How to Apply an Applique to Denim Jeans

Dress up your denim with applique.

Spice up a pair of jeans by applying an applique. If you are not familiar with appliques, they are fabric patches that are either handmade or purchased. They can cover holes, faded areas on denim or simply add detailing or color. Typically, appliques have a flat exterior that is easily pressed onto the denim with an iron; however, if the applique has embellishments or raised detailing then you may need to use a different method to adhere them to the fabric.

Things You'll Need

• Cardboard
• Heat bond
• Scissors
• Fabric adhesive
• Iron

Instructions

1. Lay the denim on a flat surface and smooth out any wrinkles. Determine where you want the applique on the denim.

2. Insert a piece of cardboard into the denim between the two layers of fabric. For instance, if you are placing the applique on the front of a pair of jeans then insert a piece of cardboard between the front and back layer of the jeans. This will prevent any fabric adhesive from bleeding through and sealing the layers together.

3. Apply one side of the heat bond to the applique. Cut the heat bond to fit around the applique, especially if there are open areas within the applique. The heat bond will stick slightly to the applique so when you place the applique onto the denim, it will adhere to the fabric.

4. Heat an iron to the hottest setting, typically cotton. Glide the iron over the area on the denim where the applique will adhere. This will heat the fibers of the denim and help the applique stick to the denim.

5. Place the applique onto the denim and press down for 10 seconds. Hold the applique with one hand so it does not slip, and press down on the applique with the iron for 10 seconds. Pick the iron straight up and press down on another area on the applique for 10 seconds. The heat bond will start to mold the applique to the denim immediately. Once you press down around the entire applique, wait for it to cool and test the edges with your fingernail.

6. Use fabric adhesive instead of heat bond if the applique has embellishments such as beading or sequins. A hot iron will melt or burn any embellishments besides stitching on an applique. To use fabric adhesive, instead of applying the heat bond to the applique, coat the backside of the applique with adhesive and press the applique onto the denim immediately. Hold the applique onto the denim for 60 seconds. Test the edges of the applique with your fingernail.

Tips & Warnings

• Use fabric adhesive to fix any loose edges on both the heat-bond and fabric adhesive method.

• Hand-wash the item to prevent the applique from loosening in the washer.

References

• Pantograms: Applique Step by Step
• J & O Fabrics: Heat N' Bond Iron-On Adhesive