Freezer Paper Applique

Freezer paper applique is often used in quilting. Applique represents the process where fabric pieces are sewn together to another fabric, which is the primary fabric, in pieces of different shapes and forms which will later form some pattern or design.

To trace the patterns of the applique, it is important that you use graph paper and then wax-free paper to draw a potential design.

It's not necessary yet to trace seam allowances. For now, you need to cut the patterns and use the shapes on paper. Please remember to reverse the pattern and put it on the back side of the fabric. Put the pattern on the freezer paper and join it with the fabric. Under any circumstances, don't iron the fabric but instead gently press on to the freezer paper with a warm iron (not too hot).

After that, press the paper on the applique, because the wax will gently melt and once you can see that the wax is no longer then, you can then gently cut the points or curvatures from the applique. You could make use of a needle and thread to stitch the areas together near the seams.

As you do so, pull the thread gently from the applique work, because you don't want any damage at this point. Make a knot around the thread near one end and gather the stitches. You must still have the freezer paper in there, so make sure it is still there when you press the applique.
Also, you can prepare for this process by making use of glue sticks or you can simply manually sew the applique or use a sewing machine to do the job for you. This decision depends solely on the individual's choice.

For the glue stick manner, you have the follow similar actions but instead of freezer paper applique, you must use copy paper, which is used by printers to print documents. Use a glue stick and then fasten the seams.

At this point, you won't have to deal with the wax operations, whereas with freezer paper applique, you had to wait for it to melt. Now, add some glue on the back of the paper and in its middle; press the paper on its left side, put the seam under the paper and trace the shape you want to obtain. After that, add again some glue on the traced pattern.

Around the edges, you also need to apply some glue, so that you make sure it fixes the allowances in place and enables you to start working on other parts of the appliqué.

After these steps were followed, stitch the parts of the fabric in the backdrop one. If you want to manually stitch and arrange the applique, make sure it color coordinates with the background. Use pins to put the appliqué in the place and basting steps; as an alternative, you could glue to stitches in place to hold them there.

Remember that whatever method you choose, you need to start your work from the front to the back in order to make your applique. The overall pieces should be carefully stitched together.

Moving on, you now use the needle and thread to start sewing the design. Use coordinating thread and stitch in ladder motion the applique edges. The glue you will apply must make three quarters of an inch area near the applique. When the glue dries up, you can remove it and then complete stitching.

There is another type of applique work, besides the hand one. You could utilize the blind-stitch manner or a machine to do the quilting for you. Moreover, you could use zigzag quilting. Bear in mind that a variety of applique methods are available and that you must choose the one fitting in your case.

Learn more on using freezer paper applique to make applique quilts.