applique help

This isn't necessarily a tutorial because I don't have much to tutor on and I am no expert, but I will let you know how I do the applique and what works best for me.

1. I like to use felt, wool if I have it, because it is easy to cut and I have TONS of different colors. But, almost any fabric will work.

2. First you need to draw your pieces on WonderUnder on the paper side. I draw (usually trace) the pieces backwords so that when you put them on the item you are appliquing on they are going to lay the right way. Then, you peel off the paper and iron them on. I try to piece them so that -for example- the ears of the monkey are slightly behind the head and everything is layered correctly. And, follow the directions on the WonderUnder for the length of ironing.

3. Cut out a piece of tear or cut away stablizer (can be purchased where ever they sell WonderUnder, fusible webbing, interfacing, etc.) that is just slightly bigger than you applique and pin to the inside of project. This will help (especially when sewing on knits) to stablize the fabric when sewing a secure stitch with the sewing machine.

4. Use a zig zag stitch to secure the applique on to the project. A small, close zig zag is best.

5. Add any embroidery stitches or embellishments that you want.

6. If I use a lot of stitches and french knots on the back, it tends to add a lot of extra thread and knots on the inside of the project. If I am doing a onesie and know that it will rub against the baby's skin, after I am all finished with the stitches, I cut out a piece of light weight fusible interfacing that is slightly bigger than the stablizer that is already there and follow the directions from the manufacturer to iron it on. This makes a smooth surface and hopefully, protects the baby's skin from all the stitching.

I told my sister, Tanya, that I would put the pattern for the birdie on here. It's only been drawn by my little ol' hand, so it's not perfect, but it will definitely work. I used a backstitch for the legs, a french knot for the eye, and used the sewing machine straight stitch to add detail to the wing.

*This is just for personal use so feel free to use it and share it with others*

P.S. - I don't know how to make a PDF file, so I am hoping you can click on this image and print it out and resize it to the size that you want. I hope it works!


*Something I didn't mention - I did not prewash any of my felt, fabric, or the onesies, but I would highly reccommend doing this as they are going to be washed often and you would hate the first washing to shrink or pull out the stitches on the front. I usually don't do this because I am so excited to sew when I get an idea, it would kill me to wait the whole cycle of the washing machine plus the dryer. But, my new goal and what I have realized is that it is more important to wash all the fabric because whenever you are giving a gift you want it to last the test of time. I found this out when I made my little girl's first Easter dress this year. I didn't wash it and now after just one wash, it is too small. Here's a tip - *If you wash your fabrics right when you get them, they will be all ready to go when you finally use them in a project. Since I was asked, I thought it was worth mentioning!