Easy Applique
I love this quick and easy applique method using wonder under and my sewing machine. I’ve been working on some small projects for carry-around stitching storage, pincushions, and needle books. No need to stress over turning under edges with this method. Easy applique is a cut-out, and sew-down technique.
There are a couple of easy applique techniques, but I love this one the most. It is so simple and works with any shape you can think of, making it much easier than needle-turn applique, which is a bit more time-consuming. You can quickly applique an entire design in a few minutes, and it has the prettiest simple charm to it!
Quick and Easy Applique Using Your Sewing Machine
You will need the following supplies: Any template(s) and fabrics, coordinating threads (I often use the silky machine embroidery threads), Wonder Under paper-backed fusible web, pencil, an iron, small sharp scissors and of course, a sewing machine.
There are a couple easy applique techniques, but I love this one the most. It is so simple and works with any shape you can think of, making it much easier than needle-turn applique (which takes me forever!) You can quickly applique an entire design in a few minutes, and it has the prettiest simple charm to it.
Quick and Easy Applique Using Your Sewing Machine
You will need the following supplies: Any template(s) and fabrics, coordinating cotton or polyester threads (I often use the silky machine embroidery threads), Wonder Under paper-backed fusible web, pencil, an iron, small sharp scissors and of course, a sewing machine.
Easy Applique Steps:
- Trace your template onto the paper-backed fusible web. This first step is very important. Always trace your template on the paper side of the fusible web, right side (face) down. Draw a little sign or mark of some kind on the right side of the template so you can remember! For some shapes it doesn’t matter, but for others (letters), you need to get it right.
2. Cut out your shape, leaving about a tad more than 1/8″ around the pencil edge. Leave an extra seam around the shape.
3. Iron to the fabric. Place the easy applique, right side up, on the wrong side of your fabric and press with a hot iron. Hold the iron down flat for 10 quick counts and lift up. Don’t rub the iron over it! Press one more time for another 10 quick counts. Use small sharp scissors to cut it out on the template line.
4. Use a needle to separate the paper backing from the fabric. If you use your fingers to peel them apart, the edges of your fabric will shred.
5. Arrange your piece on your base fabric. The ironing board is the best place to do this, so when you’re ready, just press in place with the iron. Again, use the count to 10 method twice when pressing the pieces.
6. The last step is stitching! Wonder Under is not enough to hold your easy applique fabric in place, you must stitch the edges down. I use a straight stitch on my machine, and set the length a little shorter than my sewing machines default length. When you start, take one stitch forward, then back up one stitch to secure your thread. Stitch about an 1/8″ from the edge of the fabric.
7. This is not the best time to speed stitch! Sew slowly, especially around curves. When you approach a point or corner, slow down and take the last stitch or two manually with the hand-wheel.
Here’s another cute idea!
If you need some quilting help, we have basic quilting technique videos free!
Enjoy this simple technique on your next project. Make something beautiful!
Jessica
Looking for other cute applique?
Child of God, Wife to Josh, Mommy to my four sweet children. Thankful for busy days filled with homeschooling, homemaking and loving my little family! And sneaking in sewing and pattern design whenever I can 🙂
