a great addition to your July 4 decor. The embroidery design is accented with trapunto work, which means there’s a bit of batting beneath the applique portions of the design to add lofty dimension.
Trapunto is an Italian art form in which two layers of fabric are embellished with hand stitching and then a raised surface is created by sliding yarns, cords or stuffing wool batting between the fabric layers. The raised surface adds dimension, texture and warmth to quilted pieces.
Traditionally, trapunto designs consisted of florals, grapes and vines. Once popularized in the United States, trapunto designs were inspired by art deco and created with colorful wools on white whole-cloth quilts. Today, you can use an embroidery machine paired with an outline machine quilting or appliqué design, and then stuff the design with wool roving or polyester fiberfill to quickly create the same trapunto technique.
Here are a few essential tips and tricks for professional-looking trapunto designs:
• Choose embroidery designs that have a larger surface area. The stuffed area should be filled but remain soft. If the design area is too small, the trapunto is hard, stiff and unattractive.
• Using an extra quilting cotton layer sandwiched between the background fabric and stabilizer prevents the appliqué fabric from breaking away from the embroidery stitching. It also keeps the trapunto needle from puncturing through the stitching, causing the roving to poke through.
• If using the trapunto panel for a quilt, the area where the points align in the appliqué design center may cause the fabric to pucker. To prevent the issue, quilt the area before stuffing the designs. Position two batting pieces over the design center, and then quilt as desired. Trim the batting close to the stitching, and then stuff the designs.
Download the Light Display firework appliqué design from cmemag.com/freebies until Aug. 31, 2018. Purchase the design at embroiderydesigns.com after the expiration date.
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