Holiday Applique Mini Quilt

(the same quilt for every day without the applique)

There are so many beautiful quilt patterns out there, but sometimes I want to dress them up with a bit of applique. It can change the whole look and feel of a project. Today I am going to share some tips with you on how to add applique to your quilt projects. This table topper is a perfect example of how applique changes the entire piece. You can find the pattern for this table topper- which includes sewing instructions for both versions in my Etsy shop.

Sew a festive table topper

Supplies:

• Fabric
• Batting
• Heat n Bond EZ Print Featherlite sheets
• SpraynBond Pattern and Stencil Spray
• Fabric Fuse Liquid Fabric Adhesive

HeatnBond EZ Print sheets make pattern transfer for applique fast and easy. No more lightboxes and endless tracing.

When your pattern pieces are too tiny to stitch down, use pattern spray and fabric adhesive to secure them into place.

Compensate for fabric shrinkage

After I have stitched down all my applique pieces, I often realize that my fabric is slightly smaller than it was before. To make sure your quilt comes together as desired, add 1/4″-1/2″ to the fabric you are cutting out so you can square it back up after adding the applique. For example, The center block of this table topper should be cut at 12 1/2″- to add applique, cut it at 13″. Once the applique is fused and stitched, square it up and cut it back down to 12 1/2″ before sewing it into the table topper.

How to Add Applique:

Cut out groups of pieces that will be on the same fabric together.

Thoroughly fuse to the wrong side of the fabric. If you go to pull off the paper backing and find that your adhesive isn’t stuck to the fabric, use your iron to add a bit more heat and try again.

When adding applique to your fabric, be sure to position away from the edges to allow for seam allowances. Use a ruler or guide to ensure proper placement.

Details make a difference

The little hearts on the berries add a fun detail, but they are very tiny! To more easily cut them out, I printed them onto copy paper and then lightly sprayed the pattern with Pattern and Stencil adhesive. You may want to decrease the tack on the pattern pieces by sticking them to the fabric and removing it a couple of times before cutting out the hearts. This will make sure the fibers of the fabric stay in place and aren’t pulled apart by the adhesive.

Use FabricFuse fabric adhesive to glue the hearts into place on the berries. Do this after stitching down the berries onto the fabric. (unlike what you see in the picture) Use a thin layer of glue, but be sure to get all the way to the edges of the heart.

Adding applique can be a fun way to personalize or dress up a regular quilting pattern. And with these few tricks and tips- it can be easy too!

What quilt pattern will you modify with applique?

Happy Sewing! Amy

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