Unique Applique Accessories to Customize Your Style

A Complete Guide to Applique Accessories for Quilting and Sewing Projects

From my experience as an avid quilter and seamstress, choosing the right applique accessories can take quilted and sewn projects to the next level. But with so many notions and gadgets to select from, the options can seem endless. This definitive guide on applique accessories will provide everything you need to know when shopping for supplies.

Common Applique Accessories

1. Applique Pins

I’ll never forget the first time I tried appliqueing a shape onto a quilt using regular straight pins – it was a disaster! The pins kept slipping out, allowing the fabric pieces to shift around. I finally tried applique pins with angled heads to grip the fabric better and haven’t looked back since.

Here are some key types of applique pins:

• – Glass head pins: thinner and sharper than most metal pins
• – Flower head pins: the angular shape helps grip slippery fabrics in place
• – Colored ball head pins: easier to see against fabrics
• – Curve/contour head pins: heads shaped to curved edges

Now I keep an assortment of applique pin types on hand for any project. But no matter what you choose, be sure they have gripping power!

2. Applique Scissors and Shears

Carefully cutting out applique shapes is crucial for getting details just right. Having properly sized scissors on hand is a must! I made do with just my sewing scissors for a while, but investing in small 3-4 inch applique scissors was a game changer. The shorter blades let me maneuver around curves and points with better visibility.

I also suggest springing for duckbill applique snips. These unique scissors have a curvy lower blade that lets you snip into tight spots while keeping the fabric flat. Never again will I struggle trying to wedge my applique scissors into nooks and crannies!

3. Applique Needles

Just like with pins and scissors, I learned the hard way that needles actually designed for applique sewing make projects much smoother. I used to simply baste appliques with my regular sharps or universal needles. But they had a tendency to damage edges or shift lighter fabrics around too much.

Now I only use applique needles, usually size 10 or 12, with slightly larger eyes and a very slim profile. They glide through layers gently without tearing or snagging.

Innovative Applique Tools to Try

Beyond the basics, innovative applique gadgets seem to crop up every year taking projects to exciting new levels. Here are some of my favorite modern applique accessories that every quilter should give a try:

1. Appliskins: These genius plastic sheets protect your iron from glue residue. I used to end up with sticky buildup on my iron that was tough to scrub off. Now an Appliskin prevents any messes in the first place!
2. Pressing sheets: These dedicated ironing surfaces prevent appliques from getting flattened too much. I made the mistake of over-pressing a couple detailed applique blocks early on, losing some dimension in the process. Pressing sheets are a useful buffer.
3. Reverse applique templates: While tricky, reverse applique results are just stunning. These clever templates, like the ones from Back Basting Applique, make perfectly shaped cut-outs easier to achieve.
4. Spray starch applicators: I never would have thought a high-tech spray bottle could improve my workflow. But an applique adhesive sprayer like the Ultimate Spray and Fix makes coating pieces extremely quick and consistent before fusing. No more drips!

While beginners may want to stick with basic tools first, building an applique accessory collection over time can lead to professional results. I for one can’t imagine tackling complex applique quilting without my arsenal of handy gadgets by my side!

I do have one warning based on personal experience – it’s easy to get carried away buying every applique notion and gizmo out there. Do people really need a special mini iron just for applique? Probably not! Be selective about which accessories will benefit your projects rather than going overboard.

Choosing Fabric and Glues for Applique

Once you’ve stocked up on applique tools, the next step is gathering materials that best suit your project vision. But with a dazzling array of fabrics, stabilizers, and adhesives available, narrowing down the options is a process of trial and error. Here are my top tips for selecting applique materials confidently:

Fabric Considerations

Match fabric weight/texture: A common mistake involves fusing a heavyweight focal fabric onto a soft, delicate base material. Make sure the hand and drape are compatible to prevent awkward bulges.

Consider fabric transparency: Sheer fabrics reveal shadows underneath, which can be used artistically in RAW edge applique. But may cause unwanted show-through with turned edge applique. Choose wisely for the technique.

Give fabric enough body: Lightweight or stretchy materials are likely to pucker around applique edges without enough structure. Back them with a suitable stabilizer first.

I like to have a variety of fabric weights in both solids and prints on hand so I can audition different combinations before committing to one. Don’t be afraid to experiment! But also keep fabric characteristics in mind depending on your applique style.

Choosing Fusible Options

The vast selection of applique fusibles, films, glues, and tapes can boggle the mind! Luckily, most products fall into just a few main categories:

• – All-in-one fusibles: INTERFACING with adhesive on one side
• – Double-sided fusibles: Both sides are sticky, bonds layers
• – Applique adhesives: Liquid dots, tapes, web tapes, pens
• – Basting glues: Temporary bond before stitching

I like to use an all-in-one on the wrong side of applique pieces because it adds stability and body. Then I’ll add dots of temporary adhesive like Roxanne’s Glue Baste-It on the right side before positioning on the base fabric.

This combo gives adjustable working time plus a permanent bond after stitching. But other quilters may prefer an entirely different system – so test products to compare! Some all-in-one fusibles also serve as basting glues alone if a project doesn’t need added structure.

Pressing Applique Sections

While this may seem obvious, properly pressing finished applique sections makes a tremendous difference in the final presentation of projects. Here are four key pressing tips:

1. Use a hot dry iron to fully activate adhesive bonds. Steam can loosen the fusible web glue over time.
2. Press longer than you think – I do a slow 10-15 second count over each section. Quick presses won’t fully set the layers.
3. Avoid flattening dimension if possible by pressing directly downward rather than side-to-side.
4. Let sections cool fully before moving to prevent distortion.

I know this level of patience takes some getting used to. But taking the time to press applique properly really pays off when pieces stay perfectly fused!

Mastering Hand Stitching Techniques for Applique

While glue and fusibles secure the construction of applique pieces, hand or machine stitching adds an invaluable finishing touch. The texture, dimension, and visual appeal of stitches enhances details beautifully. And the extra bond where thread passes through layers ensures durability that will last for generations!

The two main approaches include:

1. Hand Stitching
2. Machine Satin Stitching

Many quilters use a combination depending on the project and application. But for my money, nothing quite compares to the meditative process and elegance of hand stitching.

It does take practice building dexterity guiding a tiny needle

FAQ

What are some popular applique accessories?

1. Iron-on adhesive – This sticky backing helps attach applique pieces to fabric. It’s a must-have!
2. Applique scissors – Special scissors with sharp points help cut out intricate shapes.
3. Applique pins – Extra slim pins keep applique pieces in place without much bulk.

What fabrics work best for applique?

1. Cotton fabrics are versatile and easy to work with. But other types like felt, satin, and even leather can create unique looks.
2. Choose lightweight fabrics that aren’t too bulky. You want the applique to conform nicely to the base fabric.
3. Consider the texture, drape, and stretchiness of the fabrics you use. Felt and cotton tend to play nice together.

Any tips for getting perfect points and corners?

1. Take it slow and steady. Rushing leads to mistakes.
2. Mark dots with fabric marker at the points and corners before cutting.
3. Using quality sharp scissors helps immensely!

How can I make applique more durable?

1. Finishing the raw edges with zigzag stitch or pinking shears helps prevent fraying.
2. Consider machine satin stitching or hand blanket stitching around the applique edges.
3. Iron-on adhesive provides pretty secure attachment in itself. Some also apply fabric glue for extra hold.

What mistakes do beginners often make?

1. Not pressing seams – Proper pressing makes pieces lie flat and smooth.
2. Rushing through cutting – Slow and precise cutting prevents oopsies.
3. Skipping pinning – Pinning keeps fabric perfectly aligned as you sew.