What if patchwork could be done without seams? (Original Post) An appliqué approach to f traditional geometric patterning. Done in a non - traditional method. I thought I would start with a ragged edge appliqué approach. A nine patch is my usual strting layout for most things.
What if the ragged edges from #3, ragged 9 patch, were tacked at regular intervals. would it be more stable and perform better after washing? What effect would it yield?
i was only wondering what if fabric could be used to frame fabric, one special treasure having all the focus in a piece... thinking about formats to display special or vintage scraps. 
an uneven ninepatch to emphasize the center.
all linen with cotton lawn triangles
8"x8"
center shibori patchwork block appliqued to double woven linen based, no batting.
center framed in 2 color double running stitch, DMC 3 strands
points of grid defined with tiny embroidered stars
quilted in blocks using varied color-DMC 2 strands
applique triangles pointing to center.
ragged torn strip linen edge
machine washed 2X.
i like the combination of controlled and free form elements.
this format can be a nice substitute for mat frames around special collectible fabrics.
and so it hit me, what if i leave the flaps of the cuts for holes and fold them back, and tack them so they become a frame for the hole. halos.
before wash, just for reference. in case it disappears.
wash results 
show stability and a nice fray.
trying again to use slippery silk for tiny quilting. 2.5" x 2.5". basted the little quilt to gauze before backing to stabilze.
made into a gift tag. read more at spirit cloth.
since i hand piece most everything and use an overcast stitch, care must always be taken to keep the stitches from showing too much on the face. and i have come to be more relaxed about that because actually, i like the way stitches look. and so i was wondering what if i work with that idea and make the stitches really show, and using that as a design element. the concept has many possibilities. this is one in a series of nine. 
9 patch in white linen
3"x3"
center square sewn with double strand black floss to exaggerate stitch
modified english paper piecing
playing more with this technique. tried framing one patch, partial framing in one direction, multiple patches with variegated thread, and my favorite so far, the black triangles with planned discontinuous color on the seam.
this process interests me because it uses a focus on structure as a design element.
because of the contrast it also records a process, the tension, the stitch irregularity, the stretch in the fabric.
it is also a great way to create a design if you only have small scraps of fabric in one color.
i also like how it relates visually to mending.
linen patchwork, cotton floss,
3" x 3" blocks.
what if #31 and #35, where i was playing with seams led me to my final what if about "how things seam". and this one is about the look of seams and how to imitate that. no point. just curious. 
3 versions left to right.
...1. fake nine patch, cotton, 3x3", tiny backstitches forming grid, various shades of white and grey to give the illusion of seam and shadow.
...2. fake nine patch, linen, couched marker lines to give the illusion of coarse stitches. center X done the same way with finer line.
...3. fake nine patch, horizontal piecing with contrast stitching. vertical stitching to simulate seam. can you tell?
what if intersection points are considered "dots"?
what if a patchwork block is pieced using both the back and front of the fabric to create the motif. 
that could work.
one fabric nine patch
english paper piecing method
front and back of printed dot on cotton
3" x 3"
a good approach for a limited stash.
back of fabric has a nice worn or antiqued look to it.
many more possibilities here, a series.....
and i have included the back of this block, because it inspires me...