Applique. I have included Wikipedia's definition here, just for a bit of background, and also because they used my Flickr picture ( with permission) as their feature photo. Ha! But also, I like the reference to the patch. A way to mend. Within that context I see applique as a way to mend design also, covering, filling, decorating space.
So once you have a base, you want to start with a another layer of cloth bits, maybe to do with your theme, or maybe just for another set of elements to divide or define the space. There are so so many ways to applique. Everyone has their own way to approach the process. Basically I put applique into two main categories. Turned (this lesson) and Ragged edge ( the next lesson) . Each one has its charm, and although a ragged edge seems the easiest sometimes, I find that to know how to do both is great. Skills are tools and you never know when you might need them. Each technique, over time, might find itself a place in your work. Your goal can be something really neat and flawless, but a primitive result is just as nice really and sometimes more you. The first thing to do is to relax about it. I always find turned applique makes folks nervous.
A little bit if talking, with August bugs singing in the background....
Turned applique sometimes spooks people, but it is really a lot like hemming. Practicing on a straight edge is the best to get used to the stitch. It is really like a tiny invisible overcast with a longer float on the back.
My method for turned applique involves working with a drawn line. There are many methods out there. This is just my quirky technique, the one I enjoy the most because I developed it to fit my own needs. It takes less prep time and seems to work easily for me. Because it is more relaxed.
One of my favorite variations is letting the line show. I used it here.
If you draw, this is a nice way to combine your talent with cloth making. I call it sketch applique and sometimes shadow applique (when I manipulate where the line shows and where it doesn't) . Of course there is nothing wrong with tracing a design. But a freehand drawing can produce a very personal result. And I call that style. Try it. When you first start out, use simple shapes without points or areas that are too thin.
alternative video linkI am using a Pitt pen here to draw the line. For the sketch applique it is important to use a marker that will be permanent so it stays there. For the method where you hide the line, a regular lead pencil is fine, I use a white colored pencil for darker fabrics.
If you are struggling with this technique, try different fabrics, some are really nasty to turn. Get to know your fabrics. Give them all a chance, each has it's own good qualities if you find a way to use them. Remember which one are most pleasing to use, and keep an eye out for them. A finer needle will also help with a smaller stitch and a smoother edge if that is important to you.
Turned reverse applique
As your layers build, reverse applique is a great way to break up and add interest to an existing color area. And of course turning is only one option, ragged edge techniques will work with this idea as well.
So try. Experiment. Maybe even on some little bases first. You will
find it just another way to create little components to use and maybe
embellish later. No practicing is ever wasted. Don't reject anything.
There are a few edge smoothing techniques I will show later... Or you might simply make a " how I learned applique" sampler.
TIP: Keep your applique shapes simple in the beginning. I often work with very simple shapes anyway, adding details later with stitch or more applique.