How to Make Iron-On Embroidery Applique
Applique is a technique that involves sewing pieces of fabric to background fabric to create patterns and images. Embroidering the pieces to the fabric allows you to firmly secure the edges of each piece, and you can also embroider additional patterns onto the fabric to create more complex designs. To keep the applique pieces in place while you embroider, adhere them to the background fabric with fusible web. You can also apply fusible web to the back of the finished product to create iron-on patches. When using fusible web, choose a type that's appropriate for the weight of the fabrics you're using.
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Things You'll Need
- Pen or pencil
- Fusible web
- Sharp scissors
- Fabric, various colors
- Ironing board
- Iron
- Embroidery hoop
- Screwdriver (optional)
- Needle
- Embroidery floss
Instructions
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Create Pattern Pieces
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Draw the applique pattern with a pen or pencil on the paper backing of the fusible web. If you want the design to face a specific direction when it's done, draw the pattern in reverse. For example, if you want to create a bee with its face on the right side, draw the bee with its face on the left side.
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Cut out the individual pattern pieces with sharp scissors. If you're creating a simple tree, for example, you would cut out two pieces: one for the trunk and one for the treetop.
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Place the fabric you're using for the applique pieces on an ironing board with the wrong side up.
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Place a pattern piece on top of the fabric with the paper backing facing you.
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Iron the pattern piece onto the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. The instructions should tell you what heat setting to use and how long to iron.
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Cut the pattern out of the fabric. This is an applique piece.
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Create the remaining applique pieces in the same manner as the first one.
Adhere Applique Pieces to Background Fabric
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Cut a piece of fabric to a size suitable for the design you're embroidering. The fabric should be larger than the embroidery hoop. This is the background.
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Place the fabric on an ironing board.
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Peel off the paper backing on one of the applique pieces.
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Place the applique piece on top of the fabric with the right side up. Don't put it on or near the fabric's edges.
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Iron the applique piece onto the fabric according to the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the fusible web.
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Iron the remaining applique pieces onto the fabric in the same manner as the first one.
Embroider the Design
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Loosen the screw on the embroidery hoop by hand or with a screwdriver.
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Place the smaller, inner hoop on a hard, flat surface.
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Place the background fabric over the inner hoop with the applique pieces in the center.
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Place the larger, outer hoop over the fabric and inner hoop.
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Tighten the screw on the larger, outer hoop until the fabric, inner hoop and outer hoop are held together tightly. While tightening the screw, pull the fabric's corners to prevent it from wrinkling and sagging.
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Embroider the edges of the applique pieces using a needle and embroidery floss. Whipstitches, blanket stitches and stem stitches are some options that provide good coverage around the edges.
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Embroider additional patterns on the fabric, if necessary.
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Loosen the screw on the hoop when you're done embroidering, and remove the fabric from the hoop.
Iron Fusible Web onto Fabric
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Place the embroidered fabric on an ironing board with the embroidered side down.
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Place a piece of fusible web on the fabric with the adhesive side down. Center the fusible web over the embroidered applique.
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Iron the fusible web onto the fabric according to the manufacturer's instructions. Iron until the fusible web has fully bonded with the fabric.
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Cut the design out of the fabric. You now have an iron-on embroidered applique that can be adhered to any fabric.
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Tips & Warnings
Save time by sewing the applique pieces with a sewing machine.
If you're creating a square or circular patch from the embroidered applique, embroider a border around the design.
Use multicolored embroidery floss to add color to the applique.
Ironing the adhesive side of the fusible web will cause the adhesive to melt onto the iron.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Polka Dot/Getty Images
