Applique Graphics Instructions

Experience "No Big Waste of Time" Techniques for Needleturn, Fusible and Invisible Machine Appliqué

Learn how you can reduce preparation time to a bare minimum and begin sewing within minutes whether it is appliqué or other quilting/fabric art techniques. With the aid of the computer, a scanner, an inkjet copy machine or inkjet/laser printer, any pattern can be printed directly to self-adhesive template sheets and overlay sheets. This method eliminates tracing, use of a light box or iron, and allows for perfect sizing and placement just as the designer intended.

NEEDLETURN and FUSIBLE APPLIQUE

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Choose a design.
1) Electric Quilt or other software
2) Pre-purchased pattern
3) Magazine
4) Design your own
5) Other source

1) Print Overlay (if needed) onto clear overlay.

2) Print templates without seam allowances to paper side of template (liner). Designate "mirror image" if image is not symmetrical.

3) With paper scissors, cut out each template on the printed line.

4) Hold the cut out template vertically with template side facing you. With your pointer finger pull across the cut edge of the template. Your finger will grab hold of the template and pull it away from the liner.

FOR FUSIBLE: Adhere fusible web to wrong side of desired appliqué fabric by following manufacturer's instructions. The fabric should be large enough to accommodate template. Allow fusible to cool , then remove paper.

5) Apply template to right side of appliqué fabric.

6) Trim around template leaving 3/16" to 1/4" margin of fabric.

FOR FUSIBLE: Trim appliqué fabric next to template with no seam allowance.

7) Position overlay over background fabric, placing as desired.
(When centering the design over the background fabric, it is recommended that the background fabric be creased in quarters.)

8) Lift overlay and slide prepared template into place using overlay as a guide

9) Remove overlay and pin or glue baste template/fabric into place.

FOR FUSIBLE: Remove template and iron appliqué into place.

10) Using needle and thread that matches the appliqué fabric, needleturn the seam allowance under. Take small stitches and turn under only a short distance at a time. The template will grip the fabric and allow for creating a perfect shape.
FOR FUSIBLE: Stitch with desired thread and method.

11) After entire shape is sewn down, remove template and continue on to next shape.

And when you are finished, you will have a perfectly shaped design that is sized and positioned as the designer intended.

INVISIBLE MACHINE APPLIQUE

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This method features:
No cutting out behind appliqué
No washing out of glue; no drying time
No pulling out of templates
No hassle
Wonderful results

Choose a design from Electrical Quilt or other software, existing patterns, magazines, or a design of your own.

1) Print Overlay (if needed) onto clear overlay.

2) Print templates without seam allowances to paper side of template (liner). Designate "mirror image" if image is not symmetrical.

3) With paper scissors, cut out each template on the printed line.

5) Apply template to right side of appliqué fabric.

6) Trim around template leaving 3/16" to 1/4" margin of fabric.

7) With template facing you, crease the seam allowance to the back by pinching with fingers along the edge of the template.

8) Turn prepared unit over and apply glue to the wrong side of the seam allowance (use a washable glue stick) along the perimeter of the shape.

9) Clip seam allowances where necessary to help fabric conform to the template shape.

10) Turn down the seam allowance of the prepared shape using the template as a guide. The seam allowance will adhere to the glue. Using a scissor tip, pressers hand, Q-tip, etc., smooth seam allowance to avoid points or other unsightly irregularities.

11) This shows appliqué piece totally prepared with all edges turned under and adhered to the glued seam allowance.

12) Turn prepared unit over. Remove self-adhesive template. Return template to paper liner for future use.

13) Position overlay over background fabric, placing as desired. (If centering the design over the background fabric, it is recommended that the background fabric be creased in quarters.

14) Lift overlay and slide prepared appliqué shape into place using overlay as a guide. Secure into position by using pins, glue stick or glue baste. (Use glue sparingly) The shape is now ready to be stitched into place using desired stitch (i.e. blanket stitch, blind stitch, hem stitch or small zigzag stitch). Whichever method is used, stitch with a narrow bite in and relatively short stitch. Use either monofilament thread or thread that matches the appliqué. By using a #6/80 sharps/microtex needle, the stitch will be even more invisible.

15) Stitch around the perimeter of the entire appliqué, as close as possible to the appliqué edge.

16) Repeat process until all pieces in the block are stitched into position. When you are finished, you will have a perfectly shaped design that is sized and positioned as the designer intended.

NOTE: If a computer and printer or copy machine is not available, a Sharpie^® Permanent Marker can be used to draw your design onto the paper side of the template material/clear overlay.