How to Sew Applique

Sewing applique by machine not only enhances the appeal of your finished product it makes it more durable and protects your work against the risk of coming apart in washing. Fortunately, sewing the edges of applique pieces can be done with a regular zigzag stitch that is available on even a basic sewing machine. By following a few basic guidelines, you will soon be sewing applique pieces with ease.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Fusible web
• Fabric
• Iron
• Sewing machine
• Thread
• Scissors
• Fabric marking pencil

1. Begin by organizing the material you will need for your applique piece. This includes lightweight fusible web that you can purchase in any fabric store.

2. Cut a square of fabric slightly larger than needed for your pattern piece.

3. Iron fusible web to the wrong side of the material with a warm dry iron. Generally a setting for wool is required, but follow the directions with the fusible web. Simply press the iron onto the paper backing of the fusible web for the specified amount of time. Do not glide the iron back and forth. Let the fabric cool for a few minutes.

4. Trace the pattern onto the fabric using a fabric pencil. You can trace the pattern on the paper backing, but if you do so, keep in mind that you will need to reverse the pattern piece.

5. Use sharp scissors to cut out the pattern pieces and set aside.

6. Arrange pattern pieces on you background material to create your desired design. When you are satisfied with the arrangement, it is time to iron the applique pieces to the background fabric.

7. Remove the paper backing from the applique piece and position it on the background fabric. Keep in mind that you must assemble the applique pieces in reverse order. Pieces that will overlap others must be added last.

8. Beginning with the piece that will be in the background of your image, iron the fabric piece to the background following the same procedure as you followed for ironing the fusible web to the pattern pieces. Check the edges of the pieces for a secure bond.

9. Continue the process until you have finished the applique pattern and the block is complete.

10. Choose thread for the stitching around the applique. Depending on the design and the desired look and feel of the project you may wish to use black thread throughout the sewing process. This will create a clearly defined edge for all pieces. You can use thread to match individual fabric colors if you want a more subtle effect. Experiment with other contrasting colors for a bold statement.

11. Set your sewing machine to a narrow zigzag stitch. If you have other stitches available on your machine, experiment on scrap material to find one that appeals to you. Keep the stitches short and narrow for any project that will be used and washed regularly. For decorative pieces that are intended to be viewed, you can experiment with looser stitches.

12. Sew around the edges of the entire pattern being careful to turn small corners with a smooth motion. If you must stop in the middle of a section, be sure to stop with the needle in the fabric so you won't lose your place. Stopping and starting while sewing the applique pieces may cause skips in the edging that will detract from your design.

Tips & Warnings

• Pinning applique designs in place with quilter's pins prior to fusing them to the background fabric will prevent accidental slips.
• Take your time when sewing the applique to create a smooth even stitch.
• Never use a steam iron when working with fusible web.
• Do not use a back and forth motion when fusing pieces together. Simply press and hold to allow the fusible web to bond materials together.