How to Make an Appliqué

One of the easiest embellishments a crafter can make is a fabric appliqué. An appliqué is a piece of fabric, cut in a design, and adhered to another piece of fabric. Quilters use appliqués to add detail to quilts, and even fashion designers are reverting to this simple craft to add interest to children's clothing.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fabric remnant
• Tissue paper
• Scissors
• Fabric pen, air or water-soluble
• Pins
• Fusible web
• Iron
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine

1. Pick a remnant of fabric and prepare to use it by first washing and then drying it.

2. Sketch a simple design on a sheet of tissue paper and then cut it out.

3. Trace your cutout design to the right side of the fabric with an air or water-soluble fabric pen, or pin it to the fabric.

4. Cut out the appliqué design.

5. Adhere a piece of fusible web to the wrong side of your appliqué following the package instructions.

6. Peel off the plastic backing on the appliqué and apply it to your project.

7. Stitch the appliqué in place by hand or with a sewing machine for added strength and security.

Tips & Warnings

• You can use materials other than fabric to make appliqués. Try using felt, which doesn't fray around the edges.
• Although fusible web provides a strong bond that doesn't require stitching, it's always a good idea to stitch around an appliqué that will be going into the washing machine. Stitching will prevent the appliqué from peeling. A tight zigzag stitch prevents any fraying.