Appliqué

Appliqué is the effect produced when one piece of fabric is stitched onto a contrasting base fabric to form a design. It can either be done by hand, or by machine stitching. Appliqué has both functional and decorative purposes. This traditional technique can be used to striking effect to create vivid and striking images, or just to liven up a space with colour and vitality.

Now try it out!

Description of the technique as studied by the Humjoli group.

First draw and then cut out your chosen shape on to some card. This is your template.

Use your template to trace directly onto the base fabric using dressmaker’s chalk. Draw another line half a centimetre beyond the outline line, and then cut along this line. Fold the edge of the fabric under the inner line (the first line marked) and tack around the edge.

Once the appliqué piece has been tacked, place it on the background fabric and tack the two layers together. Stitch the two layers using straight stitch, or any other stitch you want; you can use embroidery, coloured cotton or metallic thread for effect. Your choice of thread and stitch will depend on the look you are trying to achieve. Press, and remove the tacking thread. You might want to try this with a number of different stitches or colours on some practice fabric first, to see what effect you like best. Don’t be afraid to try things out, and above all, be patient!