A is for Applique

Skill Level: Intermediate

Skills Attained: Applique, Zig-Zag Stitch

Supplies:

• Fabric
• Interfacing
• Coordinating Thread
• Sewing Machine
• Fabric Adhesive Spray (or pins)
• Paper
• Scissors

Applique is the technique of sewing a smaller piece of fabric onto a larger piece of fabric for decorative purposes. I use this to personalize or decorate sewing projects. You can applique by hand, but in this tutorial, I will show you how to applique using the zig-zag stitch on a sewing machine. 

Before I show you how to applique, here are a few examples of things that I've appliqued: 

I like to use fabric adhesive spray when appliqueing. Here is a picture to the left of the product I picked up at the store. I'm sure there are other brands that work equally as well. This product can be a little pricey, so if you don't want to spend the money, you can always just pin your applique to the fabric. I find that the pins get in the way. So, if you think you'll be doing quite a bit of applique, it may be worth the investment of buying an adhesive spray. 

First, adhere the interfacing to the piece of fabric you will be using as your applique. The interfacing just provides a little more weight and will help prevent the material from bunching when sewing. If the interfacing is not iron-on, then you can use the adhesive spray to adhere the interfacing to your fabric.  

Next, cut out your applique. In this example, I am using a circle. Place the applique on a piece of paper (this helps avoid getting the spray all over) interfacing side up  and spray with the adhesive spray. 

Position your applique on top of the larger piece of material where you want it. Let it sit for a few minutes to allow the adhesion to set. 

To the left is a picture of my sewing machine's settings. The top light indicates the zig-zag stitch. (You could use another type of stitch if you would like.) The bottom two lights indicate the stitch's length and width. You may set those settings as you so choose. 

Using the zig-zag stitch on your machine, stitch around the applique. Now you've finished your applique!

Check out more posts on my 2014 A to Z Challenge!

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