HOMEWORK SHEET 4

Week 7

Appliqué is a technique for decorating the surface

of fabrics. In its simplest form you can cut out shapes
from one material and “apply” or fix them to the
surface of another. You do this by bonding or stitching
these shapes to a background material.

Your shapes can be bonded using a fine web of

adhesive material which is placed between the layers
of fabric. They will stick together once you have run a
hot iron over them. Your patches can also be stitched.
Bonding is a faster and easier method than stitching
particularly for very complicated designs. However,
sewing can look more interesting.

You can turn the edges of the fabric shapes under and sew them by hand on to the background
materials using invisible stitches. This gives a neat edge, which will not fray. However, decorative
embroidery stitches such as satin stitch, feather stitch and blanket stitch can also be used. You do this
with a variety of coloured threads which will help to make the finished item look more attractive.
Appliqué can also be sewn by machine. This is usually quicker to do and produces a stronger product
than hand sewing.

A 100% cotton fabric is often used for appliqué because it does not easily fray. Felt is also popular
because it is easy to cut and does not fray. This is because felt is non woven fabric. This means that you
do not have to turn the edges of your fabric shapes under before sewing. However, many other types
of fabric can be used in appliqué. For example, lace, organza, silk, chiffon and velvet. You can even use
PVC to create such products as a brightly decorated shower curtain. Some interesting textures can be
created by attaching objects to the fabric. These could include buttons, beads, feathers, stones, shells
and strips of lace, leather and threads.

You can produce all sorts of designs on your fabric using appliqué. They could be abstract shapes or
pictures of real things such as flowers, leaves, birds and animals. Appliqué is a technique which can be
used to decorate fabric used for such things as wall hangings, lamp shades, curtains, quilts, clothes,
cushions and furniture.

Exercises
1. Finish this sentence, ‘Appliqué is ……..’
2. Name 2 methods of attaching appliqué shapes to fabric.
3. Describe the advantages and disadvantages of each method.
4. Write a list of some of the decorative stitches that can be used in appliqué.
5. What are the advantages of machine sewing over hand sewing?
6. Finish this sentence, ‘Felt is often used in appliqué because ………’
7. Write a list of objects which can be used to create attractive textures on your fabric.
8. sort these letters to show some of the products that appliqué fabric be used for:
UNTRUEFIR, CARUNITS, COLSETH, SAMPLEDASH, TIQSLU, USCHINOS.

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