Intro to Beginner Applique

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In the Beginner Quilting Facebook Group, I asked the members who would be interested in learning an introduction to a beginner level of applique.  Many said yes!  I created this video, my first one by the way, as a way of an introduction for those that have never tried applique before.

Sew Much Charm launched this introduction to applique on the blog in January of 2020.  The new Pattern Poole applique patterns helped launch it with a Block of the Month in applique.  Each month, if you are following along, we discuss in our blog posts something new that was learned in the process of making the block.  This curriculum is focused towards beginners and those who have may just be considering adding applique to their toolbox.  All of the patterns (and more!) are available in the online shop page!

To get started, I selected an image online from a source that allows you to use the images for applique use...Be sure you check out this website to see ALL of the available images this site has: Handmade Gifts Made Easy.

Once you know which image, or images you want to create - it's time to get your tools together!  In this demonstration, I used Steam-A-Seam 2 as the fusible web for my project.  I also used Tim Holz applique scissors, which are super tiny pinking shears, perfect to prevent fraying of your fabrics.

The final step to applique is to decide which stitches you are going to use on your applique to confirm your fabrics will stay attached together and not come apart.  I have not had any issues with Steam-A-Seam failing, but the stitches also add a decorative touch to your textile art.  Many people use the blanket stitch, zig zag stitch, or a straight stitch around the edges of their images to finish the applique.  It can be a wonderful decorative touch that is also useful.  I use the straight stitch when I applique on my Featherweight.

I look forward to making more videos and showing you more about applique and other quilting techniques that I've learned along the way.  Enjoy the video as I put it all together for you and show you how easy applique can be!

10 Comments

  1. Melissa Galvan on April 22, 2020 at 10:59 am

    Awesome demonstration! Thank you for taking the time to make this video. I love your energy!

    • My Charmed Cabin Life on April 22, 2020 at 1:53 pm

      Thank you! I enjoy sharing what I know. I’m glad you enjoyed it!

  2. Andrea B on April 23, 2020 at 5:26 pm

    This demonstration was really simple to follow. The video was really helpful!

    • My Charmed Cabin Life on April 23, 2020 at 5:55 pm

      Thank you so much! I’m excited to make the next one!

  3. Alison on April 24, 2020 at 8:05 am

    The elephants are so cute!

    • My Charmed Cabin Life on April 24, 2020 at 3:00 pm

      Thank you so much! My grandmother loves elephants and so, we all do too! It’s a great shape to introduce the applique techniques too.

  4. Gaby on April 24, 2020 at 8:33 am

    Loves the video! Easy to follow and understand! Thank you!

    • My Charmed Cabin Life on April 24, 2020 at 3:01 pm

      Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your comment!

  5. Lisa Fisher on April 24, 2020 at 11:33 am

    This is such a great video. I can’t wait to get started on a gift I’ve been wanting to make!

    • My Charmed Cabin Life on April 24, 2020 at 3:02 pm

      Thank you! Which gift idea is it that you have? I’d love to see your progress!

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