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Applqué a fun way to add a lttle extra

pzzazz to a ewng projet or to update an

extng garment or home déor tem. To get

you tarted, here are a few ommonly ued

tehnque for preparng and attahng applqué.

Raw-EdgeMethodThis appliqué method is quick and easy, resulting in a raw-

edge finish. It’s great for creating an organic and slightly

frayed look with woven fabrics. It’s also a great method touse with felt, faux suede, and similar fabrics that don’t fray

at cut edges.

You will need: Paper-backed fusible web (if the project calls for it or

you’d like to use it)

Pins or basting glue (if you’re not using fusible web)

Craft/paper scissors

Fabric shears

Embroidery scissors

Pencil

Handsewing needle, size 11 or 12 Sharp

Coordinating thread or embroidery floss (for handsewing)or coordinating thread for machine sewing

Thimble (optional)

Remember that any time you’re transferring a template to

the wrong side of the fabric (or onto the paper side of the

fusible web) the final appliqué will be the reverse of the

traced appliqué.

1Trace the template onto the paper side of the

paper-backed fusible web (or trace the template onto

the wrong side of the fabric or as directed by the project

instructions).

2 Rough cut the shape from the fusible web, leaving a

margin of about ¼" (6 mm) around the shape (if you’re

not using fusible web, simply cut the shape along the drawn

lines). Following manufacturer’s instructions, adhere the

fusible web to the wrong side of the fabric and let it cool.

Then, cut the shape along the drawn lines.

3Remove the paper backing and place the shape, right

side up, onto the background fabric. Adhere the shape

to the background fabric as before (if you’re not using fusible

web, use pins or basting glue to secure the shape in place on

the background fabric).

4 

Stitch the shape in place around the edges, using

a machine stitch, such as a straight stitch, zigzag,blanket stitch, satin stitch, or other decorative stitch (refer

to your sewing machine manual for assistance). Alterna-

tively, sew the appliqué in place using your favorite hand

embroidery stitch, such as a blanket stitch, running stitch,

or backstitch.

Freezer-Paper(orTemplate-Plastic)andStarchMethodThis method creates a neat turned-under edge for the ap-

pliqué. The starch gives a crisp edge that stays in place as

you stitch the appliqué to the background fabric.

You will need:

Freezer-paper (or heat-resistant template plastic) Craft/paper scissors Fabric shears Embroidery scissors Spray starch Small paintbrush Fabric-marking pen or tailor’s chalk Handsewing needle, size 11 or 12 Sharp Lightweight cotton or silk thread Thimble (optional)

appliqué bAsics

figure 1

figure 2

figure 3

figure 4

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1 Layer two pieces of freezer paper, with the shiny side

of one piece facing the paper side of the second piece;

press together with a hot dry iron. Trace your templates

onto the paper side of the freezer paper; if you have multiple

shapes, leave at least ¼" (6 mm) between each. (If you’re us-

ing template plastic, simply trace the shapes onto the plastic

with a permanent marker.) Cut out each shape along the

traced lines with your craft/paper scissors.

2Press the shiny side of the freezer paper template to

the wrong side of the chosen fabric, leaving at least

½" (1.3 cm) between shapes. (If you’re using template plastic,

use a fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk to trace the tem-

plate onto the wrong side of the fabric.) Cut out each shape,

leaving scant ¼" (6 mm) seam allowances around each

(figure1). (If you’re using template plastic, place the template

onto the wrong side of the cut shape, centering it to leave the

¼" [6 mm] seam allowances free.)

3 Using the embroidery scissors, clip into the seam

allowance at any concave curves and points (clippingalmost to the template or drawn lines;figure2). You may also

clip the convex curves if it will make it easier for you to fold

under the seam allowance neatly.

4 Spray a small amount of starch into the cap from the

starch can. Use the paintbrush or a finger to brush

starch onto the seam allowance, moistening the fabric but not

the freezer paper.

5Press the seam allowances over the freezer paper (or

template plastic), using the tip of the iron to wrap the

seam allowances closely around the template and pressing

until the starch is dry and the seam allowances are secure

(figure3). When pressing around convex curves, form smallpleats in the fabric with the iron as you press around the

template to make a smooth curve. If the edges aren’t smooth,

simply remoisten the seam allowances with starch, reshape,

and press. To press points neatly, press the point first, then

press the fabric on either side over it.

6When the fabric has cooled, remove the template

(peel the freezer paper gently from the fabric), and

press again to set the shape (figure4). The paper template

has enough “wax” to be used more than once. You’re ready

to stitch the appliqué. Use the standard hand-appliqué stitch

for a neat, nearly invisible finish. Note that where appliqués

overlap, the lower piece does not need to be sewn.

Needle-TurnMethodRequiring minimal preparation for a turned-under edge, this

method starts with the appliqué edges left raw. You then turn

the edges under as you stitch the appliqué in place.

figure 5

figure 6

You will need: Pins or basting glue Fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk Fabric shears Embroidery scissors Handsewing needle, size 11 or 12 Sharp

Lightweight cotton or silk thread Thimble (optional)

1 Trace the template onto the right side of the chosen

fabric, using a fabric marking pen or tailor’s chalk. Cut

out the shape a scant ¼" (6 mm) from the traced line.

2 Using the embroidery scissors, clip into the seam allow-

ance at any concave curves and points (you may also clip

the convex curves if doing so will make it easier for you to fold

under the seam allowance neatly; figure5).

3 Pin or glue-baste the appliqué to the background fabric,

overlapping pieces as necessary or directed. (To glue-

baste, use small dots of glue on the wrong side of the appliqué,

about ¼" [6 mm] from the drawn line, to secure the appliqué tothe background fabric.)

4Use the standard hand-appliqué stitch for a neat,

nearly invisible finish. As you sew, use the needle to

sweep under the seam allowance just ahead of your stitching

(figure6). Make sure the traced line isn’t visible. Note that

where appliqués overlap, the lower piece does not need to be

sewn or turned under.

appliqué bAsics