There are so many different kinds of applique. Do you know what they are?

Applique was once done entirely by hand, an artistic skill and time-consuming technique. Fortunately, our modern embroidery machines make short work of applique projects.

Applique is when you add a layer or layers of fabric to other fabric. Most often, the applique should be fused to the base fabric. That makes it smooth as glass, wearing well for longer periods of time. The difference often comes in how we handle the edge stitching.

Instead of turning the edges under and stitching by hand, applique designs include finishing stitches for fabric edges. Not only do they look pretty, they help to prevent raveling.

Traditional Applique

We typically see applique as edged in satin stitches. Pieces are tacked to the base fabric, trimmed to the placement stitches, and then covered with a wide swath of satin stitching.

Merry Christmas

Raw-Edge Applique

Some applique designs don’t worry about raw edges of fabric. A straight line of stitching runs around just inside of the fabric shape, securing the applique to the base fabric. You can either fuse the applique shape before stitching around the edge or  just stitch and let the edges fray during wear and laundering.

Raw Edge Leaf Applique

Blanket Stitch

Blanket stitching is more of a traditional hand stitch. It is used to obtain more of a country chic or primitive vibe.

Patchwork Christmas Tree

Motif

Motif stitches are more decorative, open designs. They stitch up quickly while still helping to hold the applique edges down without the heavy look of satin stitching.

Open Heart

Debbie SewBlest