How to Make Layered Embroidered Appliques
Layered embroidered appliques turns ordinary items into designer items at a fraction of the designer purchase price. This layered applique process is suitable to a wide array of items like clothing, bags, blankets or holiday items like stockings or tree skirts. Learning how to create these embroidered appliques that are layered on top of each other gives you the ability to make gifts for family and friends. Create supplemental income by selling your items at craft shows and bazaars.
Things You'll Need
- Coloring books and picture books
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Fabric
- Fabric adhesive sheets
- Iron
- Sewing machine
Instructions
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1
Look through picture books or coloring books to locate basic shapes to use in your layered applique.
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2
Cut out the pictures you want to use for your patterns. Use pictures that work together, such as flowers, stems and leaves.
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3
Pin the patterns to your applique fabrics. Use straight pins to hold the paper in place against the fabric.
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4
Place a section of fabric adhesive under the fabric, with the glue against the fabric and the paper facing out.
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5
Iron the fabric. Set the iron to the appropriate setting for the fabric you’re using. Let the fabric cool completely, which takes approximately 10 minutes.
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6
Cut out your pattern, cutting through the fabric and the fabric adhesive.
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7
Peal the protective paper off the back of the fabric applique.
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8
Position the applique on your clothing, and iron to secure it to the clothing. Let the clothing cool completely.
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9
Stitch around the edge of this applique with a thread color that matches the applique fabric.
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10
Cut out the next layer. For example, if the first layer was the flower stem, cut out the leaves next. Apply the leaves to the clothing in the same manner you applied the flower stem, overlapping the stem slightly to create the layered effect. Stitch around the edge of the leaves, stitching over the stem where applicable.
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11
Cut out the flower layer and apply it over the top of the stem, using the same process as you used for the stem and the leaves. Stitch around the flower.
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12
Add an additional leaf that’s on top of the flower to create the final layer.
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Tips & Warnings
Fabric adhesive sheets are available at local fabric, hobby and crafts stores. The adhesive is activated by the heat in the iron. The ironing instructions may vary slightly, follow the manufacturer's instructions for your specific fabric adhesive sheet.
Be very careful when using scissors and hot irons. Keep these tools away from children.
Add additional embellishment like buttons, ribbon or fabric paints to add more dimension to the appliques.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Comstock/Getty Images
