A Quick Applique Tutorial

I've had a few questions on how I applique. I don't have an embroidery machine, I use my trusty Kenmore sewing machine when I applique. It's a multi-step process.

Choose your picture/design. Print it out or trace it. Trace each piece of the picture onto a fusible web (I use HeatnBond Lite) Pay attention to how you want to layer your pieces. Trace pieces that will be the base pieces a little bigger so the layers overlap. (Can you tell who it's going to be yet?)

Choose your fabrics for your applique, roughly cut out each piece and iron it onto the wrong side of your fabric.

Cut out your applique pieces. Use a washable pen or pencil and trace the face, or any detail work you'll need markings for. You can either use a light box or a window to do this. Start layering your pieces, like a puzzle.

Poor Princess is looking a little cross-eyed!!

Don't forget to put a stabilizer onto the back of your fabric. I backed almost the entire piece of background fabric for this applique. If the stabilizer starts to come off while you are stitching (it will) just iron it on again.

Start appliqueing!! I use a zig zag stitch. For the outside lines, I usually have my machine width set at 3 and it's Length set at .4. For inside detail lines and Facial features stitch length and width will vary - Her mouth I had my Width at 2 and Length at .4

For straight lines, you can let the machine feed the fabric through, but for curves, gently guide your fabric. If you have to stop and make a tight turn, put your needle down and pivot the fabric a little at a time. I try to get the outside edge of my stitching as close to the edge of the applique fabric as possible. (I took the foot off for the picture)

Almost Done! Back - you can see the stabilizer, I already tore off the excess that was outside the applique.

I finished Cindy by stitching her eyelashess by hand (literally ;) )

BTW - I think Cinderella is one of the harder Princess to applique!! I can never get her eyes just right!!