Patchwork Quilt Patterns

quilt applique technique

How to Make Quilting Appliques

Making a quilt applique is similar to writing a book. Work with what you know. I know that sounds trite because it is familiar to you. You need to understand that what is dull to you will be exciting to another. What is familair to you will be unusual to another.

For those of us who do not want to work with the dull and familiar let your creativity shine and introduce a new twist to a common subject. Have you ever been caught expressing "why did I not think of that?" Well, designing an applique pattern is your opportuity to express what you think.

An applique pattern can be any object that you wish to use. Start with a simple drawing. As you become more advanced in quilting then you may wish to make future drawings more complex.

It is not the drawing that is the issue, it is sewing techniques, choice of fabrics, cutting techniques, choice of threads and needles, gluing and pasting, and other no sewing aids or tools that will be used. The applique design needs to be workable with the quilting fabric that you will be stitching. Machine stitched appliques are preferred over hand stitiching for stability.

Before drawing your applique design, you will soon discover that you need to think backwards before you sketch. Ask yourself what stitching will be used to outline the figure, what types and colors of fabric will be used, what threads are to be used or if not using threads are you considering needle punching?

It is important that as you take all aspects of the quilting construction into consideration. Design a workable sample to be sure that your creative mental thoughts can be physically accomplished. Place your applique on adhesive paper, or water soluble stabilizer, or quilting fabric to test ease of application and sewing.

Notice how many ideas can be used for designing applique patterns. One thing that I like to do is to look at coloring books for young children. You are able to find many ideas on how to simplify the drawing that you had in mind.

As you know it is not uncommon for adults to be baffled as to how to simplify. We need to become childlike in our thinking in order to create unique and simple applique designs.

Have you given thought why creating something simple is difficult? I have  discovered that when I have to create a simple design it becomes complex in the thinking process because that simple drawing needs to make an accurate statement to tell a direct and truthful story. Quilting is accuracy; there is no room for vagueness.

The applique can be decorated with various machine stitchery, embroidery, sequins, beading, cording, and other decorative trims for added beauty.

Envision yourself being able to design original appliques. Visit the hobby page of Tricia Deed at http://www.Infotrish.vpweb.com/ and review Quilting Gems. Do not forget to download your free quilting patterns.

About the Author

Through the years I have learned to be a jack-of-all-trades and maybe mastered one. Because my interests are many, diversity has been the road most traveled. Currently my interest is hobbies which I have combined with my internet marketing business.

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Folk Quilt Applique $18.27 No Synopsis Available

Topiary Table Runner Quilt Booklet Pattern $7.98 Designed by Lauren and Jessi Jung, the topiary table runner features the Hideaway fabric line. Pattern includes detailed instructions and diagrams as well as color-coded applique templates to guide you every step of the way. Finished Quilt Size: 14'' x 55 1/2''. Skill level: Intermediate Click here for pattern back.

Pixie's Garden Quilt Booklet Pattern $7.98 Designed by Cheri Strole, this adorable juvenile pattern includes both piecing and applique. Pattern includes complete instructions and diagrams. Finished size is 67''x 82''. Skill Level: BeginnerClick here for pattern back.

Adorn It Buckaroo Quilt & Craft Pattern Book $5 From Adorn It, this pattern project book features applique stencils of western themes and instructions for crafts and home décor accents, as well as 3 quilts.

On Technique $21.91 No Synopsis Available

My Whimsical Quilt Garden : 20 Bird and Flower Blocks to Applique $13.13 No Synopsis Available

Beautiful Botanicals: 45 Applique Flowers & 14 Quilt Projects $21.91 No Synopsis Available

Applique Pins 150/Pkg $6.75 Small pins excellent for applique work.

How to make quilts : Utilize Various Hand Appliqué Techniques When Quilting

Tags: applique, crafts, quilt, quilt applique technique, sewing, tutorial

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