Iron on Embroidered Appliques

Whether it's something to wear, carry or use for decoration, embroidered appliqués can add that extra touch to make it unique. Iron on embroidered appliqués require no sewing skills and are found at most craft stores or ordered online. It doesn't take long to iron them on and can be finished in several hours.

Things You'll Need

• Garment or item to put the appliqué on Iron-on embroidered appliqué Straight pins Tailor's chalk or bar of soap Iron Ironing board Pressing cloth or thin towel Sewing needle (optional) Thread (optional) Scissors (optional)

Instructions

1. Determine whether the item on which you want to put the iron on embroidered appliqué will work. These appliqués require certain heat settings to properly adhere; make sure the garment-or item-you are attaching it to can tolerate the iron's temperature. Appliqués require different temperature settings, so check the instructions on the package.

2. Test the position for the embroidered appliqué. If you are attaching it to a garment, put the garment on and hold the appliqué in place to see where it looks best; then pin it. Move around to make sure that the appliqué will not be in a place that would cause uncomfortable friction when you rub against it. Once you have determined where you want it, either pin the appliqué in place or use tailor's chalk-or the edge of a shaved bar of soap-to mark the outer edge of the appliqué.

3. Prepare the item you are applying the appliqué on. Launder it and iron it; even if it is a wash-and-wear shirt, it needs to be completely free of any wrinkles. Remove any buttons that are near where the appliqué is going to be placed, to get them out of the way and prevent possible damage to the button from the heat.

4. Lay the item with the embroidered appliqué on the ironing board, straightening it to make sure the item is lying smoothly. If you pinned the appliqué, remove the pins and make sure the appliqué is exactly the way you want it. Once you have ironed it on, it is difficult to remove and replace it.

5. Check the instructions to determine whether the embroidered appliqué needs to be attached using a dry iron. If it does, pour out any water that is in the iron and set the iron to dry heat. Turn the iron on and heat it to the proper temperature.

6. Lay the pressing cloth or thin towel over the appliqué. Place the iron on top of the area of the cloth over the embroidered appliqué and hold it for no more than 20 seconds. Do not shift the iron back and forth or side to side, as it could move the appliqué or create wrinkles. Just hold it in place. Turn the item over and place the iron over the appliqué area. Hold for an additional 30 seconds. Allow the garment and appliqué to cool completely before moving it.

7. Check the edges of the appliqué to make sure they are secured; if not, lay the cloth back over the applique and press the iron over the edge for a few more seconds. Some embroidered appliqués-like a butterfly-have many small corners or curves or small sections. Sometimes these parts do not hold well, even after ironing. Use a needle and thread to tack these down for extra security. Replace any buttons that were removed.

Tips & Warnings

• Shaving a bar of soap to a thin rectangle makes a great substitute for tailor's chalk and washes out much easier.

• Always be careful when ironing, especially if you are trying to hold something in place.