How to Attach a Crochet Applique

Crocheted flowers are popular motifs, used on clothing and accessories.

Adding a crocheted motif or applique to an outdated sweater, scarf, jacket or cap can update its look or give a home-spun look to a factory-made garment or accessory. While you can use iron-on fusible tape to attach some crocheted appliques, sewing is your best bet for a durable application that can withstand heavy wear and laundering. The yarn or thread used to sew on the applique should be similar in weight and color to that used in making the applique. Match the size of the needle to the yarn or thread.

Things You'll Need

• Safety pins or sewing pins
• Yarn or thread
• Needle
• 3 mm crochet hook

Instructions

1. Lay the garment or accessory on a flat surface. Position the applique on the garment or accessory. Use a safety pin or sewing pin to attach the center of the applique to the piece. Pin the outer edges of the applique to the piece, 1/2 inch to 1 inch apart, depending on the contours of the applique. Appliques with smoother edges require fewer pins than those with convoluted edges.

2. Thread the needle with yarn or thread that matches the applique. Insert the needle from the backside of the garment or accessory, through the edge of the applique. Leave 3 to 4 inches of yarn or thread on the backside of the piece. Sew a running stitch around the edge of the applique. The stitches should be 1/8 to 1/4 inch long. Continue sewing until you reach the beginning stitch.

3. Remove the needle. Trim the yarn or thread to about 3 inches long. Tie the two threads together. Use a small crochet hook to pull the free ends of the yarn or thread into the space between the garment or accessory and the applique. Remove the pins.

References

• Knit 1 Purl 2 – Needlework News; How to Sew on a Crochet Applique; May 2011
• Get Hooked; Peek-a-Boo Flower Hat; Mary Jane Hall