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How to Appliqué a Shirt

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer
(8 Ratings)

Even a plain white shirt becomes a work of art with the addition of an embellishment, such as an appliqué. An appliqué is a piece of fabric cut into a particular shape and sewn onto a larger piece of fabric, such as an article of clothing. Appliqués can be simple or complex in design.

Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  1. Step 1

    Wash and iron both the shirt and the fabric used to make the appliqué.

  2. Step 2

    Trace the appliqué design onto a sheet of tracing paper, and cut it out.

  3. Step 3

    Pin the appliqué design onto the appliqué fabric, and cut it out. You may also trace the design with an air or water-soluble marker if you don't want to use pins.

  4. Step 4

    Fuse the appliqué to the shirt with fusible web, following the directions on the package.

  5. Step 5

    Stitch around the appliqué to secure it in place. You can choose a variety of stitches by changing the setting on your sewing machine.

Tips & Warnings
  • Similarly weighted fabrics work better than those that are different. For example, a cotton shirt and cotton appliqué will sew easier than a silk shirt and cotton appliqué.
  • Washing the fabric before using it will allow it to shrink before sewing, which helps to prevent the material from puckering.
  • A close zigzag stitch prevents the edges of the appliqué from fraying. You can also hand-stitch an appliqué using embroidery floss.
  • Always wash an appliquéd shirt inside out.

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