I actually really LOVE the art of appliqué! Even though I don't use it that much (practically never) but I do love seeing others' works on the Internet and appreciate the artistry so much :) My October project that I've mentioned earlier in this post is also appliqué-friendly and, personally, I'm going to experiment a little in this field! So I thought if anyone wants to try the same I should tell a bit more about the methods of applique in advance. Method 1 So, the first thing you should remember is that the majority of fabrics tend to fray on the edge. And because of this, if you just simply baste a cutout to the ground fabric, eventually it will fray quite a lot even if at first it doesn't look like it. However, sometimes this kind of ragged and frazzled edge might be the desired effect! Especially, for enthusiasts of rustic style. In such cases, this method is what you need. And, basically, all you need to do is just work back stitch along the whole shape, stepping a little away from the edge. Make your stitches rather small so that all of the fibers are secured. I'm using quilting cotton in this example and it doesn't really fray that much – I frayed it myself for this picture as well as I could. However, if you use linen, for example, it is likely to fray a lot easier and the fibers might pull apart right in front of the stitches. In this case, your back stitching should be even smaller. Method 2 If you don't want the edges to fray, you can work buttonhole (blanket) stitch around the shape. You can work it more densely, of course, like I did in one of the examples in this post. By the way, I'm using a thread of contrasting color for all of the appliqué methods in this article to make it more clear. Naturally, you can use thread of a color similar to the appliqué cutout if you don't want it to stand out too much. Ah, and this method is commonly used in felt applique! Method 3 Now, if you don't want any fraying to take place but also don't want to work a border of buttonhole stitch around it, you can use a fusible interfacing! :) Instructions are easy: 1) cut a piece of interfacing material equal to the piece of fabric you want to apply it too, 2) interfacing material has two sides, one of which is adhesive. Put the interfacing piece with the adhesive side up, and lay the fabric piece on top of it, with its backside down and face up. In conclusion, the adhesive side should be next to the backside of the fabric. 3) iron it thoroughly (settings of heat are according to the type of fabric) staying for several seconds in one place. When you have applied interfacing with the fabric, cut the shape out of it. The thing is, the fibers are now glued from underneath so they are going to hold together and are very unlikely to fray. It is almost like paper. Well, unless you expose it some rough tugging like in a washing machine or if you use it on everyday clothes So, what you will do now will depend on your artistic choice. If you want it to look raw like it is, you can baste it down with tiny running stitches of similar color. Or you can use any decorative stitch, you can find many on the Stitch Library. I used french knots here :) Method 4 This one is likely to look a bit more dimensional, but there is like 0 chances for any fraying to happen. And again, we need interfacing material (it will give a certain advantage but actually you can use another fabric, I will mention it below). BUT we need to put fabric and interfacing material in a different manner now! So, what we do is we put fabric face up, and then we lay interfacing material with adhesive side down. So, the face of the fabric and the adhesive side are supposed to be looking at each other. Then you can draw the shape down and backs titch along the edge. Cut the shape out with a seam allowance and cut a slit in the interfacing material. The turn it out. Now you have a shape like this – face of the fabric up and adhesive side down. You can now place it where you need on the ground fabric and iron it down. If you want to secure it even better, you can stitch a border of buttonhole stitch again, or baste it down in any other way. Or you can work invisible stitch like I did in this example. Like I mentioned, this method can be used with a different fabric instead of interfacing material. Just skip the ironing part and baste the piece down in the way you prefer the most :) So, here are 4 methods for your fabric appliqué! As for me, methods 2 and 3 are what I'm more likely to use but in the end, it all depends on the situation. Hope you find the method you of your liking too and try some appliqué in your next project! :)
A comprehensive step by step tutorial for the simplest and the most widely used applique technique - raw edge machine applique with fusible web.
See how to applique with sewing machine, how to make appliques from fabric scraps, and learn applique techniques that are easy to use.
A round up of free applique patterns, to be used for hand and machine applique, for boys and girls.
Hesitant about turned edge machine applique? Check out our tree applique sew along and learn to tow turned edge machine applique methods!
A round up of free applique patterns, to be used for hand and machine applique, for boys and girls.
