Quilt Applique Techniques

Appliqueing by hand is a detail-orientated task but well worth the effort. When should you use hand sewing in applique? Small designs, as well as complicated designs, are ideal for hand applique. Also, applique designs that have dimension need to be sewn by hand.

It can be very relaxing to stitch by hand and applique is a great reason to do it. There are also many tools available to make hand applique easier, such as embroidery hoops and disappearing markers to hold and mark where to sew.

Image above is ​Happy Cactus Applique Pattern.

Applique by machine is fast and easy. Machines allow for perfect stitches in a short period of time, though, sometimes it is difficult to achieve very detailed stitching with a machine. Machine applique is also excellent for special stitching or free motion stitching.

For large designs, use a machine to make the process speed by, allowing you to move on to your next step or project. If your stitching is going to be highly noticeable, then you may prefer the machine stitches over hand sewing.

When it comes to preferred machine applique techniques, Joanne from Thread Head says,

"My favourite technique for applique is still invisible machine applique. I find that it is very sturdy (I have used it on couch pillows that have been washed many times and the fabric has worn out before the stitching), so it is practical for quilting projects that get a lot of use. 

It is also very easy to design your own applique patterns, and there are so many sources for inspiration. 
Lately I have been adding simple designs to plain quilt blocks to make pillows covers, table mats and mug rugs. I have a new applique tutorial here and another applique tutorial for Valentine's Day here."

Freezer paper isn’t only for use in your kitchen! Head into your pantry and grab the freezer paper for another quilt applique technique. Quilting with freezer paper is a creative and resourceful way to applique.

Freezer paper is a great quilting applique method because the shiny side of the paper sticks to fabric. It is easily removable as well because there is no adhesive. It is also reusable, which is incredibly beneficial for patterns that have a repeating design.

How to Use Freezer Paper Applique:
To use freezer paper for applique, first trace the design with pencil onto the dull side of the freezer paper. Using the correct side is very important and the shiny side is the side that goes against the fabric to stick. Once you have traced the design, cut it out and put the shiny side down onto the wrong side of the fabric.

With a fabric marking pencil, trace the freezer paper shape onto the fabric and then cut about a 1/4-inch around the shape outline. Remove the paper and place into onto your quilt fabric. Then, finish with your stitching.

Freezer paper applique is an inexpensive and helpful technique for applique. It is easy to use without instructions or to use as a replacement for other techniques.

Image above is  Freezer Paper Piecing.

Fusible applique is also referred to as raw edge applique or a combination of fusible and raw edge in the name. This applique technique uses fusible web.

Fusible web is an often permanent lightweight fabric that includes a thin layer of adhesive and paper backing (sometimes it is double-sided). This product can be found at craft stores or online in different sizes and yardage. Fusible web allows the applique to be attached (or fused) with the use of heat.

How to Use Fusible Web Applique:
To use it, follow the instructions on the label for tracing, cutting, and handling. You will then heat the paper with an iron.

You can stitch the applique but, since the piece is fused to the fabric, there is no need. The reason it is also called "raw edge" applique is because the edge of the fabric is shown instead of being tucked and stitched in.
Note: Most fabric does fray, so if you are leaving the edge you will want to use a fray stopping solution to avoid this.

Fusible applique is an easy and popular way to applique quilts, especially if you want to do it quick.

Image above is ​Fusible Appliques for Kids.

The techniques mentioned above involve the applique design being above your quilt fabric. Reverse applique is the opposite. The hole will be cut from your main quilt fabric and the piece of applique will be attached from below.

Reverse applique designs have a similar appearance to some patchwork designs or when a patch is used to fill holes in clothing, such as jeans. Reverse applique can use fusible web strips or freezer paper.
 
How to Reverse Applique:
To accomplish this type of applique, cut out your design on paper/fusible web/freezer paper. Cut out the design from your main quilt fabric. Then cut out a larger piece of your applique fabric, which can be a square or circle shape as the edges are going to be under the main fabric and not showing. You need enough to adhere and stitch around.

Adhere or hold the applique fabric underneath the main fabric cut out. Use the iron to fuse the two pieces of fabric if using fusible web or start stitching around the design if not using adhesive until finished.

Reverse applique creates a unique look and can be accomplished using other techniques mentioned above.

Image above is ​Reverse Applique Quilting Tutorial.

The versatility of applique allows you to play with textures, colors, and designs. Heather from The Sewing Loft says, 

"Applique is of my favorite techniques to use fabric left overs with. The potential of creativity is limitless.

I like to look at each layer of the design is another opportunity to addin my personal style. Consider using contrasting thread to "draw" details on your design like I did on this holiday pillow collection. With each pass of the needle, I can see my design take shape and come to life."