How to Make Applique Patches
Applique patches are a brilliant way to disguise a hole in a garment, or even to turn into badges. To create a letter to embellish your patch, choose a font you like on your computer, enlarge the letter and print it. Cut it out with paper scissors to use as a template.
From Fat Quarter Quick Makes by Juliet Bawden and Amanda Russell, published by GMC Publications.
- Template »
- 1 fat quarter » of main fabric for the patch
- 6¼ x 4¼in (16 x 11cm) of fusible wadding »
- 4 x 2¾in (10 x 7cm) of contrast fabric » for the appliqué letter
- 4 x 2¾in (10 x 7cm) of fusible webbing »
- Thread » to match fabric
- Tracing paper » or baking parchment (optional)
- Pencil (optional)
- Scissors »
- Pins »
- Dress-making scissors »
- Sewing machine »
- Sewing needle »
- Iron and ironing board
- Tape measure or ruler »
1. Print the template above. Cut it out with paper-cutting scissors to make a pattern. Fold the main fabric in half, pin on the pattern and cut it out so you have two oval shapes.
2. Pin the pattern onto the fusible wadding, cut it out and press it onto the reverse of one of the pieces of fabric to make the back.
3. Iron the fusible webbing onto the back of the contrast fabric. Cut out the letter and turn it over. Draw around the reversed side onto the back of the paper side of the fusible webbing. Cut out the letter.
4. Peel off the paper backing. Press the letter onto the front piece of the patch and then machine sew round it using a zigzag stitch.
Set your sewing machine’s stitch length to 1.5, width to 3.5 and practise this stitch on scraps
of fabric before you sew the letter onto the patch.
5. With right sides together, pin the two ovals together. Machine sew around all the edges using straight stitch (see page 14) and a 3/8in (1cm) seam allowance throughout. Leave an opening of 1¾in (4cm) for turning. Trim the seams then clip around the edge.
6. Pull the patch through the opening so it is right sides out. Slip stitch the opening closed with a needle and thread.
7. Press the patch. Sew a line of top stitching close to the edge to neaten.
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