Getting caught up on my "Quilting the Garden" BOM by Blackbird Designs. A good friend and mentor of mine, Debbie Wick, made the quilt years ago and small group of close friends meet at Debbie's house each month to work on our own versions of this beautiful quilt with Debbie's guidance. Here is the latest block we're working on, Summer Cottage, this is an image of Debbie's finished block. Awesome isn't it? She does fantastic work... And here is the same block from the "Quilting the Garden" book: (I don't remember if this is Alma's or Barb's block - sorry). My Summer Cottage block currently looks like this - The roof is ready to stitch down. What do you think of those side windows ? Don't they look like stained glass? The fabric was a special gift from Debbie. Love them. Love that background fabric too! Another special gift - thank you my friend. * In case you're interested in the process -- I've outlined some details: *** NOTE: If you're new to Needle Turn Applique and want to learn more, you can reference "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" on my blog header tabs. There is an in-depth 4 part tutorial documented there. *** The grass has some areas that are needle turned and some that can be left raw because another applique piece will be placed on top of it. To transition from one area to the next first snip the fabric at the transition mark, travel with a running stitch to the next transition, snip the fabric again, and continue with your needle turn. When you prepare the piece for needle turn, don't mark the areas that can be left raw - this will be your clue to transition from turning to raw edge. Be sure to give yourself a comfortable amount of leeway so you don't end up with raw edge where you need needle turn. At the end of the turned area, snip or clip the fabric so it will lay flat and then travel with a running stitch to the next area that will be turned. Here is another view: Below is the completed view. The raw edge area will have a flower pot positioned on top of it. Another important tool for applique piece placement is an overlay. There are several tools you can use including the Dritz overlay sheets or thin clear vinyl. I use the Dritz flimsy clear sheets (it comes on a roll), trace the edges of the critical pieces on the sheet with a dry erase marker, and then use the marked overlay to position each applique piece. When you're not using the overlay it has enough "cling" to hang on a clean painted wall. Using the overlay for the grass placement. Using the overlay for the house placement. It's hard to tell from this picture but the needle turn lines are drawn on the pink house and should line up exactly under the overlay lines of the same. A view of placing the roof - I'm making progress. Here are some of the other blocks I have going - Block1 - my poor little bird still needs to be stitched. Detail view: I love the star -- it's an old Blackbird Design fabric !! Woohoo! Block 2 -- remember I worked on this one when we went to San Diego in October -- great place to visit quilt shops ! Details: Oh - and the Herb Block -- it's a bit stalled but an easy one to work on in time: I love the background on this one too!! That's all for tonight - If you have any questions on the Overlay or the stitching for layering of applique pieces please leave me a comment - I would be happy to try to answer them. * Have a good week all and stay tuned -- that 100 post giveaway is in the works - and some other exciting news to share with you! Hugs, Karen
basic sunbonnet Soo pattern
Free applique patterns for you to print off including letters, numbers, stars, hearts, elephants, birds and more. Page includes instructions for how to applique baby clothes for an easy homemade baby gift idea.
A detailed step by step guide with illustrations and infographics for turned edge applique using paper backed fussible web.
Those of you who are following along with the construction of Twilight Gardens may have been wondering about the applique coming up in block...
Discover the beauty and versatility of raw edge appliqué with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the tools and materials you'll need and essential techniques for creating intricate designs.
Machine embroidery designs, applique embroidery, embroidery fonts, redwork designs, applique designs, embroidery patterns and free embroidery designs.
A great how to for beginning sewers who want to learn how to applique using their sewing machine! Check out the step by step instructions. Pictures included!
A round up of free applique patterns, to be used for hand and machine applique, for boys and girls.
A detailed step by step guide with illustrations and infographics for turned edge applique using paper backed fussible web.
MORE DESIGNS ARE AVAILABLE ON MY WEBSITE www.titaniacreations.com PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS A DIGITAL PATTERN FOR YOU TO STITCH YOURSELF ON AN EMBROIDERY MACHINE. NO PHYSICAL ITEM WILL BE SENT. Raw edge applique of a child holding a big umbrella, depending on your choice of fabric it could be a little boy or a little girl. Three sizes are included 5x7 - 5.06 5.85" with 3002 stitches. 6x10 - 6.24 x 7.22" with 3640 stitches. 8x12 - 7.81 x 9.04" with 4482 stitches. You will receive on zip file containing all three sizes in DST, EXP, HUS, XXX, VIP, VP3, JEF, PES formats and instructions. All designs are tested and pictures are actual stitch outs. You may stitch these designs onto items for personal use or to sell but NOT for mass production. All designs remain the property of Titania Creations and you must NOT share, sell, transfer, swap or distribute them in whole or part to ANYONE. Due to the nature of this item (digital media) NO REFUNDS are given.
Digital Applique Design for use with Embroidery MachineSizes: 4X4, 5X7, and 6X10 (other sizes available by request)(other files will have the 6x10 format added as fast as I can get to them. Until then you can just email me for that size)Formats: ART60. ART, PES, DST, EXP, HUS, JEF, VIP, SEW, XXX(other formats available by request
Dragonfly - Batik - Applique © 2015 Patricia E. Ritter APPROX. FINISHED SIZE: 5.75 inch x 5.25 inch Note: Background fabric is NOT included. Laser cut iron-on fabric applique pieces backed with Steam-A-Seam 2 (a fusible webbing that is not permanent until pressed). Pieces can be temporarily placed and re-positioned as necessary! For further information on using Applique Elementz - Please see "What are the best techniques for fusing Applique Elementz" on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Follow these easy instructions to learn how to do needle turn applique, a traditional form of hand applique.
A great how to for beginning sewers who want to learn how to applique using their sewing machine! Check out the step by step instructions. Pictures included!
Turn just about any photo into a pattern for beautiful fabric applique art with this easy-to-follow tutorial from Little Button Diaries!
Learn how to do Hand Applique by using blanket stitch and the traditional applique stitch
Appliqué is a fun way to express yourself with fabric. Learn How to Applique Like a Pro by following these easy steps. It's easier than you think.
