Learn how to make a machine-finished hand -appliqué – workshop

Quilting

Hand appliqué is a beautiful and intricate technique that involves sewing small pieces of fabric onto a larger piece to create a design or pattern. While it can be done entirely by hand, there are now machines that can assist in the process, making it easier and faster to achieve professional-looking results. This is where this Machine-Finished Hand Appliqué workshop comes in, offering a unique opportunity to learn this technique with the latest technology.

With some tips, you can make machine appliqué looks like handmade appliqué and create your own heirloom blankets. There is actually a third-dimension of appliqué: Besides machine appliqué vs. hand appliqué, there is also fused appliqué.  And then you’ll have two options: to leave raw edges or to make it neat n tidy.

Machine-finished Hand-Appliqué Workshop

Step-by-step guide on how to make a machine-finished hand appliqué:

Materials

  • Fabric for your design
  • Background fabric
  • Fusible web
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Appliqué scissors or rotary cutter
  • Iron

Instructions

  1. Choose your design: Start by selecting the design you want to appliqué. Draw the design on a piece of paper or print it from a computer. Then, trace the design onto the fusible web, making sure to reverse the image if necessary.
  2. Prepare the fabric: Cut a piece of fabric for your design and another piece for your background fabric. Make sure both pieces are larger than your design. Iron the fusible web onto the back of the fabric for your design.
  3. Cut out the design: Once the fusible web is ironed onto the fabric for your design, use your appliqué scissors or rotary cutter to cut out the design. Be sure to leave a small margin around the edges.
  4. Position the design: Place the design onto the background fabric, making sure it is centred and straight. Once you are happy with the placement, iron it onto the background fabric.
  5. Sew the design: Using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, sew around the edges of the design. Be sure to stay close to the edge of the fabric to create a clean finish. If necessary, adjust your sewing machine’s tension to ensure the stitches are even and neat.
  6. Finish the edges: Once you have sewn around the edges of the design, use your appliqué scissors or rotary cutter to trim the excess fabric, leaving a small margin around the edges. Then, fold the margin over the edge of the design and iron it in place. This will create a clean, finished edge.
  7. Add any additional details: If you want to add any additional details to your design, such as stitching or embellishments, now is the time to do so.

Machine-finished hand appliqué is a beautiful and versatile technique that allows you to create intricate designs on a variety of sewing projects. With these simple instructions, you can easily learn how to make machine-finished hand appliqué and incorporate it into your own sewing projects.

How to Make Animal Appliqués

Animal appliqués are a fun and whimsical way to add personality and charm to your sewing projects. Whether you want to add a cute little bunny to a baby quilt or a majestic eagle to a wall hanging, animal appliqués can be adapted to fit any sewing project. Here are some tips on how to make animal appliqués:

  1. Choose your animal: The first step in making an animal appliqué is to choose the animal you want to make. You can find inspiration in nature, children’s books, or even online. Look for images that are simple and have clear lines.
  2. Trace your design: Once you have your animal image, trace it onto fusible web. Make sure to reverse the image if necessary. Then, iron the fusible web onto the back of the fabric you want to use for your animal.
  3. Cut out your animal: Using sharp scissors or a rotary cutter, cut out your animal from the fabric. Be sure to leave a small margin around the edges.
  4. Position your animal: Place your animal onto the background fabric, making sure it is centred and straight. Once you are happy with the placement, iron it onto the background fabric.
  5. Sew your animal: Using a straight stitch or zigzag stitch on your sewing machine, sew around the edges of your animal. Be sure to stay close to the edge of the fabric to create a clean finish.
  6. Add details: If you want to add any details to your animal, such as eyes, a nose, or whiskers, you can do so now. You can use embroidery floss, buttons, or other embellishments to create the desired effect.
  7. Finish the edges: Once you have sewn around the edges of your animal, use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to trim the excess fabric, leaving a small margin around the edges. Then, fold the margin over the edge of your animal and iron it in place. This will create a clean, finished edge.

By following these steps, you can easily create adorable animal appliqués for your sewing projects. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fabrics and embellishments to create unique and personalised designs. With a little creativity and some basic sewing skills, you can bring your favorite animals to life in your sewing projects.

Cute animals appliques

Or, opt for an easier solution. You can just simply the design; make a couple of smaller designs and group them and/or enlarge the design discussed in class, creating a more modern look and be done much faster. I like all the easy options. Here are some project examples by students who took this class and have done exactly that.

Cute_animals_quilt

Illustrations from Beth Ferrier‘s workshop


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