Reverse applique is a fun twist from standard applique. I love to use it on the ride-on toys when I’m repurposing a military uniform into a toy. It is a fun way to incorporate emblems or patches from the uniform onto the toy. I have a page with tips and ideas for repurposing military uniforms here.
The uniform I repurposed here looks the same on the front (right) side as it does on the back (wrong) side, so I have labeled them ‘right side’ or ‘wrong side’ to help you visualize how this is going together.
Step 1: Draw the shape you want to sew onto the wrong side of the panel of fabric for your project where you want to place the patch, design, etc. Cut a piece of the same fabric being used that is oversized to the shape you are sewing, this will be your ‘facing’ fabric.
Step 2: Place the ‘facing’ fabric piece right sides together with the fabric panel of your project, over the area you drew your shape on the back of the fabric panel. Pin in place.
Step 3: Place the fabric panel right side down onto your sewing machine and sew over top of the shape you drew on the wrong side of the fabric.
Step 4: Cut the center of the shape out and clip the curves.
Step 5: Turn the ‘facing’ fabric through the hole and to the wrong side of the fabric panel. Press the seam and pin to hold.
Step 6: Place the patch, or whatever you want to show through the hole, onto the wrong side of the fabric panel with the right side of the patch, etc, facing though the hole. Position as desired and pin in place.
Step 7: Topstitch along the edge of the seam of the shape (in this case, a circle). Trim the excess fabric away from the seam on the back/wrong side of the fabric.
Step 8: I added some colored thread around the circle to embellish it. You can do this or add some decorative stitching or even add some bling, etc. However, if you plan to add bling, I suggest adding it after your project is stuffed.