Tips and tricks for basic applique techniques to achieve the most professional results.
Discover the beauty and versatility of raw edge appliqué with this comprehensive guide. Learn about the tools and materials you'll need and essential techniques for creating intricate designs.
WOOL APPLIQUE using Colour Complements hand dyed embroidery threads available at http://etsy.com/shop/colourcomplements. The pattern is Bloomin Beauties by Kim Schaefer.
I'm busily working on a new embroidery pattern. It's been a long time since I originally played with this idea and I'm excited to be finally revisiting it! Felt appliqué is so versatile and I love exploring the endless ways to use it in my work. Hop on my email list to find out when
Whether traditional or modern or somewhere in between, appliqué quilts have long been admired by quilters of all kinds. Fusible appliqué uses a
Angie Hodapp talks to you about doing some turned edge applique in this video.
Zen Garden - Block #9 - Applique © 2015 Patricia E. Ritter APPROX. FINISHED SIZE: 12 inch block Note: Background fabric is NOT included. Laser cut iron-on fabric applique pieces backed with Steam-A-Seam 2 (a fusible webbing that is not permanent until pressed). Pieces can be temporarily placed and re-positioned as necessary! For further information on using Applique Elementz - Please see "What are the best techniques for fusing Applique Elementz" on our Frequently Asked Questions page.
Appliqué is a fun way to express yourself with fabric. Learn How to Applique Like a Pro by following these easy steps. It's easier than you think.
New at the Attic Window Quilt Shop! CutRite™ Heavy-Duty Freezer Paper. Since I always use the freezer paper method when doing appliqué I decided to look into this new product. What I discovered: When doing my freezer paper method, I iron three pieces of freezer paper together to make my templates. This Heavy-Duty freezer paper is as sturdy as card stock. It is three times thicker than ordinary freezer paper. Not only does it save the ironing step, but there is no buckling or curling which sometimes occurs when I iron the three pieces of freezer paper together. This Heavy-duty freezer paper is also re-usable. The coating on this Heavy-Duty freezer paper seems to be better than the freezer paper that I buy at the grocery store. I’ve had several people complain to me that the coating on the freezer paper from the grocery store must have been changed because it doesn’t seem to stick as nicely to the fabric as it used to. You can use this Heavy-Duty freezer paper with any ink jet printer, so no more copying the patters, shapes when making templates. Each packet contains 25 8 ½” X 11” sheets. I had to give this a try. First off, I ran a sheet through my printer and copied the design I wanted to use (see first photo). I had no problem with the printer handling this thicker paper. Then I cut out the pieces as I normally would. Then I ironed the template to the fabric and applied the starch around the edges. Then, as usual, I ironed the fabric around the template. Above is the template pulled from the fabric and the fabric is ready to sew to the background fabric. To show that each template is re-useable I cut out the center from the original template and made the center for the flower. Worked great! Then in my haste to try this new freezer paper, I forgot to reverse certain parts of the design. I remembered that I have read on other blogs where some people chose to place the template in the reverse of what I do, and do not use starch but bring the fabric around to the glossy side of the freezer paper and iron it down. I tried it and it worked! You can see the start of my design here. I would recommend that you try the CutRite™ Heavy-Duty Freezer Paper for your next appliqué project. DON’T FORGET: The Heart of Winter Tour is February 8th. Call the shop to make your reservation as space is limited and the bus is filling up fast! ON ANOTHER NOTE: She Can Quilt has a tutorial for a nice over mitt. Until next time, ♥ Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive! Caroll
I specialize in creating quilt patterns that feature unusual applique patterns. Often, I am asked what techniques I use to create these fun applique pieces. I would love to share with you a simple way to create beautiful applique, using of all things… a glue stick! This tutorial will be featuring two of my latest
Download free flower appliqué patterns complete with leaf and stem to complete the Secret Garden Appliqué Quilt or for other sewing projects.
Flowers have been a symbol of love, friendship, and gratitude for centuries. However, each flower also has a secret language of its own. Its called the language of flowers, and it is a unique way of communicating emotions and messages through the arrangement of different blooms..
Tips and tricks for basic applique techniques to achieve the most professional results.
Appliqué is a fun way to express yourself with fabric. Learn How to Applique Like a Pro by following these easy steps. It's easier than you think.
I’m sorry this is a little late in coming. Here is the alternate colorway for Block 11. I’m in the process of getting Block 12 together for everyone and it’s making me a little sad…to think that Florabunda is almost over. I’m off to wrack my brains on challenge 3. I will post more on that later.
This block belongs to a popular quilt: Dear Jane. It’s block C09. The template is a free PDF download from Susan Gatewood’s site. How to do reverse appliqué with freezer paper Susan…
A great how to for beginning sewers who want to learn how to applique using their sewing machine! Check out the step by step instructions. Pictures included!
Torn Shirt = Great Opportunity! Using reverse appliqué to patch a hole. By Diane Gilleland Here's a decorative way to repair a prominent hole (or
