9 Quick and Easy Quilt Appliqué Techniques

Templates

An easy way to ensure smooth edges on turned quilt appliqué is to use templates. Laura shows several different products that can be used, including card stock and heat resistant plastic. She demonstrates how easy the fabric can be to press around the edges of the stiff card or plastic. Laura also shows a great way to ensure smooth edges around a curve by using a running stitch to pull the fabric taut around the template shape. Once edges have been pressed under, starch can be used to stiffen the shape. Laura also demonstrates how liquid starch or even spray starch can be brushed onto the fabric before pressing to help securely press the edge. Once a shape has been pressed, it is ready to be used for any appliqué technique, from hand stitching to shadow appliqué.

Reverse and Raw Edge Appliqué

Reverse appliqué is another popular type of quilt appliqué and can be done in a variety of ways. Laura demonstrates how to do reverse appliqué by turning under the edge along a cut out shape to reveal a different color fabric underneath. The turned edge can then be stitched down to secure. Raw edge appliqué is another type of quilt appliqué that can be done with either machine or hand stitching. Laura shows several different techniques, including one that is great for kids to try out.

Helpful Products

Along with all the different quilt appliqué methods Laura shows, she also discusses how to use several products that can make appliqué easier. She demonstrates how to use freezer paper, fusible web and fusible interfacing. She also gives tips for how to easily remove the paper backing from fusible web as well as how to troubleshoot if your fusible product is not adhering.