Fusible Applique

Another applique technique is fusible applique. It is my favorite method. It is an easy, quick, and accurate method. Pieces are cut without having to turn under the seam allowance. The only extra supply you will need is the fusible webbing.

1. Feel the webbing. There is a smooth side and a "dotted" side. You want to trace your pattern on the smooth side, with either a permanent fabric marker or a pencil. You want to make sure you leave plenty of space between the pattern pieces, between 3/4" and 1". If your pattern has any dashed lines, also trace them.

2. Roughly cut the pattern pieces out. You want more than 1/2" between each piece.

3. Pin the fusible applique pieces on the fabric. Roughly cut out.

4. Using a small running stitch, sew on the line. Sew all the way around the piece. If your piece goes underneath another piece, you can leave the part that is covered open.

5. Cut the pieces out using a scant 1/4" seams allowance. If your pattern has many curves, you might want to do some clipping.

6. If your piece has an opening, gently turn it inside out through the opening. If your piece is closed, gently pull the webbing away from the fabric and make a small slit. Gently turn right side out through the slit. Gently poke out the points.

Your applique is now ready to put on your background fabric. I prefer to sew my pieces down with a blind stitch before I press them. This is because it is easier to remove hand stitching, then it is to remove fabrics that have been fused together.

From fusible applique return to hand applique

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