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How to Applique With More Than One Fabric

Raise your applique game by adding layers to applique patches. Using this technique, appliques are given a 3-D look, with surface detail such as eyes and noses, or teddy bears with their arms folded over their bellies. Shadows can also be added, for instance on the sides of houses, by layering fabrics of slightly different hues or shades. Applique scenes are especially suited to border hems on skirts, or as borders along the edges of tote bags.

Things You'll Need

Applique pattern
Pins
Fabrics in different colors or patterns
Fabric stabilizer
Needle
Thread

Instructions

- 1
  Pin all the applique pattern pieces to the different fabrics.
- 2
  Cut out the applique pieces. Layered applique patterns that use more than one fabric include Christmas motifs such as Father Christmas, when the beard, eyes, and the fur around the hat are separate layers cut from a different colored fabric. The image is built up in layers.
- 3
  Affix a stabilizer to the wrong side of all of the applique layers. Iron-on fabric stabilizers are available in haberdashery or craft stores. Pin the first, or largest, layer to the project in the position where you want the applique.
- 4
  Stitch around the edge of the first layer in the stitch of your choice. Common applique stitches include blanket stitch and running stitch.
- 5
  Position the second layer of fabric on top of the stitched first layer. Pin it it into place, then stitch around the outside edge. Inner, or detail, layers often look better when they're attached with a small running stitch.
- 6
  Continue to add the different fabric layers until the applique image is complete.

Sewing