Make your own appliques

Jean says:
First, thank you for this exceptional service to us "crafters." I'd like to know how to make teapot/teacup appliques. I am making a wall-hanging featuring these items. Thank you.

This was a fun question for me! Here is how I make my own fabric appliques ...

Step 1:
Find some fun clip art and print it at the size you want your applique to be. As long as it is for personal use you should be able to use most clip-art without a problem. Read the policies of the web site where you find your art (or your clip art disks). If you are a good artist you can even draw your own.

Step 2: Look at your picture and see where you can break it up into separate parts. This teapot was pretty easy. Then just trace each piece onto a piece of freezer paper or template material. You will have to complete the shapes on some pieces. On this example I had to redraw one part of the teapot and part of the lid.

Step 3: Trace or iron your templates to your fabric, depending on how you make your appliques. If you are going to turn the edges under you need to add 1/4" seam allowance to the template. If you fuse - place your template on fabric that has the webbing adhesive ironed on already - and then cut out.

Step 4: Put all your pieces back together using your original picture as a guide. If you fuse, use your favorite edge finish - some people like to sew around the pieces, some like to use fabric paint, but do something to avoid fraying. If you turn the seam allowance under and sew it on then you don't have to worry about this!

You can make fun appliques to go on just about anything - I'm thinking of putting some on my jean's pockets now.

Hope this helps!
Judi