Fussy Cut Applique

I'm still working on projects and ideas for my applique class later this month at Sew Much More.   One of the class lessons will touch on 'fussy-cut' applique.  All that means is using a design already printed on fabric and appliqueing it to something...in my case, a kitchen towel.

 

This towel is from Ikea and is really cheap a great value.

I chose this fabric because it had bright colors.  Also, it was easy to stitch right over some of the lines in the design and give the towel texture.   Since the design already had lines on the fabric, I didn't have to draw any free-motion stitching lines with a water soluble pen.

This product is so easy to use.  Just follow the directions and add it to the back of your fabric where you want to 'fussy-cut' out a design.  Cut out the design and lay it out on your fabric.  Press with a steam iron and your fabric is there for good.

I did not use my Bernina Stitch Regulator for any of my design lines.  I used a zigzag on the perimeter of the design.  To create the stems at the top of the flower, I used a heavy stitch that comes on my machine.   If you don't have a specialty stitch, just go over it 2-3 times.  I did pin a piece of tear away stabilizer to the back and this kept things nice and even.

I placed my leaves where I thought a stem would go and ironed them down.  Next I secured them with a 2.5 mm zigzag stitch.  Next, I stitched over the black lines in the fabric. 

 

I then used my heavy stitch to make the stem.  I just started stitching around the leaves until it looked right.  No real science here.

I think the whole project took about 30 minutes.  Since I had all of the materials, it didn't cost a thing.   I think 'fussy-cut' applique has so many possibilities.  If you need a baby gift, find a fabric with a cute design and applique it to a cloth diaper.  It will make the most adorable burp cloth.  This would even work great on a zip-up hoodie for kids.  Car themes for boys, almost anything for girls. 

Sew much fun I can't stand it...