Applique

Applique

Applique work is basically a sewing craft, and so it calls for much the same tools and supplies. Fabrics are ofcourse essential, but not necessarily in great quantities scraps and pieces are usually adequate for a small project.

To stitch an appliqué in place, use an all purpose sewing thread. For additional decorative stitching, you go to embroidery floss or pearl cotton. Sharps are a type of medium-length needle excellent for hand stitching. Another essential tool in appliqué work is a sharp pair of scissors. Other useful sewing supplies include fine straight pins for holding appliqués in place, and a dressmaker's marking pencil. Frames, heavy tracing paper and coloured construction paper are helpful to have for copying or cutting out designs.

Transferring designs

Before transferring a design, cut background fabric, which may be a patchwork block or even a garment section, to desired size. In order to center the design accurately, mark lengthwise and crosswise centerlines through the background piece. The centerlines are especially helpful in patch work because they enable you to position the appliqué in exactly the same spot for each of the block involved. The placement of single appliqués is not always marked on the background if the centerlines will serve adequately as guides. For greater accuracy, however, placement marking is recommended.

Cutting appliques

The first step, if you will be cutting several appliqués, is to assemble your fabric scraps and decide which ones will be used for each piece. Try to achieve a balance of colours as well as a balance of prints, solids and textures. If the fabrics you have selected have a dominant print or weave, consider carefully how you want that print or weave placed on each appliqué piece. For eg, if a fabric is striped, it can be cut so that the stripes run vertically, horizontally, diagonally or a combination of these. In making each decision, consider the surrounding fabrics as well.

Pin template to right side of fabric. Trace around pattern with dressmaker's pencil. Remove template. Mark a 1/8' to 1/4' seam allowance outside the drawn seamline, use the wider seam allowance on fabrics that are loosely woven.

Cut appliqué outside of marked lines so that an ample fabric width is left. This wider margin will make it easier for you to stay stitch in the next step.

To facilitate turning under of edges, stay stitch a hair outside inner marked seamline. Set sewing machine to 12-15 stitches per inch.

Trim margin by cutting appliqué on outer marked lines as shown. Clip seam allowances around curves and corners so edges can be properly turned.

Securing appliqués by hand

An appliqué can be hand-stitched in place by either of the two method. The first method, though somewhat time consuming, is recommended for beginners. It calls for an additional basting step that holds the turned-under seam allowance in position, making it less awkward to secure the appliqué to the background. The second method skips initial basting of edges instead the appliqué is pinned in place, and the edges turned and stitched.

To secure the appliqué a fine slip-stitch is recommended, it holds the appliqué dependably and is almost invisible when carefully worked. An overhand stitch, though not invisible, should be used in small areas that tend to fray. Embroidery stitches such as the running stitch and the cross stitch can also be used to fasten down as appliqué. Remember that these are decorative stitches, meant to be seen, they will become part of the design.

To slip stitch

Work from right to left. Bring needle and thread through folded edge of appliqué. Pick up a thread or two from background fabric just opposite, then insert needle back into folded edge and slip it through fold about 1/8', bring needle out and pull thread through.

Continue this way to end.

Decorating appliques

Decorating with embroidery can greatly enhance the over all look of any appliqué design. Even though you may not deliberately plan on any such embellishment, possibilities may occur to you, after your appliqué is completed. There is a vast array of embroidery stitches to choose from, you can use them to work out original details or special effects, or simply as a decorative means of securing the appliqué in place.