Things You'll Need:
- Applique pattern Fabric stabilizer Fusible web Fabric Iron Scissors Thin cardboard
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Step 1
Select an image that you would like to create. Children's coloring books have delightful outline images ideal as appliqué patterns. Choose an image that has simple design for your first project.
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Step 2
Trace the image onto thin cardboard to make a template. Cut the template into individual sections, if applicable. The image of an apple or pumpkin may be ideal as one piece, but a flower may look better with individual petals.
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Step 3
Select fabric for the sections of the template. Trace and cut the sections. Lay out the design with the fabrics to see how it will look. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement and your choice of fabrics, it is time to begin the appliqué process.
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Step 4
Press the bottom layer of the design onto a sheet of tear-away fabric stabilizer. You can purchase this on the fabric section. Set your sewing machine for a simple zigzag stitch. You will need to play with the adjustments to get the size and width of stitches you prefer. Generally, you will want a short narrow zigzag stitch for appliqué. If you have other embroidery stitches available on your machine, experiment to find the stitch that you prefer.
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Step 5
Stitch around the edges of the appliqué pieces working from the background to the foreground until the entire appliqué has been stitched. Tear away the fabric stabilizer. Iron a section of fusible web to the back of the appliqué following the recommended heat setting on the product.
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Step 6
Remove the paper backing from the fusible web and iron the appliqué to your project.
