How to Make a Fabric Applique
Appliqué has been a necessity as well as an art form for centuries. Being able to make a fabric appliqué can prove a useful skill which can be employed when making quilts, clothing, and even repairing tears in clothing and household materials. While there are several different ways to appliqué, all can be simple to execute. This easy task with beautiful results can be done virtually anywhere from in the home sewing room to on the bleachers at a ball game.
Things You'll Need
- Two fabrics, one for the base, the other for the appliqué
- Iron
- Fabric pen or pencil
- Light interfacing, (fusible is optional)
- Needle and thread, or sewing machine
- Scissors
- Bamboo stick (optional)
Instructions
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1
Pre-wash your fabrics and allow to dry. Iron out any wrinkles and creases. Set aside your base fabric for later.
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2
Choose your pattern and know the shapes you need to appliqué. Trace your pattern pieces out on the wrong side of your appliqué fabric.
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3
Pin together your appliqué fabric with the interfacing right sides together. Either by hand or with the machine sew directly on your traced line. Some machines respond better to having the fabric side on the bottom. If this is the case, trace your pattern on the interfacing to make it visible while sewing.
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4
Clip a small, 1-inch slit into the interfacing as close to the center as possible being careful not to clip the fabric in the process.
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5
Turn the appliqué piece right side out through the hole and flatten out as much as possible. If necessary, use a pencil or bamboo stick to smooth the seams as flat as possible.
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6
Lay your appliqué piece onto your base fabric with the interfacing sitting against the right side of the base fabric. Choose your placement and pin once you are satisfied with the location. If your interfacing is fusible, then iron in place following the manufacturer's instructions rather than pinning.
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7
Stitch the edges of the piece down by hand or with machine using a blanket stitch or any other decorative stitch desired. The appliqué stitching can be done with matching thread or one that will contrast the two fabrics and amplify the look of the appliqué.
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Tips & Warnings
If you do choose fusible interfacing, be sure to sew the interfacing to the appliqué with the glue side against the right side of the appliqué when sewing on the marked line.
