How to Create Appliqu?s

Appliqués are patches of fabric used to decorate quilts, clothing and accessories. You can buy appliqués, but to get just the look you want, you’ll need to create your own. Simple appliqués such as hearts, are the easiest to make. In general, you’ll want to use the same type of fabric for the appliqué as the fabric it will be attached to. To attach the appliqués to the fabric, you may want to use fusible web. This iron-on product will hold the appliqué to the fabric and help seal the edges while you sew it in place. Some fusible web is strong enough to be no-sew. This type of web works best for projects that won’t go through the wash too often.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Scraps of colored fabric
• Matching thread
• Fusible web (optional)
• Scissors
• Iron
• Ironing board
• Straight pins
• Sewing machine

Create Appliqués

1. Cut a piece of colored fabric the size and shape you want the appliqué. Cut a piece of fusible web (optional) the same size and shape.

2. Place the appliqué right side down on the ironing board. Position the fusible web on top of the appliqué, paper side up, and line up the edges.

3. Iron the fusible web to the appliqué using a hot temperature setting, such as the one for cotton, or the iron setting recommended by the fusible web instructions. Let the fusible web cool, then carefully peel off the paper backing.

4. Position the appliqué right side up on the fabric. Iron the appliqué to the fabric.

5. Set your sewing machine to a zigzag stitch. Set the machine speed to slow, if possible.

6. Sew around the edges of the appliqué using matching thread, making sure the zigzag stitches overlap the edges of the appliqué. This will help keep the edges of the appliqué from raveling.

Tips & Warnings

• For large appliqués, you may want to cut the appliqués slightly larger than you want them and turn the raw edges under 1/8 to 1/4 inch. Press the edges flat to keep them from raveling.
• For more complex appliqués, you can cut, fuse and sew multiple pieces or layers. For very small appliqué pieces, you may want to hand stitch the edges using a whipstitch.
• To add detail to the appliqué, such as a face on an animal, you can use fabric paint or pens, embroidery stitches or very small scraps of fabric.
• Since the stitching on the appliqués will show, make sure to choose a thread color that matches or complements the fabric.
• Use caution when working with scissors, pins, irons and sewing machines.