Fabrics for Appliqué

The best fabrics for appliqué cut cleanly. Examples are tightly woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics (felt), synthetic suede, microfiber or polar fleece. If using a cotton or cotton-blend fabric for appliqué, starch the fabric before use so it will stay flat and be easier to trim. Always press out any wrinkles before using or else those wrinkles will be sewn into place.

If you are making an appliqué animal design, it's okay for the edges to be slightly fuzzy. Good fabrics for animals are polar fleece, flannel, fake fur, minkee, velour, velveteen, felt and synthetic suede.

If you want to appliqué a fabric that is loosely woven, fuse lightweight stabilizer or interfacing to the back before using.

For clean edges, use scissors with slender blades and take short snips. Hold the edge of the fabric to keep it smooth while cutting, but do not pull so hard that the design is distorted. Run your fingernail along the cut edge to raise any stray threads, then trim, as needed.

Remember that no one is going to look at the appliqué as closely as you do, so if it is not perfect, it will still be fabulous!

See the ad from My Embroidery Haven to download a free appliqué tutorial.

Next issue: favorite tools

from Mary Jane Allen of Perfect Little Stitches

FREE designs, just for reading
the StitchFun News. Tee of
Heart N Sole will be offering for
FREE all the designs needed to
make this adorable appliqué teddy
bear baby quilt. Designs will be
released one row per week. Some
weeks there will be only three
designs and other weeks there
will be more. The quilt is made
using the sew-as-you-go method.

Did I mention the designs will be
FREE?

These shirts were created
using Pirates Part 1 and this
photo was submitted by
Sabine from Germany.