I suggest reading or scanning over the whole workshop first before you dive in with your project.

The definition of Collage

Collage, from the French verb coller, meaning 'to glue,' is the artistic process of gluing and assembling various materials to a flat surface. Collage can refer to both the actual procedure of cutting and pasting (the verb), as well as to the final artistic product (the noun).

Raw edge fabric collage is collage made by cutting your fabric and using it with its raw edges and not turning or hiding the fabric edge as in appliqué.

Raw edge fabric collage is really popular right now! I want to explain a little bit about this technique before we enter into the workshop.

There are various methods of collage. I think of it as a form of appliqué where you are not having to deal with the edge of the fabric in any way. You just cut out the piece you need and that's it! I feel as if I am cheating in a way but the end result is a different look. Some people use a fusible on the back of their fabric so that the fabric piece is tacky and can be repositioned before finding the right spot. However, you will need a lot of fusible product, and will have to prepare all those fabrics first, even if just a little is used. It can also make the collage a little stiff and harder to stitch through.

Although I layer my fabrics and can have up to five layers in the eye I never have a problem stitching through them and the resulting quilt is still soft and has a drape. This would not be the case with five layers of fusible backed fabrics.

I'm not putting this method down, so feel free to use this technique with my lessons if you prefer.

My technique is a little more free-form. I gather a big pile of fabrics, choose which to use as I go and cut as much or as little as I need. FABRIC COLLAGE IS EASIER WITH A LARGE SELECTION OF FABRICS. Using no fusible, I layer my pieces as I go and when I am happy I will hold them in place with a little glue. You don't need too much glue as the pieces will be stitched later to add security, details and extra layer of texture.

Fabric Collage can be used to make beautiful flowers.

A random assortment of collaged bugs and beetles

"Embrace the Fray"

I think of fabric collage like paper collage - you are cutting, layering and glueing in place. Remember we are working with raw edge and especially with no fusible, some fabrics will fray. This might not be a look that you like. I don't mind it, although judges have criticized my work for this is the past. I just go for it! I mostly make wall hangings, so washing a piece isn't something I worry about. I have washed my quilts to see what happens and didn't see a noticeable difference. "Embrace the fray" and have fun!