Creating applique quilt blocks only requires one simple technique.
Applique offers so many opportunities for quilters. With this method, you can create intricate, abstract designs that wouldn’t be possible with piecing.
In appliqué, you’re cutting pieces of fabric to the desired shape and size, and applying these to a background material.
This quilting technique is very versatile. It can be used for all sorts of pictorial and landscape scenes as well as bold, contemporary designs.
Appliqué blocks can also be combined with pieced ones for larger projects.
Beginners may prefer to start with a small item, such as an appliqué pillow, to learn the basic techniques that are involved.
For appliqué, lightweight cottons are preferred since you’re dealing with multiple layers of fabric. It is a good idea to preshrink the material before beginning.
Press the fabric before cutting out your appliqué pieces. Wrinkles and creases can interfere with cutting accuracy. This is especially important if you’re appliquéing a complex design.
Make a template for each appliqué piece by tracing your pattern pieces onto quilter’s vinyl, heavy paper, or other similar material. Add a seam allowance to all edges if you plan on turning these under. Then, cut the templates.
Mark your appliqué design onto your background fabric. This will make it easier to get each appliqué into its proper position. Use one of the special washable pencils or markers that are sold for quilting.
Next, prepare the appliqué pieces. Either turn the edges under, or apply double-sided fusible to the wrong sides.
Now, you’re ready to place the appliqués onto the background material. In many designs, careful placement is crucial to achieve the desired effect.
Your appliqué quilt pattern will specify whether the individual pieces should be applied in a particular order. Follow the directions carefully if the edges of some appliqués rest upon another. For example, you can only apply the eyes of a snowman after the face is in place.
With appliqué, there are two ways to attach the pieces to the background fabric. One is sewing, while the other is fusing. It is also possible to combine the two.
Both hand and machine sewing are suitable. For the former, the seams are usually turned under. In the case of machine sewing, this step is optional since the edge can be neatly finished with decorative stitching.
For wall hangings and decorative items, fusing alone can be sufficient to secure the appliqué into place. With projects that will receive a lot of wear and tear, sew the edges once the appliqué is fused in place. This involves one extra step, but the final result is well worth the effort.
Once the applique is complete, you're ready to assemble and finish your quilt.
