How to Cut an Applique Pattern

Coloring book designs can be turned into applique patterns.

Appliques are decorative designs made by cutting pieces of fabric and sewing the pieces to other fabric. These designs are used on quilts, pillows and other home decorating items. Appliques are also used on handbags, clothing and other items to which a fabric applique can be applied.



Patterned or solid-color fabrics work well for applique pieces. Applique designs include alphabet letters, numbers, flowers, leaves and a myriad of other designs. Templates for appliques are available wherever sewing supplies are sold. Appliques apply by turning under a seam allowance and stitching close to the edge or by zigzagging in place.

Things You'll Need

• Applique template
• Fusible webbing, lightweight
• Pencil
• Fabric
• Iron
• Scissors

Instructions

1. Select fabrics for applique pieces. The most suitable fabrics for appliques that have a turned-under seam allowance are fabrics that are not bulky. Contrasting colors or patterns help the applique show up well.

2. Place your applique template right-side down on the smooth, non-adhesive, side of fusible webbing.

3. Trace applique template on the fusible webbing with a pencil. Using sharp scissors, cut out the webbing applique piece.

4. Place webbing applique piece on wrong side of applique fabric. Iron webbing to fabric with a medium-hot iron.

5. Cut the fabric applique piece, leaving a 1/8- to 3/16-inch seam allowance around the edges of the applique piece.

6. Turn any points in the applique piece so they lay flat against the wrong side of the applique, making a bend at the seam line. Cut off the point to reduce bulk.

7. Clip curves in the pattern so seam allowance can be turned under without puckering the fabric. Using scissors clip up to but not through the seam allowance line.

Tips & Warnings

• Prewash fabrics for appliques to reduce shrinkage which could cause the fabric to pucker when washed and to prevent colors from applique patterns from bleeding onto background fabric.

References

• Generations Quilt Patterns: Preparing Applique Templates
• Design Sponge: Sewing 101: Machine Applique
• Start Quilting 4: Learn to Applique
• Quilt: Applique Basics