How to Make Applique Alphabets

If you don't have a printer, use letter stencils to trace your applique letters.

The word "applique" actually stems from the French verb “appliquer” which means “put on.” True to their origins, appliques are cut-out shapes of fabric that you put over another piece of material. Appliques are commonly used on quilts to add intricate shapes that would be difficult to sew into blocks because of their odd shapes. You can also use them to create lettering on clothing items such as sweaters or T-shirts. If you’re sewing a project such as a quilt and you want to put all the letters of the alphabet on it, use applique letters to make the process easier.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing software
• Printer
• Printer paper
• Iron
• Fabric
• Pins
• Fabric marker
• Sewing scissors

Instructions

1. Open a word processing document. Type out all the letters of the alphabet in a simple font and make the letters the desired size of your appliques. Print out the pages on a sheet of regular printer paper and cut out each letter.

2. Wash and iron your fabric and lay it on a flat work surface with the good side facing down. Lay the printed letters backwards on the fabric and pin them in place. Trace around the perimeter of all the letters using a fabric marker.

3. Cut out each letter of the alphabet using a pair of sharp sewing scissors. The appliques are now ready for you to sew onto your project.

References

• Quilt.com: Applique Basics