7 Tips For Hand Applique

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• Step 1

  Use Very Sharp Scissors

  If you are having issues with your applique fabric fraying while you are turning it for stitching, you may be using dull scissors to cut the applique shapes. Applique scissors are extremely sharp. Very sharp scissors cut fabric fibers very precisely, which will help prevent fraying.

• Step 2

  Pin on the Wrong Side

  Pin the applique shape to the background from the back of the fabric. Placing the pin on the wrong side will prevent your thread from catching on the pin when you stitch. Using smaller pins and glue can help eliminate catching the thread on them, and is great for small sewing kits.

• Step 3

  Take Small, Even Stitches

  Keep applique stitches no more than 1/8 inch apart. If stitches are farther than 1/8 inch apart, tiny gaps will form along the edges of the applique. Those gaps can form point and make your curves and shapes a little pointy.

• Step 4

  Determine the Sewing Order Before You Start

  Study the applique design and determine in what order the pieces will need to be sewn in place. Number the pieces to remind yourself of the required sewing order. Begin with the pieces that are in the back of the applique design and work forward to the pieces that lay on the top. The areas on background pieces that are covered by pieces in the foreground do not have to be stitched, as they will be held in place by the foreground. Recognizing those areas in advance will save you unnecessary stitching time.

• Step 5

  Snip the curves

  If your applique shape has curves…either concave or convex, they will need to be snipped so they lay properly when turned and sewn. Inner (concave) curves should have small cuts and outer (convex) curves should have small notches cut out. Snip only if you need to as it creates a weak point in the fabric.

• Step 6

  Pick Your Thread Wisely

  Sew appliqué shapes in place with thread which matches the appliqué, not the background fabric. This allows the thread to disappear into the shape and hide itself– just incase a stitch shows. Also- pay attention to the thickness of your thread. The thicker it is, the more likely it is to be seen. Use a very thin thread for hand applique.

• Step 7

  Templates and Seam Allowance

  If working with templates, you should check whether or not they include a seam allowance. If they do, you should draw around the template and cut out on the line. Any seams should be sewn 1/4in from the line, unless indicated otherwise.

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