Have you ever looked at a finished sewing project and thought that it looked really plain and boring? Or maybe just wondered how you could make it special and unique?
You're not alone! Many times sewists have a vision for a project and when it is complete they wish it had a little something extra. Let me tell you that learning how to applique a sewing project will change how you create and sew.
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Sewing applique can often seem overwhelming or too advanced for many new sewists. However, the truth is that applique projects can be really, really simple and make a project 100 times more inviting and impressive.
In fact, adding a simple applique design can turn a simple t-shirt into a custom design or a fun wall hanging into a work of art.
And the best news is, you don't have to have a fancy cutting machine or spend tons of money to create applique projects that you love. With just a few supplies, you can be creating your own applique designs.
How to Applique
Materials Needed
- Free HOME Applique Pattern - download at the end of the post
- White Cotton Base Fabric
- Colored Cotton Scrap Fabric
- Heat N Bond
- Printer Paper
- Permanent Marker
- Iron or EasyPress Mini
I'm going to show you two methods for cutting out your applique designs. Both methods work and both have their pros and cons.
Method one requires and extra step, but I have found if you have a very intricate design, method one creates a more crisp design.
Method two is best used for much larger designs that aren't as intricate.
APPLIQUE METHOD ONE
Step 1
Print off the Home applique pattern. Use a permanent marker to trace the outline of each of the letters and images.
You want the image to bleed through the back of the printer paper.
Step 2
Turn printer pattern over and place on a flat surface. Place a piece of Heat N Bond over the upside down pattern piece. Make sure the glossy side of the Heat N Bond is facing down.
Trace the pattern design onto your Heat N Bond.
Step 3
Press the Heat N Bond to the wrong side of your chosen fabric design. Make sure it is pressed really well.
APPLIQUE METHOD TWO
Press a piece of Heat N Bond to the wrong side of your chosen fabric design. Make sure it is pressed really well.
Pin the paper pattern design to the right side of the fabric. Carefully cut out the design through both the fabric and Heat N Bond.
How to Stitch Applique Designs
One your applique pieces are cut out and have the Heat N Bond fused to the back, you are ready to apply them to whatever backing you are using.
For this project, they are being fused to a solid white cotton fabric. But applique projects can be added to almost any type of material. You can apply them to cotton quilts, stretch t-shirts, kitchen towels and even pillows and pillowcases.
It's important to note what type of material you are sewing on. It is best to apply woven appliques to woven bases. The same goes for apply knit applique to knit bases. If a project can be stretched, a stretch applique is a better option.
Some applique patterns will be applied in layers. For instance with this Princess Peach Applique T-shirt, the crown was pressed and sewn on before the jewels were pressed and sewn.
Applying the design in layers ensures that each pieces stays in place and keeps the design from looking messy. Make sure to recognize if your applique project comes in layers or if the design has just a single layer.
This Home pattern is a single layer, but does a second layer with the heart. It shouldn't mess up your stitching pattern, but it is good to recognize the second layer.
Let's show you how to stitch an applique design.
Basic Applique Stitches
For large applique pieces, it is best to use a nice wide but compact zig-zag stitch. We call this a satin stitch. The stitches are close together but wide enough to fit across the base fabric and the edge of the applique design.
You can also use a straight stitch to attach your applique. Just like the heart in the above photo. A zig-zag stitch might overpower the small applique detail. But using a straight stitch keeps the fabric in place without making the design look messy.
And that is it! Learning how to applique fabric projects is a lot easier than you thought, right?!
It will take a bit of practice, but over time you'll get better and better at it.
Want your own free Home applique PDF pattern? Simply click the button below to download.
Using applique designs on sewing projects can really customize your projects. If you aren't totally convinced, check some of these fun applique projects for some inspiration.
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