Fusible machine applique is fast and fun, but it has one major drawback. All too often when it is completed it is stiff rather than soft and pliable. This occurs because the fusible material is stiff. The solution is to remove as much of the fusible material as possible. This tutorial will take you through the necessary steps to create soft, pliable machine applique.

Begin by tracing the design on the paper side of your fusible material.

Rough cut around the piece. That is, cut on the outside of the drawn lines.

To create a soft, pliable quilt, we will need to remove as much of the fusible material as possible. We do this by cutting out all but a 1/4" of the fusible material around the outside edge. Most patterns do not have this 1/4" marked. Just sketch it in by hand. Be sure to draw it on the INSIDE of the pattern line.

Large pieces can be very difficult to handle when the center is completely removed. To add stability to the piece, draw cross bars from one side to the other.

Place the fusible material on the desired fabric. Following the manufacturer's directions, fuse the patch to the fabric, being sure to NOT fuse the cross bars.

After fusing the outside edge, carefully cut away the cross bars.

Trim away excess fabric by cutting directly on the pattern line.

These pieces are now ready to fuse to the background.

Remove the paper that covers the fusible material.

Place the pattern on a light source.

Place the background on the pattern.

Place the applique pieces in the proper position. Pin in place.

Lightly draw in any embroidery lines. 

Fuse the applique piece to the background.

Allow to cool thoroughly.

Now machine stitch around the applique patches. Use either a satin stitch or a buttonhole stitch.
 
Sincerely,
Josette - Quilt Board Member