Sewing Technique - Applique 

Sewing Friends:

There are so many wonderful creative sewing techniques for you to explore.  Applique is one of them.

Applique is the technique of applying a layer of fabric over a base fabric and stitching it down.  It is found not only in quilting, but is used in garment sewing and home dec as well.

There are several methods to applique. Try them all and see which you prefer.

Learn the basic applique techniques here for the following methods:

• Baste Method Applique
• Freezer Paper Method Applique
• Needle Turn Method Applique
• Reverse Applique

And, for people like me, there is the fusible applique method.  Yep!  I like to glue it down and then stitch it by machine.  I fused and stitched many appliques for my kids and grandkids over time.  When the fusibles first came out, my appliques were like boards.  But, now fusibles are so much improved and very easy to use.

Here is a nice list of various fusibles.  One that isn’t listed here is the Lite Steam-A-Seam 2.  It is a double stick lite fusible web good for lightweight fabrics and even sheer and slinky fabrics.  It sticks temporarily (both sides) when applied and bonds permanently when ironed and it isn’t stiff and boardy.  I love this stuff to help with a lot of sewing techniques not just applique.

Be sure to see these additional machine applique tips to get the best results when you applique.

See more on Sewing Machine Applique here.

 Applique is not difficult.  Use it to enhance your basic, classic garments to turn them into works of art that express your unique personality.

Here are some sewing videos on how to applique that might help spark your interest. 

Go to:

• How To Applique from Expert Village
• Another video on how to applique
• Simple Applique using an embroidery machine
  How To Make A Cutwork Applique Vest
• Fringe Applique Embroidery
• Reverse Applique Embroidery

For some great ideas, take a peek at these gorgeous silk skirts and tunic tops with lace applique by Papell Studio.  They are on the Home Shopping Network.  What a great idea!  You can do this!  Think about it!  They are simple, basic garments with assymmetric hem lines and beaded lace appliques.  WOW!  Got to try this!

• Papell Studio Vintage Lace Silk Skirt with Lace Applique
• Papell Studio Vintage Lace Tunic with Lace Applique

Want an online free tutorial on how to applique?  Rose Rushbrooke, Artist and Quiltmaker has a tutorial on How To Applique as well as tutorials on How To Ruche and How To Hand Piece.  Check them out.

The satin stitch is the one used most often to applique by machine.  Here are some instructions on how to sew a perfect satin stitch.

Jan Magee offers how to information for a variety of machine applique styles in her article, “Which Way to Machine Applique?” on the Quiltmaker Magazine website.

Some of the machine methods imitate hand applique while others emphasize the advantages of an electric needle.

• Tools, Supplies and Preparation
• Invisible Blind Hem Applique
• Blanket Stitch Applique
• Satin Stitch Applique
• Zigzag Applique
• Topstitch Applique

And, finally, you will want to try some of these free applique patterns.  How about making a few appliqued sweatshirts or jackets as gifts for your loved ones? 

It just makes sense!

Hope you enjoy this information about how to applique.  Let us know how you used it.  If you have a good link for applique, send it in.

To Your Sewing Success,

Marian

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Sewing Technique - Applique

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This entry was posted on Monday, August 20th, 2007 at 7:25 pm and is filed under Sewing Videos, Sewing Techniques, Sewing Tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.