How to Applique a Square
Appliqueing a fabric cutout to a fabric square is a popular way to decorate sections of a quilt project. Tiny, invisible stitches are used to sew the applique to the fabric square. Using tricks to stabilize and help position the applique makes for a more professional looking finished square. For more complicated designs, the applique pattern is broken into pieces, each with its own piece of fabric.
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Things You'll Need
- Light box
- Tape
- Applique pattern
- Fabric square
- Fabric for applique
- Water-soluble fabric stabilizer
- Washable glue stick
- Washable white glue
Instructions
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1
Tape an outline drawing of the applique to a light box, then tape a square of preshrunk fabric over it. When the light box is turned on, the outline will show through to aid placement.
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2
Trace your applique onto a water-soluble stabilizer. This is a product that makes fabric easier to work with, but dissolves when the finished product is washed in water. Cut out around the traced lines. Place these cut outs on the backside of fabric that has been preshrunk and cut the fabric appliques with a 1/6 inch seam allowance.
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3
Glue the stabilizer to the corresponding fabric pieces using a washable glue stick. Cover the glued pieces with fabric and press with an iron set to the cotton setting, with no steam, until the glue is dry.
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4
Fold the fabric seam allowance under and glue in place with a glue stick. Cover the seam with fabric and press with an iron set to the cotton setting, with no steam, to dry the glue. Repeat on all seams. Clip curved seams to help them lay straight.
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5
Draw a fine line of white washable glue around the edges of the applique. Press the glue on the applique to the square of fabric attached to the light box. Dry the glue with an iron set to cotton, protecting the iron with a piece of fabric over the applique.
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6
Detach the square from the light box. Bring a threaded needle from the underside of the square, bringing it up slightly under the edge of applique. Make tiny stitches around the entire border of the applique, catching just a thread or two of the applique and the base square as you work. The stitches are nearly invisible.
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7
Wash the appliqued square to dissolve the stabilizer and wash away the glue.
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Tips & Warnings
If you don't have a light box, tape the applique pattern and fabric to a window. The light shining from outside will have the same effect.
