After trying a fairly intricate reverse appliqué using fine linen on linen on linen, I ran into an expected fraying problem. the small edges were hard to turn and I got frayed cracks at the inside curves. Those linen threads slide right out. So I tried binding the edges with split backstitch and overcasting and it was convincingly sturdy. But I started thinking what if i make this mending process a design element.???...(including fixing up a cutting mistake I made in the reverse applique process)
I just .love the effect of the colored binding stitch and found I could use varying amounts of strands(DMC floss) to control the weight of the color outlines. And the stitch became looser as I became more comfortable. An embroidered leaf covers the mis-cut.
some planned pre-frayed edges.
edged by backing, quiting still in process.
machine wash test planned.