QNM Articles & Patterns

Fool-proof Applique

 Instructions

Step 1

Make a transparent copy of the complete applique design to aid in placement. You can use inexpensive clear page protectors that have a pocket for storing the prepared patches until you need them. Mark it TSU (this side up). If the design is larger than the plastic, tape pieces together as needed.

If the applique pattern is not complete, or if it is shown with the parts separated, you will need to draw the complete design on paper first. Make sure your drawing is accurate before making the transparent copy.

Step 2

If the design you've chosen has many repeats, you need a cardboard template for each element of the design so that all the repeats will turn out exactly alike. If the design is made of individual motifs that don't repeat, you can skip this step.

Trace one of each of the motifs onto the dull side of freezer paper. Mark each pattern TSU. Do not add a turn-under allowance. Press the freezer paper onto cardboard. Cut the templates from the card stock, cutting on the drawn lines.

Step 3

Cut freezer paper big enough for all of the traced motifs. (Cut 6" x 9" for this design.) Cut as many of these as there are repeats of the design. (Four pieces are needed for the design shown.) Stack the papers with the dull side up. Place each cardboard template on the top layer of freezer paper. Trace around each template. Either pin or staple the layers of paper together inside the drawn images. This holds the pieces together as you cut them, and keeps them together afterwards. This technique prevents the possibility of the stem, for example, being prepared in reverse.

Step 4

Select the fabrics to be appliqued. For each patch, place a freezer paper pattern on the wrong side of the fabric with the dull side of the paper touching the fabric (shiny side is up). Pin the paper to the fabric; cut out the fabric shape leaving a scant 1/4" turn-under allowance all around. Clip the fabric at the inward "V" areas and all concave ("inny") curves, clipping to the paper's edge.

For skinny stems and other small motifs, pin the paper pattern in several places and cut out, leaving a generous 1/8" turn-under allowance.

Leaving the paper pinned to the fabric, press the turn-under allowance over the edge of the freezer paper with a hot iron so that the fabric adheres to the shiny side of the paper. Press short segments, particularly on tight curves and small areas. Allow the little dog ears to flap over on the leaves and other tight corners. These flaps can be tucked in with the needle as you stitch the pieces. There is no need to press over the edges of fabric on those edges that will be placed under another part of the design.

Step 5

Other layouts are possible than the one shown. Play with the design by turning the motif in different directions.

Cut the background fabric larger than needed; it can be trimmed later. Fold it into quarters and press. Fold the fabric along the diagonals from corner to corner; crease the fold. Unfold, and make basting stitches along the creases, either by hand or machine. The fold lines may be easier to see from the back side.

Position the transparency on top of the background fabric in one quarter, orienting it for the layout you've chosen. Use the basting lines as guides. When you are satisfied with the placement, pin the plastic to the fabric in two places. Make sure the TSU notation is readable. Using the permanent marker, draw lines on the plastic indicating the vertical, horizontal, and diagonal basting lines. These lines will help you position each of the four parts of the whole quilt in exactly the right spot.

Step 6

Working on an ironing board or other ironing surface, slip the prepared applique pieces under the plastic and position them. Make sure to place the stem ends under the tulip and the blossom leaf. Remove the transparency, and press the entire group of motifs. The freezer paper will stick to the background and hold the motifs in place.

Reposition the transparency in the next quarter, and position and press the next applique motifs. Repeat in all the quarters. Hold the quilt top up to a mirror to check for any design flaws or misplaced pieces. Correct any errors.

Step 7

Baste the patches in place. If by machine, keep the feed dogs down and use a free-motion movement and very long zigzag stitches. Repeat this in the other quarters.

Step 8

Follow the directions below to hand stitch each motif. From the back side, slip the point of a pair of sharp scissors through the background fabric behind each applique piece and cut it away, leaving a 1/4" allowance.

Remove the freezer paper through these openings. Removing the background fabric from behind the applique allows the batting to fill those areas when the piece is quilted. There will be a pleasing relief to the applique without the need to stuff the patches.