Glossary
If you have always admired appliqué, but have been afraid to try because you think it is too complicated, it is time to learn how easy it really is. With a few scraps of colorful fabric, you can create an appliqué ready for quilts, wall hanging or even as a fashion statement on bags or clothing. Follow a few easy steps to create an image and then use your sewing machine to embroider the edges and you will be on your way to designing personalized items to use in a variety of crafts and projects.
Instruction.
Select an image that you would like to create. Children's coloring books have delightful outline images ideal as appliqué patterns. Choose an image that has simple design for your first project.
Trace the image onto thin cardboard to make a template. Cut the template into individual sections, if applicable. The image of an apple or pumpkin may be ideal as one piece, but a flower may look better with individual petals.
Select fabric for the sections of the template. Trace and cut the sections. Lay out the design with the fabrics to see how it will look. Once you are satisfied with the arrangement and your choice of fabrics, it is time to begin the appliqué process.
Press the bottom layer of the design onto a sheet of tear-away fabric stabilizer. You can purchase this on the fabric section. Set your sewing machine for a simple zigzag stitch. You will need to play with the adjustments to get the size and width of stitches you prefer. Generally, you will want a short narrow zigzag stitch for appliqué. If you have other embroidery stitches available on your machine, experiment to find the stitch that you prefer.
Stitch around the edges of the appliqué pieces working from the background to the foreground until the entire appliqué has been stitched. Tear away the fabric stabilizer. Iron a section of fusible web to the back of the appliqué following the recommended heat setting on the product.
Remove the paper backing from the fusible web and iron the appliqué to your project.
