Quick, Accessible Quilt Applique Techniques If you've ever tried your hand at sewing, you were probably met with a vast array of options. Sewing is more than just playing around with a needle and thread; the precise method you use will determine the final product. Two central sewing techniques are applique and quilting. Applique involves sewing minor pieces of fabric onto a more extensive background or part — some material portions may be sewn onto a more significant amount of fabric to shape images or patterns. A common way to achieve applique designs is through a blanket stitch. Quilting, on the other hand, is the process of joining pieces of fabrics together to form padded surfaces, which can be done manually (hand stitching) or automatically (by sewing machine). Quilt and Applique Techniques Here are some great techniques you can try out for your next project. Quilting Styles There are two main types of quilting styles: appliqued and pieced. As mentioned above, applique lets you incorporate different shapes into your quilt by using external fabrics. Pieced quilts, on the other hand, call for basic blocks that are sewn together. While pieced quilts may be what you think of when you imagine the classic, all-American quilt, appliqued styles definitely let you experiment more with creativity. Here are some types of quilt applique techniques you can try out when quilting. Hand Quilting As the name suggests, this type of quilting is done by hand. It's typically performed using a hoop, which allows the quilter to keep the fabric taut when stitching with a needle and thread. However, in recent years, a few quilters have discovered that working without a hoop gives them more freedom. The most important thing to keep in mind with hand quilting is to have a steady hand and stamina. It's less expensive because you don't need a computer or machine. On the flip side, it's more time-consuming, so before going ahead, ensure that you're ready to make that commitment. Machine Quilting To save time, many people perform quilting with a stitching machine. By automating the process, a machine can produce your product with minimal effort on your part. On the downside, the quilt may be less personalized. It's important to remember that not all machines are built the same, and the quality and function of yours will affect the quality of the overall product. Free-Motion Quilting Free-motion quilting, which can be performed on a sewing machine, challenges the limits of the structure. For this type of quilting, you might want to use a free-movement or darning foot. This form often requires a strong thread. The term