How to Use Butcher Paper in Applique

Using butcher paper in appliqué is a wonderful way to get sharp lines without marking on your fabric. If you are working with darker fabrics, it can be almost impossible to see any marked line. Butcher paper will make your task so much easier. If you are a quilter or crafter who enjoys working on appliquéd wall hangings, quilts or table runners, to name a few, you will enjoy the time-saving strategy of using butcher paper in appliqué. Not only will it give you a perfect fabric shape, but it will also give you a pattern that can be reapplied again.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Butcher paper
• Scissors
• Iron
• Fabric
• Felt
• Hand sewing needle and thread
• Embroidery needle and floss
• Pencil
• Pattern
• Straight pins

Using Butcher Paper in Felt-Wool Appliqué

1. Trace your appliqué pattern or shape onto the paper side of the butcher paper. Cut the appliqué pattern from the butcher paper.

2. Place the butcher paper pattern, wax side down, on the felt or wool you are using for your appliqué. Iron the butcher paper pattern to the felt or wool.

3. Cut around the butcher paper pattern, cutting the fabric appliqué out. This technique will give you a clean, crisp line.

4. Peel the butcher paper from the appliqué and reapply to more felt or wool, as in step 2. The butcher paper pattern can be used several times, making it unnecessary to create additional patterns.

5. Arrange the appliqués on the project you are applying them to and pin in place. Using embroidery floss, attach the appliqués with embroidery stitches.

Using Butcher Paper in Fabric Appliqué

6. Trace your appliqué pattern or shape onto the paper side of the butcher paper. You will want to do this in reverse or a mirror image to your design. Cut the appliqué pattern from the butcher paper.

7. Place the butcher paper pattern, wax side down, on the back of the fabric you are using for your appliqué. Iron the butcher paper pattern to the fabric.

8. Cut around the butcher paper pattern a 1/4 inch from the edge of the paper pattern. This technique will give you a fold allowance to tuck under your appliqué as you attach it to your project.

9. Place the fabric appliqué on your ironing surface with the butcher paper side up. Using your scissors, clip the angles, curves and corners on the fabric fold allowance. Press the fold allowance to the back of the fabric appliqué, using the butcher paper pattern as a guide. Remove the butcher paper pattern after the ironed creases have been made. Reuse the butcher paper as many times as necessary.

10. Arrange the fabric appliqués on the project you are applying them to, with the fold tucked under. Pin in place. Using a hand sewing needle and thread, attach the appliqués using appliqué stitch.

Tips & Warnings

• When first cutting out your design from butcher paper, use scissors specifically for paper. This will prevent your good fabric scissors from becoming dull. Butcher paper, also known as freezer paper, can be purchased at the grocery store.