How to Applique Using Fusible Web

You can iron appliques to fabric with fusible web.

Appliqué is a technique that can be used to create pictures with fabric. An appliqué can turn a simple patchwork quilt into a personalized work of art. An appliqué can be used to embellish a purse, a pair of jeans, a jacket or almost any type of clothing. Simple drawings in coloring books can be used as templates for appliqués for children's clothing. Fusible web, found at fabric stores, makes the process uncomplicated, and topstitching will keep the appliqué stable.

Things You'll Need

• Construction paper
• Scissors
• 1-yard fusible web fabric
• Item to be appliquéd
• Cotton fabric
• Fabric pencil
• Iron
• Needle
• Thread
• Sewing machine

Instructions

1. Draw the appliqué of your choice on construction paper with a pencil. Cut it out with scissors and use this as a test, placing it on the item to be appliquéd.

2. Lay a 12-inch square section of cotton fabric on a 12-inch section of fusible web, with the bumpy side of the fusible web against the fabric. The paper backing should be to the outside. Holding a dry iron to the paper side of the fusible web for 20 seconds to fuse it to the fabric.

3. Trace around the construction paper test appliqué with a fabric pencil. Cut out the cotton appliqué.

4. Pull the paper backing from the fusible web. Fuse the cotton appliqué to the item with the iron.

5. Top stitch around the edge of the appliqué with the needle and thread or a sewing machine.

References

• "Appliqué Workshop"; Laurel Anderson; 2010
• "Learn to Appliqué"; Pat Sloan; 2005