How to Use Freezer Paper & Soluble Thread to Do Applique

A great way to customize your creations is to use appliques. A simple way to do this is by drafting your own applique patterns with freezer paper and soluble thread. Whether hand sewing or machine appliqueing, the freezer paper gives the designs a crisp edge. This technique is used with machine and hand stitched appliques.

Things You'll Need

• Freezer paper
• Soluble thread
• Fabric
• Iron
• Scissors
• Pins
• Needle or sewing machine
• Thread
• Scrap paper

Instructions

1. Choose your applique design and practice on a sheet of scrap paper.

2. Place your sheet of freezer paper over your finalized design. Trace the design onto the dull side of the freezer paper. The dull side is the back side and the shiny side is the final applique. If your design is directional, draw it in a mirror, so it faces the right way when it is finished.

3. Cut your shape out of the freezer paper. Trim as close to the edge as possible.

4. Press your fabric with your iron. Turn the steam feature off of your iron. Once it is wrinkle-free, place the freezer paper design shiny-side down to the wrong side of your fabric.

5. Allow the freezer paper to bond to the fabric. Cut the shape out of the fabric around the paper leaving approximately a 1/4 inch seam allowance. Clip the curves as necessary.

6. Press your seam allowances in towards the shape. Baste the edge of the shape with a needle and soluble thread. Be careful not to pierce the paper. Use large basting stitches to tack the seam allowances.

7. Place your shape on the garment and pin into place. Stitch by hand or by machine around 3/4 of the shape. Leave a 1 to 3 inch opening. With tweezers, reach into the opening and grasp the paper away from the shape. Slide through the opening.

8. Sew the opening closed. After you wash the fabric, the basting stitches done with the water soluble thread disappear.

Tips & Warnings

• Beginners may want to choose a simple geometric shape until they are more comfortable with this process.

• Please use caution around sharp and hot objects.

References

• Disdressed: Hand Stitched Applique Using Freezer Paper

Resources

• Great Uses For Freezer Paper