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Techniques

Appliqué

A technique where fabric shapes are applied on top of a background fabric.

Appliqué is the process of attaching shaped fabric pieces onto a background fabric to create designs. Unlike piecing, where all fabrics are joined edge to edge, appliqué pieces overlap the background. Methods include needle-turn appliqué (shapes are hand-stitched with the seam allowance turned under using the needle tip), fusible appliqué (iron-on adhesive bonds shapes to the background for machine sewing), and raw-edge appliqué (cut edges are left unfinished and secured with a zigzag or blanket stitch). Appliqué excels at organic shapes — flowers, leaves, animals — that are difficult to piece.

Related Terms

Needle-Turn AppliquéA hand appliqué method where the seam allowance is turned under using the tip of the needle as the shape is sewn.Fusible AppliquéAn appliqué method using iron-on adhesive web to bond fabric shapes to a background.Broderie PerseA historical appliqué technique where motifs are cut from printed fabric and appliquéd onto a plain background.

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