Learning about the many different crafting techniques and methods that exist is one of the most exciting parts of crafting that allows you to expand your skill set and jump into creating new projects. Here at Quilt Quarters, we love to broaden and share our own crafting knowledge with the hope of inspiring others to get creative and try something new. The crafting technique we’ll be exploring in this blog post is appliqué embroidery, which is a fun way to add unique designs to your project.

The Difference Between Embroidery and Appliqué Embroidery

Before jumping straight into the ins and outs of appliqué embroidery, it is important to mention how it differs from the traditional embroidery method that most are familiar with.

• Embroidery is a method of sewing that includes using only embroidery thread to create special designs, which can be done either by hand or machine.
• Appliqué embroidery is a sewing technique that involves taking smaller pieces of fabric and stitching them onto a larger fabric to make a special pattern or design, which can also be done by hand or machine.

The History of Appliqué

Rather than starting out as a way to add beautiful, unique designs to fabrics, appliqué has more practical origins. It was first used as a way to strengthen worn parts of weakened items and patch holes that would form. People from all over the world have used the technique of appliqué to repair and lengthen the life of items such as clothing, blankets, tents, bags, etc. Examples of appliquéd items have even been discovered dating all the way back to the ancient Egyptians!

Methods of Appliqué

Moving away from its more practical origins, appliqué is mostly used today as a way to add decorations and designs to pieces of fabric. In order to successfully execute your desired appliqué design, there are several different methods you can use to achieve the look you envision for the final product.

These methods include:

• Machine Appliqué: Using a sewing machine to stitch around the outside of a smaller piece of fabric to attach it to a larger fabric.

• Hand Appliqué: Using your hands, this method is the more traditional approach of hand stitching a fabric design onto a larger fabric.

• Fused Appliqué: Looking for a quicker way to appliqué? This method uses a fusible web, which is usually an iron-on adhesive, to adhere appliqué designs to the larger base fabric.

Styles of Appliqué

There are also different styles of appliqué that can impact the overall finish of the appliquéd shape.

These styles include:

• Smooth Edge Appliqué- Stitching thread over the raw edges of the appliquéd shapes to create a smooth finish around the edges

• Raw Edge Appliqué- Sewing on appliqué shapes without finishing or turning the edges

• Reverse Appliqué- Instead of stitching your fabric design on top, layer your fabric so that when you cut away the top fabric layer and stitch it in place, your design will be revealed underneath.

• Decorative Stitch Appliqué- Using a sewing machine, you can experiment with different stitch options to finish the edges of your appliqué to make your design stand out

Come and explore the craft at Quilt Quarters, and see how appliqué can be applied to your projects! Many of our classroom crafting sessions and classes address appliqué along with tons of other techniques and methods to boost your skills. Check out our calendar today!

If you're looking for an expansive collection of fabric, notions, classes, and sewing clubs to spark creativity and let your imagination soar, Quilt Quarters - located at 9504 Haver Way, Indianapolis, IN 46240 has over 7,000 square feet and 25 years of experience as Indianapolis's top choice for sewing and quilting needs. Our staff is always looking for opportunities to help, so feel free to reach out! You can fill out a contact form on our website, call us at (317) 757-8340, or visit us in-store from 9am- 5pm during weekdays and 9am-4pm on Saturday. "Sew" you soon!