How to make an applique

Video: How to APPLIQUE - Easy Techniques

Content

Part 2 of 2: Attaching the applique
Tips
What do you need

1 Select fabric and pattern. If this is your first time doing appliqué work, use a simple pattern such as a heart, a star or a bird - objects with a distinct and recognizable silhouette.

Search on the Internet for “applique designs” and you will see a wide variety of ideas that other craftsmen have taken advantage of. If you find a drawing that you like, print it out for later reference.
Keep in mind that you will have to sew around the edges of the applique when you attach it to the garment of your choice. It is much easier to sheathe simple geometric shapes than trees with many branches or a city skyline. Choose a pattern that suits your skill level.
Think about which type of fabric will work for both your print and the garment you want to enhance. Choose based on color and style. Lightweight cotton or muslin fabrics work well.
If you are confident in your abilities, choose a layered pattern and several different fabrics. For example, you might think of a black bird with red wingtips or a white crescent moon with a yellow star.

2 Draw the outline of the drawing on a piece of paper. Your drawing will serve as a template, so take a pencil and draw clear, bold outlines that are easy to cut. When the drawing is complete, carefully cut it out with scissors.

If the drawing consists of letters or other asymmetrical shape that needs to be directed in a certain direction, draw or trace the layout in its mirror image onto the paper. In the finished product, the pattern will be positioned in the correct direction.

3 Copy your template onto non-woven fabric or adhesive tape. Make sure to draw the outline on the smooth side of the interlining, as it is worse to draw on the side with glue. When you have copied the template, cut it out with scissors along the outline.

At this point, you will need a fabric pen or other pen with ink that will not flow, so that stains and drops do not appear on the finished product.
Non-woven fabrics can be purchased at fabric stores. Try to find a paper backing that can be easily peeled off - this will come in handy when you need to attach the applique to a garment.

4 Iron the “wrong” side of your fabric. Turn the fabric over so that the correct side is facing down. Place the non-woven fabric, adhesive side down, on the fabric. Set the iron to silk and gently iron the non-woven fabric until it adheres to the fabric.

Make sure to turn off steam on the iron, as moisture can affect the shape of the non-woven fabric.

5 Use fabric scissors to cut out your design. Now you can attach the applique to your clothes.

Part 2 of 2: Attaching the applique

1 Prepare the base fabric for the applique. Make sure the base fabric is clean and ironed. If you are working with cotton or other fabric that might shrink, run it through the washer and dryer before gluing the applique.
2 Place the applique on the base fabric. Do you want the appliqué to be centered or offset? Try experimenting to find out which option you like best.
- If the non-woven liner has a removable paper liner, remove it and fix the appliqué where it should be on the fabric.
- If there is no sticky layer on the non-woven fabric, place the design and use pins to secure it in the desired position.
- Make sure the pattern and base fabric are straight and wrinkle-free.
3 Sew the appliqué to the base fabric. Use your sewing machine to sew around the perimeter of your design by carefully guiding the fabric through the sewing machine and turning at the corners.
- When you have sewn all the way around to finish the stitch, sew a few centimeters back from where you started, or tie a knot. Flip the fabric over and cut the threads.
- The length and width of the stitches depends on the settings on your sewing machine. Use a long or short stitch, depending on how you want the finished drawing to look.
- If you have several patterns in your applique, sew on the bottom layer first, then attach and sew on the second layer, and so on. Consider using contrasting thread for different layers and fabrics.
4 Tidy up the finished drawing. Cut off any excess thread remaining on the applique. Iron the shirt, bag, or blanket where you just attached the applique for the final touch.
- Consider adding some decorative touches like buttons, bows, or rhinestones.
5 Ready..

Tips

The fabric you choose for the applique should not be heavier than the base fabric.
Appliques can be used to cover holes or stains in old clothes.
Before washing the finished garment, make sure you are familiar with the care instructions for the applique fabric and the main fabric.
If you don't have a sewing machine, you can still attach an applique. See the article "How to sew a patch to a uniform" to sew the applique by hand.