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So Sew Easy

How to use the Applique

Templates

Thank you for downloading this template and set of instructions. These

instructions are general and will show you how to use the template, and the

basics of a procedure for creating an applique mug rug or place mat. There

are some variations depending on the materials you have available.

Use the template to make a project from your own creativity, with different

colors, threads, layout and embellishments.

Most of the projects will all be created in the same way. If you want to see a

step by step on each individual project being created, please visit the blog post

about the project itself. The URL for this project will be found under the photo

on the right -

The Nautical Mug Rug can be found at

http://so-sew-easy.com/nautical-mug-rug-fashion/

Find more great sewing patterns at So Sew Easy – http://so-sew-easy.com

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To print your PDF template

Your template and instructions come as one file to make printing easy.

Please make sure you are using the latest version of Adobe for best results.

You can download the latest version here if you need to.

Open the PDF file in Adobe Reader. Select File Print and the print

dialogue box opens. Under Page Sizing and Handling, select SIZE, then

select ACTUAL SIZE.

You can choose to print this whole document, or simply the page or pages

at the end with the applique template pieces.

Skill level – Beginner If you want to learn more about great techniques creating awsome projects

with fusible appliques, take a look at the Fun with Fusible Applique class on

Craftsy.

Please read through all of these instructions before

starting your project and cutting your fabric.

Useful tutorials You can find a range of useful sewing tutorials and videos at So Sew Easy –

tutorials page.

Materials needed – may vary by project Fabric – Typically quilting cotton, although you may also use home décor

weight fabrics. Assorted colors usually needed

Backing fabric

Matching threads

Fusible applique materials such as Heat N Bond Light

Batting or fleece

Optional - Embellishments of your choice such as buttons

Let’s start to sew !

Download the template and instructions and print out the template on your printer. Adjust scaling if you like for bigger or smaller. My finished measurements on this example were about 8.75 x 10 inches.

Decide what fabrics will look good where.

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Trace the elements you need onto the paper side of some Heat N Bond or other fusible sheet. You can also cut your fusible sheet to letter size and feed it right through the printer I'm told, although I've not tried that.

Roughly cut out the shapes you need.

Match the shapes to the fabric you want to use, and fuse the shape to the wrong side, following the manufacturer’s instructions for your fusible product.

Cut out each piece carefully.

Refer to the photo of the finished article to see if you need to cut more than one of a particular shape. In this example, I cut 3 of the waves at the bottom.

Cut your background piece of fabric bigger than your finished size to allow for some trimming later, then start to lay out your shapes.

Take notice of which shapes go in front or behind other shapes. Once you have a few laid out, fuse them to the background in small groups.

Continue adding, checking and fusing until you have all the pieces secured in place where you want them.

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Now it's time to sew on your pieces. First you'll need to strengthen your fabric. You can use a tear away stabilizer like this one from Sulky, or add a light interfacing to the back, or even iron on a piece of fusible fleece. Something that will give a little extra stability to your fabric.

You can use a variety of stitches, anything from a basic running stitch to a blanket stitch or any of the decorative stitches on your sewing machine. Mix and match the stitches and threads used and get creative with it. There is no right or wrong way.

In this example, I used a running stitch for the boat portholes and the waves, then a blanket stitch for the lighthouse and the sun. The sails were completed with a decorative scalloped stitch.

You may find it easier if you test your stitches on a separate piece of fabric and make a stitch reference sheet before you begin.

I like the slightly wonky look. I want it to look handmade, not mass produced, so if my stitching is a little off, if my pieces is a little wonky, for me, it adds to the charm.

If you are more of a perfectionist, take your time to get it all just right.

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Once all your pieces are sewn into place, its time to decide again. You can leave the piece as it is, or you can add in some decorative lines of stitching to make it look quilted.

If you are done, trim down your piece, remembering that the binding will be about 1/2 inch wide, so leave space for that around the outside of your design.

If you want more of a quilted look, cut a piece of batting or fleece and a plain piece of cotton or calico as the backing and layer them with the decorative side facing up. Pin, spray baste or hand baste the layers in place. Make your batting and backing fabric slightly larger than you need, to allow for some shifting as you quilt.

I used my disappearing fabric marker to line out some shapes I wanted, including a cloud and then I followed the shapes of the applique pieces until I was done.

Use a regular running stitch for your quilting. I’ve used a white thread, but you can also use an invisible thread to make the stitches disappear into the background.

Pull your threads through to the back, knot and snip them off. Trim everything again if you need to.

Cut a piece of backing fabric which is 2 inches wider and taller than the trimmed panel. Sit it wrong side up with the quilted panel in the middle and turn in 1/2 inch on each side and press.

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Then turn the pressed edges over the raw edges of the quilted panel to hide those edges and pin in place. Take care to make nice neat corners, and stitch these edges in place on all 4 sides.

And voila - you're now bang up to style with your nautical mug rug. But why stop there, you could create a matching table runner or some smaller coasters too.

These basic procedures are the same whatever template you are

using.

Find more great sewing patterns at So Sew Easy – http://so-sew-easy.com

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Thank you for downloading this Applique Template or Pattern. I hope you

enjoyed making this project and remember that I love to share your

creations at So Sew Easy so post a photo to the So Sew Easy Facebook

Page, or upload your completed projects to the pattern page on Craftsy.

You might enjoy my other tutorials and sewing patterns at So Sew Easy,

including:

Wrap Dress

Sew A Skirt beginner tutorial series

Twist Front Top

Double Layer Chiffon/Lace Blouse

Easy Summer Dress

30 Minutes Easy Skirt

Summer Drape Top

Cheeky Panties

Custom Fit Skirt

Custom fit leggings

Boxy Bag

Little Black Party Dress

Easy Cosmetics Bag

On a Roll T-shirt

Super Simple Wallet

Slouchy Sweater

Classic Straight leg knit pants

Gathered front top

Make it Yours Clutch Bag

Waterfall top

Reversible Apron

Carry All Bag

Cowl Neck Top

Wear Everywhere Dress

Teeny Tiny Zipper Pouch

Spring Mug Rug

Two Become One Dress

Sew Simple Leggings

Easy Breezy Blouse

For the latest list of patterns available, pop on over to my designer page at

Craftsy.

This pattern graphic, the photos and the instructions are copy right

Deby Coles at So Sew Easy. Please do not copy, publish, sell,

redistribute or alter them in any way. Please don’t print and give to

your friends, or send it to anyone by email. Please do not rebrand this

work as your own and sell or give it away, even if altered. This is

intended for your personal use. If you would like to recommend these

instructions, please pass on the original download link at So Sew Easy.

Thank you for your understanding.

Usage – you ARE allowed to use this pattern to make things to sell on

a small handmade basis, such as for craft fairs and for your Etsy shop.

However it may not be used for larger scale commercial purposes

without a commercial licence.