Printable Applique Patterns – Free Applique Designs to Download and Sew Today

All You Need to Know About Applique Patterns and Printable Designs

Applique is a popular sewing technique where decorative pieces of fabric are sewn or ironed on top of a foundation fabric to form a picture or pattern. If you’ve been searching for “applique patterns printable,” you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I’ll cover everything from the different types of applique to the best sites and resources for finding free printable applique patterns. By the end, you’ll have all the knowledge and options you need to start your next applique project.

Understanding the Different Types of Applique

There are a few main styles of applique that are good to be familiar with as you browse patterns. The most common types are:

1. Raw Edge Applique: With this method, edges of the applique fabric are left raw and turned under before sewing down. It gives a softer look.
2. Turned Edge Applique: Fabric edges are folded under and topstitched before placement on the base fabric for a cleaner, tighter appearance.
3. Reverse Applique: Involves cutting away sections of the foundation fabric and sewing the applique pieces behind to reveal the fabric design.

Knowing the type called for in a pattern can help you chose the best fabrics and method. Raw edge is simplest, while turned and reverse take more steps but give very polished looks.

Choosing Applique Fabrics

Fabric selection is key for applique to look its best. Here are some tips based on my experience:

• Use tightly-woven, non-fraying fabrics like quilting cottons for durability. Loose knits or prints may ravel too much.
• Consider the weight and drape – heavy upholstery fabrics may not work well for small motifs.
• Coordinate fabric colors but also use higher-contrast for details to make them pop.
• Prewash all fabrics so colors don’t run during construction or washing of the finished piece.

Having a variety of prints and solids on-hand makes it easy to mix-and-match with different patterns.

Finding the Best Free Printable Applique Patterns

Now that the basics are covered, here are some top sources for free applique patterns you can print at home:

1. Craftster.org: This large community site has a huge directory of applique patterns shared by designers. Filter by skill level, pieces required, and more.
2. Pinterest: Browsing “applique patterns” on Pinterest will lead you to pinboards overflowing with cute ideas. Be sure patterns are free before pinning.
3. LovePatchwork.com Tutorials: In addition to paid patterns, this designer offers several free ones to download like flowers, leaves and seasonal motifs.
4. Etsy filter: Free Digital Download: Many independent artists share applique and quilt patterns as free PDFs or JPEGs on Etsy.

Some top designers to seek out especially are Lissa Alexander, Amy Butler, and Nina-Marie Sayre – they frequently include free patterns on their blogs or collections.

Expanding Your Design Options

While free patterns are ideal, there are other low-cost ideas if you find yourself seeking new applique inspiration:

• Trace motifs from coloring book pages, children’s drawings or iron-on transfer sheets (with artist permission).
• Take photos of flowers, leaves etc. and trace or enlarge for patterns.
• Buy inexpensive magazine clippings or digital images and alter as needed.
• Trace silhouettes or line drawings on graph paper to create original shapes.

You can also combine elements from different sources to design your own unique applique patterns. With a bit of creativity, the possibilities are endless!

Tips for Printing and Preparing Patterns

To make the most of your printable applique designs, here are some tips I’ve found helpful:

1. Print on paper and press with an iron on the fabric you’ll be using for transparency and accurate sizing.
2. For delicate designs, print on freezer paper and cut out the inverted images for easy iron-on tracing.
3. Use a light-colored fabric like muslin as your base to see light patterns clearly while working.
4. Place pattern pieces close together on the page to minimize paper waste when printing multiple motifs.
5. Label each pattern with its name, source, scale and any special instructions clearly.

Being organized from the start makes applique go so much smoother. With these tips, you’ll be ready to start crafting!

Final Thoughts

I hope this article has given you a thorough overview of applique patterns and resources. From my experience, applique is fun but can be daunting without direction. But by taking advantage of free, printable options – you can jump in without much cost or risk. Then it’s just a question of choosing fabrics and getting creative! Let me know if you have any other applique questions.

Happy crafting, and enjoy exploring new applique pattern ideas! Please share any projects you complete – I’d love to see what you come up with using the resources mentioned here.

Applique Patterns To Print – Features To Consider

FAQ

1. What is applique?

   Applique involves placing pieces or patches of fabric on another fabric as a design or pattern. Basically it’s when you sew pieces of material onto something else to create pictures, shapes or textures.

2. What kinds of patterns can I use for applique?

   There are basically countless patterns you can find for applique. Some that are sort of common are flowers, animals, shapes like hearts or stars, letters to spell out words, holiday themes depending on the season. If you can think of it, there’s probably a pattern out there somewhere.

   

3. Where can I find printable applique patterns?

   You can find printable applique patterns in a number of places. Many sites offer downloads of all kinds of patterns for free or for a fee. Pinterest surprisingly has tons of applique ideas and charts. Etsy sellers provide digital applique patterns you can print yourself. Books and magazines too have appealing patterns. Maybe ask friends if they have any patterns they’re not using and would share.

4. What materials do I need for applique?

   The basic materials needed for applique are fabric for the applique shapes, fabric for the background, scissors, thread, and a needle. Some sew the applique on by hand but an sewing machine makes it way easier, at least for the straight parts. Other handy tools include fabric glue, an iron, pins or adhesive spray. A friend of mine swears by her applique pressing sheets to get things super smooth.

5. Is applique difficult for beginners?

   Applique can seem kind of daunting if you haven’t tried it, but it’s actually not too tricky for beginners. The parts that are sewed on by machine are quite simple, basically just straight lines. Doing it by hand takes more patience for sure. And get fabrics you like working with – something too thin or thick can perhaps add challenges. Maybe try some practice shapes first before a big project. Overall though, just take it slow and have fun. The results are often definitely worth it!

6. What can I use applique for?

   Applique can be used for so many things! Of course you see it often on quilts, both small wall quilts and larger bed quilts. It’s also popular for things like: home decor items, clothing, tote bags, pillows, blankets, curtains, baby items and children’s clothing, scissors, placemats and more. Some people even iron applique designs directly onto onesies and t-shirts as a fun craft activity. If it’s fabric, you can usually applique onto it. The options are endless!

7. Any tips for a neat applique finish?

   Here are a few tips for getting nice, clean applique: Use a smaller stitch length and sew close to the edge of the fabric shape. Go around curves and points slowly. Always backstitch at the beginning and end. Press as you work to keep the fabric layers smooth. Use a needle for hand stitching that’s sized well for the fabric. An applique pressing sheet can also smooth things out. And don’t forget – no one will notice small imperfections but your own critical eye! Have fun with it.