Applique Ideas

You may have noticed that a few weeks ago I released my Tea Time Appliqué Set and the Appliqué Made Easy eBook.

First, let me say Thank You to everyone who has purchased these items. It’s really been a blessing.

For those of you who purchased a set (and for those considering this) I’m going to show you some of the projects I created as I was designing the set. I’m also going to give you specific details so you’ll know exactly how to make good use of your Tea Time Appliqué Set.

Note: Scroll to the bottom of the post for a short applique video demo. For most of the projects I’m using a fabric line called Ardently Austen by Riley Blake.

1. A Simple Mug Rug

The Tea Time Appliqué Set is ideal for making unique mug rugs, and this mug rug is about as easy as it get.

I made this from my original sketches before they were sent to the graphic designer which is why the sizing is a little off. The mug rug is 10″ x 6″ and I used the standard method for attaching the quilt binding. The teapot is the size of the small teapot in the appliqué set and the teacup is the large teacup from the set. I also included the large spoon.

One thing to note when making something appliquéd and quilted. You really need to quilt the background before applying your appliqué. For this mug rug I used my walking foot and created a large grid to quilt my background. I chose a grid because I didn’t want the quilting to stand out.

2. Applique Pillow

It’s like appliqué and pillows are a match made in heaven. There is literally nothing that can’t be done.

For this pillow I used my How to Make an Envelope Pillow Tutorial for a 14″ x 14″ pillow. I used the large teapot, teacup, and bird templates.

Notice how I created a vignette with a tablecloth and added in a little free-motion steam. With all of the additional accessories included in the set, there are so many more ways to continue creating fun scenes.

This size also gives you an idea of what you can create for a 12″ x 12″ quilt block (which I plan to start very soon). Think of all the different scenes you could create. 

3. Hoop Art

Embroidery hoops are a great way to display a simple appliqué project. They make great gifts, and can decorate an empty wall for very little money.

For this project I used an inexpensive 8″ embroidery hoop. I traced the outer ring onto a piece of linen/cotton blend fabric to create the correct the sizing for my design.  The size was perfect for the large teapot and teabag.

Notice how I subtly changed the fabric for the spout, lid, and handle. I made templates for the spout and handle by cutting them away from a second printing of the pattern template. I also used micro-rickrack for my teabag string.

4. Teacup Bookmark

If you’re giving someone a book as a gift, a handmade bookmark makes a great add-on gift. When creating a bookmark you are not limited to fabric. This will work equally as well with scrapbook paper.

The project works best if done in certain steps. In order to get my two pieces of fabric to adhere before cutting out my design, I fused two pieces of fabric wrong sides together with a piece of MistyFuse in between them. (affiliate) Next, I traced my designs and cut them out. At this point I added my string. Stitching was my last step.

I think a good fabric glue or fabric glue pen would work, too. Getting the string right was really the only tricky part. I used a toothpick to create an opening. (affiliate)

If working with scrapbook paper, a regular glue stick will work just fine. 

5. Tea Towels

Of course, the Tea Time Appliqué Set is ideal for embellishing tea towels. There is something you need to remember when you appliqué a project that has a working purpose. If you are creating items like a tea towel or garment, you need to use a softer fusible product like Soft Fuse or Heat’n Bond Featherlike. (affiliate) These products keep the design soft and pliable and allow the design to not look stiff.

For the first tea towel I used micro-rickrack to create the look of hanging teacups. I used the large teacups for my design.It was kind of tricky getting the rickrack laced through the teacup handles and I ended up using some fabric glue to help hold it in place. I stitched it down after everything was in place.

For this design I used the small teacup and saucer. My lettering is an enlarged font that I can’t for the life of me remember. Any simple sans serif font should work. I used a small zigzag stitch in a matching-ish thread to secure the lettering and free-motion stitching for the teacup and saucer. I think black thread for the lettering zigzag might stand out more, but I was trying to keep it subtle.

6. Embellish an Apron Pocket

Aprons, applique, and tea-themes work well together. And, that’s what I did here. I made the apron from my Sassy Chic Apron Pattern using a beige cotton/linen blend fabric that I found at Joann’s.

The pattern includes a rounded pocket which I substituted for a 6″ x 6″ square. This allowed room to add the micro-pompom fringe and a teacup and saucer.

Because my fabric is identical on both the front and back, I folded it forward in order to tuck the pompom fringe underneath. This was a little complicated and required using some fabric glue and a zipper foot. I think I would not do it this way again. Instead I’d be more inclined to add the pompom fringe to the top of the pocket and hide the edging with a little rickrack.

7. Another Mug Rug

Clearly, I love making mug rugs. And the Tea Time Appliqué Set is nicely suited for this pursuit. The dimensions are the same as the mug rug in #1 above. I quilted it using a 1″ grid and really like how well it works on this mug rug.

I used the large teacup, saucer, and bird templates. The lettering is the Arial font, and I cut them out on my Silhouette.

The perfect placement of the bird’s eye was one of those happy accidents. 

8. Quilter’s Planner Cover

Did you purchase a 2016 Quilter’s Planner late last year? If so, then you may want to make a cover from the free pattern. That’s just what I did here.  Like my mug rugs, I quilted the cover before adding my appliqué. For my appliqué, I used the large teacup, saucer, and bird templates.

The directions for sewing the cover allow for adding an embellishment like appliqué. The pattern has sizing directions so you can get your design nicely centered like I did here. The small teapot template will easily fit into this spot.

9. Secret Project for Fat Quarter Shop

This is a small hint at a project I made for Fat Quarter Shop. That’s all I can say for now. You will be able to learn more about the project on June 1st. But, I can tell you this…it involves the small teacup template.You may have noticed an absence of teapot vignettes. I plan on making more projects over the next month that will include some Teapot-themed ideas. I will also be incorporating more of the accessories that are included in the Tea Time Appliqué Set.

If you’ve never appliqued before, watch this short video demonstration. For more detailed information on applique, check out my eBook: Applique Made Easy.