Last week I talked about applique and included lessons I had written for hand and machine applique. As I was doing so, I realized I was missing a lesson that I always teach in my fusible applique classes and that is how to construct an applique prior to adding it to your quilt. Note: similar can probably be also achieved by hand, although I'm not sure there is any advantage to that.
I'm sure you are aware when constructing an applique, you should start with the bottom section and build upward so that any raw edges are covered. For example, when a leaf is sitting behind a flower, you need to add the leaf first with the flower on top.
When you have a very detailed piece, it is often easier to construct sections individually before applying them to the background - sections such as a detailed flower with individual petals. To do this, there are two main tools to have:
- a Teflon sheet (baking paper or parchment paper can be used as substitutes however I prefer baking paper as the applique sticks to it and doesn't move, unlike parchment paper)
- a layout plan/template in actual size of the full applique shape you are constructing (ie completed flower - this might consist of several petals, leaves, and stem)
So let's skip ahead.... at this time all your pieces should be cut out and any fusible added.
Place your full size layout plan or template right side up on your ironing board with your Teflon sheet over the top. Hopefully, you can see it right through the Teflon sheet. See my template?
All our pieces are cut ready to start with teflon sheet over template
Pick up the first petal remove the paper backing and position it on top of the template. Press it gently in place - you only need to lightly press at this stage. If you are using parchment paper in place of a Teflon sheet the petal won't stick to it so be careful it stays in place.
First petal in place
Did you have a problem getting the backing paper off? Here is an easy trick. Use a pin to score the backing paper. You can then easily peel the paper away from the score mark.
Score paper with pin
lift paper from scored edge
Next place the second petal overlapping the first slightly.
Second petal
And now the third....
... and third
Continue around the entire flower adding one petal at a time. Tip: when working on a circular flower such as this example try this: when you have about 3 or 4 sections to go, position them all in place without pressing them. This way you will have room to adjust them a little if necessary to ensure they form a full circle without gaps. There will be a slight gap in the center of this design but that is covered with the center piece.
all petals in place
Let's add that center now.
center of flower added
The wonderful thing about a Teflon sheet is that the pieces stick to it so they hold the shape of the flower. It makes creating the flower much easier. The fusible web isn't damaged nor does it melt or lose its stickiness. It will peel right off the Teflon and be ready to press onto your background fabric.
peel off the flower
Now peel it off and place it in the appropriate place on your background.
add it to the background
Easy right? You can make some really wonderful detailed creations with individual petals and flowers.... and the best part is, they will all be a little different. That's just one of the beauties of applique!
