Easter Shadow Work

These 24 designs mimic the gently colored heirloom look of hand-embroidered shadow work. When done by hand, shadow work utilizes embroidery floss that is drawn across the back of the fabric to fill in and “shadow” an area outlined with simple straight stitches. The same delicate look can be achieved with your embroidery machine by using a reverse appliqué technique (where the applique fabric is applied to the wrong side of the project fabric) and a tiny satin stitched edge.

Machine shadow work requires the use of a white, sheer, or semi-sheer project fabric. Cotton organdy, cotton voile, cotton lawn, silk organza, handkerchief linen, or very fine batiste work well as project fabrics for these designs. 

For the reverse appliqué fabric (i.e., the fabric that will be applied to the wrong side of the project fabric to provide the colored “shadow”), you’ll want to use colored fabric that is crisp and lightweight. Cotton organdy, silk organza, or finely woven quilt weight cotton make good fabrics for the reverse appliqués. 

Check out our silk organza fat quarters! Also, Farmhouse Fabrics has lovely cotton organdy!