Beautiful Applique Border Patterns for Your Quilting Projects

Everything You Need to Know About Applique Border Patterns

If you’re looking for ways to add decorative elements and finishing touches to your quilting and sewing projects, applique border patterns are a great option to consider. Applique involves using fabric cutouts or shapes that are applied to and sewn down on another fabric. When used as borders, appliques can really make a design pop. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll cover the basics of applique borders as well as share some popular patterns, tips, and tricks to help you create beautiful finished edges for your creations.

What is an Applique Border?

An applique border is simply a border design created using applique technique. Fabric shapes or motifs are carefully cut out, fused or otherwise attached to a backing fabric, then sewn down in a pattern along the outer edges of a quilt, wall hanging, or other craft. This technique allows you to build up ornate designs row by row to finish the perimeter.

Choosing an Applique Border Pattern

There are countless applique border patterns to choose from. When selecting one for your project, consider the overall design and colors of your quilt or craft. Look for patterns that will complement and enhance the overall look. Popular choices include floral motifs, geometric designs, nature scenes, holiday themes, and more.

It’s also important to factor in your skill level. Simple single-shape repeats make great beginner projects while more intricate cutwork patterns suit experienced sewers. Browse images online or in pattern books to get inspired. You can even design your own custom border!

Supplies for Applique Borders

To get started with an applique border, have the following supplies on hand:

1. Fabrics for applique shapes and border backing
2. Fusible web for fusing shapes
3. Scissors for cutting fabrics and fusing web
4. Fine sewing needle and coordinating thread
5. Optional: Embroidery hoop or frame for stabilizing work

Techniques for Attaching Applique Shapes

There are a few different techniques you can use to attach applique shapes to the backing fabric when creating borders:

1. Fusible Applique: Trace shapes onto fusible web and fuse onto fabric. Fuse shapes to border backing. Sew around edges for durability.
2. Hand Applique: Place shapes onto backing and tack into place with needle and thread. Sew around edges by hand for neat, clean results.
3. Machine Applique: Use straight or zigzag machine stitches to sew shapes directly onto backing fabric.

For beginners, fusible web is easiest. Hand applique allows for more intricate details. Machines make fast work of borders with consistent stitches.

Tips for Perfect Applique Borders

Use these tips to ensure your applique borders turn out beautifully:

• Starch fabrics before cutting for crisp applique shapes.
• Test fabric placements before permanently fusing or sewing to avoid mistakes.
• Leave at least 1/4 inch between shapes for easier sewing later on.
• Paint or fuse fabric paint onto shapes before sewing for extra definition.
• Add a backing fabric behind shapes for support when doing intricate cutwork designs.
• Press as you work with an iron to keep shapes flat and edges sharp.
• Trim away excess backing fabric after sewing to 1/4 inch for a clean finish.

Proper preparation and attention to detail makes all the difference between an okay border and a gorgeous, professionally-finished one.

Popular Applique Border Patterns

Here are some classic applique border designs that any level of quilter can enjoy:

1. Daisy Chain – Endless daisies circling the border.
2. Leafy Vine – Intertwining vines with leaves make bold geometric designs.
3. Floral wreath – Mix flowers in a circular wreath repeating all around.
4. Holiday Motifs – Snowflakes, trees, or symbols for seasons bring festive cheer.
5. Animal menagerie – Birds, butterflies, dogs, or cats stitched playfully along the hem.
6. Geometric – Diamonds, triangles, hexagons cascade together to frame the project.
7. Plants Galore – Leaves, flowers, or botanicals create a naturalistic look.

You can also draw inspiration from architecture, art, or travel destinations for unique applique designs.

Finishing Applique Edges Beautifully

Once your applique border is complete, here are some ways to finish the raw edges attractively:

• Hand-stitch a second row of stitching just inside the original line for support.
• Use a decorative blanket or fell stitch in a contrasting thread color.
• Add a narrow rolled hem to encase raw edges neatly and invisibly.
• Finish with binding or facing to fully conceal raw edges.
• Topstitch 1/8 inch from finished edges for an extra polished look.

A border is the very first thing the eye notices, so taking care with the final touches really makes a difference in how polished your finished project appears.

I hope this comprehensive guide has helped provide answers to your questions about applique border patterns. From traditional floral motifs to whimsical animal designs, there truly is a pattern to suit every style. With quality materials and careful execution of techniques, you’re sure to impress with picture-perfect finished borders on all your sewing and quilting works. Please let me know if you need any other specific tips as you embark on your applique journey!

Applique Border Pattern Selection Guide

FAQ

1. What is an applique border pattern?

   An applique border pattern is basically a design that is stitched or otherwise attached around the edge of a fabric item to decorate it. These borders come in all sorts of different styles and themes.

   

2. What types of applique border patterns are there?

   There are numerous types of applique border styles to choose from. Some of the more common ones include floral motifs, geometric shapes, animals, leaves, and seasonal designs like Christmas or fall themes. The borders may be made of various materials too, like fabric, yarn, ribbon, or felt.

3. How difficult are applique border patterns to make?

   The challenge of applique border patterns can differ a lot depending on the specific design. On the other hand, simple repeated motifs tend to kind of be pretty easy to stitch. However, some of the more intricate designs with lots of tiny pieces and curves might take some real patience. At the same time, don’t let difficult patterns scare you off – with practice, any skill can be learned!

4. What items can applique borders be used on?

   Applique borders can work on all types of fabric items, both large and small. Some popular choices are pillows, quilts, wall hangings, table runners, clothing items like shirts or baby blankets, and other home dec items like curtains or dish towels. Basically, if it’s made of fabric, an applique strip around the edges can spice it up.

5. Where can I find applique border patterns?

   There are loads of sources online nowadays for downloading free applique border patterns or purchasing design packs. Many sewing blogs share their patterns, and websites like Etsy have a stunning collection. Books and magazines too have printed patterns. you can seek inspiration from museum textiles or handmade items from amazing artisans you spot on Instagram as well. The options are endless!

6. What supplies do I need to make an applique border?

   The basic supplies for applique include fabric for the applique pieces and background, a needle, thread to match the fabrics, scissors, iron and ironing board. You may also need othergoods for certain techniques like fusible web, stabilizer, or batting. A pattern template, sharp pins or glue stick helps keep pieces aligned. Having the right tools makes the job much simpler. So says my friend who is great at sewing!

   

7. Any tips for making an applique border look its best?

   Expert seamstresses suggest a few things – use a short, straight stitch and sew close to the fabric edge for neat lines. Press as you work to keep the border flat and crease-free. Cut shapes with care, and fuse or baste securely before stitching to avoid slippage. Choose fabrics that complement each other. And don’t forget to enjoy the creative process – that’s what really makes the end result stunning, regardless of your skill level!