Appliqué: Techniques and Applications | Stitch Lab Episode 5

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|Sponsored| We’re halfway through this season of Stitch Lab! We’ve had so much fun—and the fun experiments keep on coming! In Stitch Lab, episode 5, we’re exploring all things appliqué! Appliqué is a traditional technique with lots of modern applications, once you’ve got the basics down. Join us for a lively discussion of appliqué basics: we cover everything from from needle turn to decorative stitch options on a conventional sewing machine to machine embroidery designs that incorporate appliqué, all with our special guest, Gabby Brown.

We’ll share our favorite tools and materials (it’s basically a love song for paper-backed fusible web!). Then we’ll head to the lab for some quick experiments and create satin stitched mountains, a quick tote with raw-edge hearts and unique raw edge techniques with vintage lace scraps.

Follow along with Kate, Amanda and Gabby as they discuss:

Appliqué basics
Working with paper-backed fusible web
Satin stitch appliqué with the sati stitch foot
Raw edge appliqué DIY
Reverse appliqué by hand

Watch Stitch Lab Episode 5: Applique

Okay, true confession from Amanda: applique isn’t my go-to technique, but it used to be! I used to love making cute little mini quilts, especially with birds, and applique is the perfect technique for that. I share a few of my makes in this episode, and it re-inspired me . . . to create skating-themed projects! From home décor to quick gifts for kids, applique is a great pick for customizing just about anything, especially ready-made items. But there are lots of garment applications I have yet to try. I loved Gabby’s use of vintage lace, and it reminded me that applique is a great technique for adding texture and dimension to projects. As Gabby was walking us through her process, I was thinking about a lace inset on a denim jacket . . . I might be curious enough to try it!

Stitch Lab is brand new video series brought to you by the hosts of Sew & Tell Podcast and our partners at Singer. We like to think of this series as an extension of the podcast, with all the helpful sewing tips and tricks, sewing puns and antics you’ve come to expect from hosts Meg Healy, Kate Zaynard and Amanda Carestio.

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