How to Make an Applique of Different Colors
Crafting remarkable appliques for clothing and quilts often comes down to the little details. The type of fabrics used in each element of the design will make it noteworthy through texture, but choosing the right colors will make it extraordinary. The selection of color may be determined by the garment on which your applique is going to be stitched or it can be designed to stand out from its background setting. Creating an applique with vibrant colors will be sure to command attention when adorned on any embroidery project.
Things You'll Need
- Tracing paper
- Pencil
- Iron-on adhesive with paper backing
- Pre-laundered fabrics
- Scissors
- Pressing sheets
- Iron
- Ironing board
Instructions
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1
Sketch your design onto a piece of tracing paper. Make it any size and shape you want.
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2
Place the tracing paper over the iron-on adhesive and transfer the design onto it.
If your applique has different components to it, decide where elements will overlap and transfer accordingly by extending the outlines of each about 1/4 inch so there are no gaps between the elements. You are creating the template for where colors and fabrics will go. -
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3
Cut the applique design elements from the sheet of adhesive, staying about 1/2 to 1 inch outside of the traced outline.
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4
Select the fabrics that will encompass your applique. This is where the decision-making begins for color, and there are many palette strategies to consider, whether you go with a complementary color scheme where hues offset one another or try monochromatic tones where similar shades of the same color work together. You can also choose an analogous palette using colors from either the warm or cold half of the color wheel. Decide if the applique is meant to embellish a garment. The fabrics that comprise the colors should not fray easily and be pre-laundered.
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5
Cut the shapes of each element from the fabrics you wish to use. Apply each fabric swatch to the pre-cut adhesive designs from Step 3. Fuse the adhesive to the fabric by laying the fabric face down so that the back side is facing up. Layer the adhesive over it, sticky side down and paper side facing you.
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6
Trim away the excess fabric from each element.
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7
Peel away the paper backing of the adhesive for each element.
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8
Apply all elements of your applique design to the garment. Layer background elements first, and then affix overlapping pieces as per your original design.
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9
Iron the applique to the garment. Lay a sheet of pressing paper over it and press down on the applique fabrics for about 20 seconds. Set the iron temperature in accordance with the types of fabric you have used so they don't get singed or damaged. Repeat the process again making sure to get all overlapped areas of fabric.
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References
- Photo Credit Zedcor Wholly Owned/PhotoObjects.net/Getty Images
