How to Do Iron-On Applique Quilting

Iron an applique onto a quilted stocking.

Applique is the technique of layering pieces of fabric to create a pattern or design, then sewing the layers in place onto a piece of clothing, a pillow, a quilt and other fabric items. There are many ways to applique including hand-basting, freezer paper, wash away stabilizer and iron-on adhesive. The easiest method is using iron-on paper-backed fusible web. With it you can easily trace your design pieces onto the paper, cut out the design like you would a piece of paper and arrange it on your quilt block. Appliques for quilts can be quickly created, even by the novice seamstress, using iron-on adhesive.

Things You'll Need

• Design or pattern to trace
• Paper backed iron-on adhesive
• Marker
• Scissors
• Fabric for applique
• Iron
• Quilt block
• Pressing cloth

Instructions

1. Lay the paper-backed iron-on adhesive over your design, paper side up.

2. Trace the individual elements of your design onto the paper. If you are making a basic, one-layer shape, simply trace the shape on the paper. If you are making a many layered design, such as an angel, the design elements would be the body, head, wings, dress, hair etc.

3. Cut the shapes out of the paper, leaving a small margin around each piece.

4. Lay the pieces of iron-on adhesive on the wrong side of the fabric, paper side up. Press the paper pieces to the fabric with a hot, dry iron for 5 seconds or until they are adhered completely to the fabric. Let the fabric and papers cool before moving to the next step.

5. Cut out the shapes from the fabric following the drawn lines on the paper, just inside the margins.

6. Remove the paper backing from the fabric pieces and position them on the quilt block.

7. Cover the fabric pieces with a damp pressing cloth. Lay it on top gently so you don't move any of the applique pieces and disturb your quilt block design.

8. Press the quilt block on the wool setting firmly for 10 seconds to fuse the applique pieces to the quilt block. Lift and press; do not slide the iron, or you will move the pieces. Iron until all the pieces are secure.

9. Set your sewing machine to zigzag and stitch around the edges of the applique. This not only gives definition to your shapes, but adds extra security to the quilt block.

10. Repeat this process for any other blocks in your quilt to which you want to add an applique.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fabric paint or embroidery floss to add details to your appliques.

References

• "Wunder-Under Handmade Gifts"; Oxmoor House Inc.; 1998