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Appliqué

By Debbie Colgrove, About.com

Photo of hand and machine applique examples

Hand and machine appliqué

Debbie Colgrove
Definition: Appliqué is the term used to describe attaching a small piece of fabric to a larger piece of fabric, to create a desired design. It is usually done to add a form of fabric artwork. The smaller piece of fabric may be attached using hand stitching or machine stitching.

There are many methods of attaching appliqué.
  • Some methods require turning under the edges of the artwork that is being attached to a larger piece of fabric, which then allows the artwork to be attached with fine hand stitches.
  • Other methods allow you to "glue" the artwork on with fusing methods and then enclose the raw edge of the artwork with decorative machine stitching.
Pronunciation: Ap-la-kay
Examples: Appliqué is an excellent way to transform a ready-made garment into something special for holidays or other occasions.

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