How to Do Applique on Wool
Felted wool, which is wool that has shrunk, or become "matted," as a result of exposure to moisture, heat or pressure, is easy to applique on because the weave tightened up as the fabric shrank and will not fray. Cut appliques from felted wool and sew to larger pieces of felted wool to make decorative designs you can frame, or cut the larger piece into a pillow cover. Wool shrinks by about 1/3 to 1/2, so take that into consideration when choosing how much fabric to felt. Also, use only 100 percent wool, as wool blends will not felt properly.
Things You'll Need
- Wool fabric
- Washing machine
- Laundry detergent
- Clothes dryer
- Scissors
- Pins
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
Instructions
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"Felt" both the wool applique and the wool on which you'll be appliqueing. Wash both in hot water with detergent and dry. This will cause the fabric to shrink, forming a felt material that you can cut without fraying and sew on easily.
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Cut desired applique shapes from your applique-felted wool fabric. You will not need to hem these, as felted wool does not fray. Place them on the felted wool you are appliqueing onto and pin in place.
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Sew around the applique. You may do this with a sewing machine using either a straight stitch or a close zigzag stitch that completely covers the edge of the applique. You may also hand-sew the applique in place with small, even, straight stitches.
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