Appliqu é

Appliqu é is the process of layering pieces of fabric into a pattern. This could be cutting out shapes and attaching them to a shirt, or it could be attaching a decorative border to a set of curtains.

There are a number of ways you can appliqué. The most common involves simply stitching around the edge of a shape to attach it to the one below. Depending on what type of fabric you’re using, however, this may not be enough, because the fabric edge could either curl or unravel. To fix this, you can either fold the edge of the decorative piece under before stitching it down, or use a different type of stitch to help cover the edge of the decorative piece to hold it flat and prevent any unraveling.

Any type of fabric can be used in appliqué – felt, jersey knit, cotton – you can get very creative with the appliqué process, joining together multiple shapes and colors. I once appliquéd a felt bus onto my son’s shirt using embroidery thread and a blanket stitch.

Using appliqu é can let you decorate and personalize nearly anything. And because you can use simple stitches or even a sewing machine to do so, anyone can learn to appliqué, no matter what your level of expertise with a needle and thread.