Applique 101

HOW TO APPLIQUE

Appliqué technique has a few different methods that can be used. There is the traditional to the super quick method.

TRADITIONAL APPLIQUE:

To begin lightly trace appliqué design onto background fabric with a pencil. Trace each appliqué piece onto paper and cut out. Pin each paper shape, face down onto the wrong side of the appropriate fabric, then cut shapes from fabric, adding 7mm seam allowance. Clip curves and V’s.

Turn seam allowance over the edge of the paper and tack in place through both layers. Pin or tack shapes in place on background fabric and stitch in place with small hemming Stitches in matching thread, catching only the folded edge of the shape. Stitch within 2cm of starting point, remove paper with tweezers and finish stitching.

TRADITIONAL APPLIQUE TWO:

Trace appliqué design onto background fabric with a pencil.

Trace each appliqué piece onto firm paper and cut out. Draw around each shape on the right side of the fabric and remove pattern piece. Cut out shapes from fabric, adding 7mm seam allowance. With fingers, turn under seam allowance, following pencil line and tack in place as you go. Pin tacked shapes to background and stitch in place around edges with small hemming stitches, catching only the folded edge of the shape.

NO TURN APPLIQUE:

Cut all appliqué shapes, with a 7mm seam allowance, from both coloured fabric and backing fabric, such as lawn or calico, taking care to cut mirror pairs.

With right sides together, stitch shapes together around edges, leaving a small opening for turning. Clip curves, turn right side out, slip-stitch opening closed, and press. Stitch these shapes to background, using small hemming stitches.

SUPER QUICK APPLIQUE:

Trace appliqué outlines onto double-sided iron on webbing. Cut out roughly and fuse each shape to wrong side of appliqué fabric (This will result in reversed image. If you want image to be the right way round, flip outline before tracing.) Cut out accurately along traced lines.

Remove backing paper and press shapes onto backing fabric. Edges can be left unstitched, but to make them more durable, they should be finished with machine appliqué (a close, narrow zigzag), or with blanket stitch by hand.

Useful links: 

Barn Potholder

Hen

I hope everyone is having a good day or evening where ever you are.