How to Iron on an Art Applique

Fusible webbing connects art appliques to background fabrics.

Fusible webbing makes attaching an art applique to fabric uncomplicated. Your children can assist you in designing an art applique, you can copy a work of art suitable for the project or you can dig into your creative nature for an original artistic design. The applique size should be in proportion to the object it will be attached to, whether it is a piece of clothing or cloth for a quilt or pillow. Hand stitched edging is required to keep the applique machine washable.

Things You'll Need

• Mylar sheet
• Scissors
• Cotton applique fabric
• Fusible webbing sheet
• Iron
• Clothing or fabric
• Sewing needle size 9
• Thread the color of the applique fabric

Instructions

1. Draw the art applique design on the Mylar sheet, keeping the design uncomplicated and in proportion with the clothing or fabric size. Cut out the Mylar design with the scissors.

2. Cut out squares of fusible webbing and applique fabric that are the size of the art applique design. Place the bumpy side of the webbing on the ironing board and cover it with the applique fabric. Press the hot iron over the fabric firmly for 20 seconds to attach the webbing to the fabric.

3. Place the Mylar design over the smooth side of the attached webbing and trace around the design with a pencil. Cut through the fabric and webbing on the pencil line with the scissors. Pull the webbing release paper from the fabric.

4. Place the fabric applique design over the clothing or fabric in the spot desired. Press the webbing side of the fabric to the clothing or fabric with the iron firmly for 20 seconds.

5. Thread the needle and hand stitch small straight stitches 1/8 inch from the interior edge of the applique.

Tips & Warnings

• A sewing machine with a zigzag stitch can also be used to reinforce the edges of the ironed-on applique.

References

• “Appliqué Workshop”; Laurel Anderson; 2010
• “Learn to Appliqué”; Pat Sloan; 2005