Appliqués are a great way to add personality to mundane clothing, and to transform old clothes into something new and fun. They can also be used to create personalized gifts, such as t-shirts, tote bags, or hats for friends and loved ones. You can create applications of any kind, there is no limit to your imagination! Read this article to learn how to make and apply your decorations.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Building the Application
Step 1. Choose a shape and fabric
If this is your first time trying to create an application, you should choose a simple shape, such as a heart, a star, or a bird: in general, objects with a defined and recognizable shape.
- Search online for "app templates" if you want to take a look at a wider range of ideas made by other people. If you find a design you like, print it out so you can trace its shape later.
- Remember that you are going to sew around the ends of your template to put the appliqué on the clothes. Simple geometric shapes will be easier to sew than, for example, tree shapes with many branches, or a city skyline. Choose a shape that fits your experience level.
- Think about which type of fabric is best suited to the design and the garment you will be sewing the appliqué on. Choose based on color and style. Lightweight cotton or muslin fabrics are best suited.
- If you feel like going overboard, go for a multi-layered design and more than one fabric. For example, you can create a black raven with red wings, or a white crescent moon with a yellow star.
Step 2. Draw or trace your outline on a piece of paper
You'll use the drawing as a template, so use a sharp, neat pencil stroke that's easy to cut out. When the drawing is complete, carefully cut it out with scissors.
If there are letters or other asymmetrical shapes that have a precise direction among the shapes you have chosen, trace the mirror shape, so that the shape faces the right direction once it is cut out of the fabric
Step 3. Trace your template onto iron-on or iron-on fabric, making sure you draw on the smooth side (glue is more difficult to write on)
When you're done drawing, cut out the shape with scissors.
- For this step it is important to use a fabric marker or one with an ink that does not bleed, to avoid stains on the finished product.
- The fabric that is applied with the iron is easily found in haberdashery. Look for one with a paper back that can be removed - this will make it easier for you to apply your decoration to the dress of your choice.
Step 4. Apply the adhesive fabric to the wrong side of the fabric template, using the iron
Turn the fabric over so the side is straight down. Place the thermo-adhesive template on it, with the glued side facing the fabric. Carefully pass the iron, set to "silk" mode, until the two pieces are perfectly glued together.
Make sure you have turned off the steam of the iron, as the humidity could ruin the shape of the shapes
Step 5. Use the fabric scissors to cut out the template
Your application is now ready to be attached to your dress.
Part 2 of 2: Attacking the Application
Step 1. Prepare the fabric on which the decoration will be applied
The base must be clean and ironed. If you are working on fabric that can fray like cotton, wash and dry it well to prepare it.
Step 2. Place the appliqué on the fabric you have prepared, in the position you have chosen
Do you want it centered or slightly offset? Try different positions to find the one you like best.
- If your adhesive fabric has a paper back, remove it and glue the application wherever you like.
- If your iron-on fabric does not have a backing film, place the appliqué on the fabric and pin it in place.
- Make sure the appliqué and the fabric underneath are smooth and there are no wrinkles or creases.
Step 3. Sew the appliqué onto the fabric
Use your sewing machine to put stitches around the perimeter of the template, carefully guiding the fabric under the needle and changing direction when you need to sew the corners.
- When you have completed the perimeter, fix by reviewing the starting point for a few inches, then make a few stitches going back to complete. Turn the fabric over and cut the threads.
- The settings on your sewing machine determine the length and width of the stitches. Use smaller or larger stitches depending on the final result you want to achieve.
- If you have a multi-layered application, sew the lower one first, then place and sew the upper ones in sequence. You can also use different threads and colors for each layer.
Step 4. Arrange the finished job
Cut all the threads from the back of the app. Iron the shirt, skirt, bag or just the appliqué to give the finishing touch.
You can also add other decorations, such as buttons, bows or sequins
Step 5. Finished
Advice
- The fabric you choose for appliqué should be thicker than that of the base garment.
- The applications are useful for covering holes in slightly old clothes.
- Before washing your finished garment, check the washing recommendations for both fabrics.
- If you don't have a sewing machine, you can apply your decoration anyway. Read tips on how to sew a patch on a uniform to sew your decoration by hand.
