Simple applique is a decorative technique that adds color and texture to garments and pojects to create a custom look.

When using the simple applique techiques you have an unlimited access to your creativity. You can include ribbon, lace, sequence, any trim or decoration that is available.

The simple applique technique begins by attaching fabric cutouts to a background fabric. This type of project will make very good use of a scrap collection because small pieces of fabric are necessary. You can design your own shapes or cut out a motif from a printed fabric.

In machine appliqué the fabric cutout is outlined with a satin stitch. Use an applique foot instead of a regular presser foot. For best result use a quality sewing thread.  Match the thread to the appliqué if you prefer the outline to blend in. However, to create an accent on your appliqué use a metallic thread or a contrasting color thread. The most beautiful look is a result of using a rayon thread as it has the highest sheen and brightest colors.

TRIED AND TRUE APPLIQUE TECHNIQUE

Begin by applying a back to the appliqué fabric with a lightweight fusible interfacing to prevent raveling. Design and cut out appliqué.  On light weight fabrics, if using a pattern, use weights instead of pins to hold pattern in place. Place appliqué on garment or project using a glue stick or spray-on adhesive as a temporary bond. (When using spray-on adhesive, place appliqué face down on paper before spraying.) Stitch around applique with a fine zigzag stitch and then stitch again with a satin stitch.

QUICK & SIMPLE APPLIQUE METHOD

This simple technique makes the design fabric fusible by ironing a paper-backed fusible web to the wrong side of the fabric. The paper-backed fusible web comes with easy instructions to convert regular fabric into fusible fabric. After
fusing the web to your small piece of fabric cut the desired shape and remove the paper backing. Turn the piece over and iron it in place on your selected fabric background. Now, that the appliqué is temporarily attached to your project, stitch in place with a narrow zigzag stitch. (It is best to finish appliqué before constructing the garment.) Machine should be set on satin stitch with a wide and close zigzag. Stitch around the entire edge of the applique so that  the stitches just cover the raw edge.

ROUGH OPENING LINE & TURN APPLIQUE METHOD                               

This method is for items that have one side that never shows. Cut two of the applique shapes. Cut a slit in the back piece. With right sides together stitch completely around the item. Trim the edges and clip. Turn the piece through the slit. Press and it's ready to applique. If desired stuff the piece first to give some dimension. If preferred close back opening with a whip

SOME HELPFUL HINTS

Rough cut - means to cut an approximate size allowing for seams instead of cutting exactly on a drawn line.

Pivot- is to raise the presser foot, leaving the needle in down position and then turning the fabric to the desired position to be able to continue.

Stitch Witchery - is a fusing product that is not suitable for fused appliqué techniques because it lacks the paper protective shield.

Turn inside corner by stitching past the corner an equal distance to half the width of the satin stitch.

Turn outside corner by stitching off the appliqué an equal distance to half the width of the satin stitch. Raise presser foot, pivotand resume stitching.
Turn points by gradually decreasing the stitch width as you approach the tip. Stitch past appliqué and pivot. Gradually increase stitch width back to satin stitch as you sew away from the tip.
Round curves by pivoting frequently to prevent gaps in stitching.

Add dimension to scalloped curves by decreasing stitch width as you stitch toward inner point. Pivot at point, and increase stitch width as you stitch away from inner point.

Find designs in children's story books and coloring books.

Transferring a design is easy and there are several ways. Place a piece of dressmaker's carbon paper with the ink side down on the right of knit. It is best to avoid sheer, delicate or open-weave fabrics since a fusible interfacing is required.
Position the tracing on top, making sure the design is centered. Pin the layers together around the edge and place on a hard, flat surface. Draw around the outlines with a hard pencil, pressing firmly. Use blue or red carbon paper on light fabric and yellow carbon paper on dark fabric.

Light Method - Use a light. This method works well with fine fabrics such as cotton or silk. Use a glass table. Place an adjustable  lamp underneath the glass, directing the light upwards. Place the tracing on the glass and secure with masking tape. Position the fabric over the tracing, centering the design, and secure with more tape. Slowly trace the design with a soft, sharp pencil and take care to avoid dragging the fabric as you work.

Another carbon paper method. - Use the unthreaded needle of your sewing machine to transfer a design by using dressmaker carbon paper, color side down, on the right side of your fabric. Then place the design on top of the carbon paper. Pin in a few places to hold it together. Place in sewing machine and stitch with unthreaded needle.

An applique works best on light and medium weight fabrics with a fine weave.
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