How to Use Embroidery Applique Technique
Applique as a word finds its origins from the French word, and in the given context means ‘that which has been applied.’ In the broader sense of the given context, it refers to a small ornament or patch applied onto another surface. Applique refers to the needlework technique in which pieces of fabric, embroidery or other such materials which are used for sewing, and are sewn over another piece of fabric to create designs, pictures or patterns. Hastings embroidery is one of the most often quoted pieces of appliqué embroidery work, and is particularly suited for work which needs to be seen across from a certain distance such as a banner.
Applique embroidery has been an important art form finding its origins as early as the 18th century from the kingdom of Danhome, and is still widely used in Benin, west Africa particularly around the area of Abomey. Dresden plate and Sunbonnet sue are some of the examples of traditional American quilt blocks that are constructed with both patchwork and appliqué. Applique embroidery is extensively used in quilting, also keep in mind that appliqué embroidery and patchwork are not one and the same. A lot of quilt work done around the world use appliqué, whether it is the Baltimore album quilts, Broderie perse, Hawaiian quilts, Amish quilts and the rally quilts of India and Pakistan, they all use appliqué.
Applied pieces usually have their edges folded under, and are then attached to either a straight stitch which are generally two to three millimeters in from the edge, or a satin stitch which is stitched all around overlapping the edge, this may be either glued or straight stitched on first to ensure a neat edge and positional stability. The buttonhole stitch is a good example of decorative stitching over a significant amount of the appliqué piece, with the thread present there to give out an artistic effect seldom seen otherwise in other works. Generally when three dimensional items are concerned, then the central fixing technique is employed where the edges of the applied piece intended to rise up from the background fabric.