How to Make Puffy Applique
An applique with stuffing between it and the item it is stitched to takes on a 3D, puffy appearance. This adds texture and interest to the item you are decorating. Puffy appliques are especially popular on tote bags and children's clothing. A puffy applique is a great first project for a young sewer and is an easy way to add a personal touch to any fabric item.
Things You'll Need
- Applique fabric
- Scissors
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Item to applique
- Fiberfill
- Needle and thread
Instructions
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1
Cut a piece of fabric to the size and shape you want your applique to be, plus 1/8 inch all around. One idea is to cut a design aspect from a printed fabric, such as a flower. Press the fabric.
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2
Pin the applique to the item you want to sew it to. Try adding an applique to the front of a t-shirt or a plain canvas tote bag. Use straight pins and make sure the applique is flat against the item you are pinning it to.
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3
Set your sewing machine to a short zigzag stitch. Sew around the applique, moving slowly, so that the stitches attach it to the shirt or bag, forming a tight, neat row of stitches. Alternatively, use pinking shears to cut around the applique, which will keep it from fraying, and use a straight stitch around the perimeter.
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4
Turn the item you are appliqueing inside out. Cut a small slit in the center of the fabric behind the applique. Make sure you don't cut through the applique. Use your fingers to stuff fiberfill through the slit, making the applique padded and puffy.
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5
Hand stitch the slit in the backside of the item closed. Turn the item right side out and your puffy applique is complete.
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