/** Google Analytics script below */ /** end Google Analytics script */

Thursday, August 4, 2011

Applique on Canvas, Made Simple

Who knew that appliquéing a fabric to congress cloth (a common 24-ct canvas) would be so simple?

Step 1: Start out with a slightly stretchy, non fraying fabric.

I am completely sold on the Sensuede that came in my kit for The Magi. As its name implies, it’s a faux suede. It’s soft, yet not very stretchy, comes in great colors, and does not fray at all. (And I just learned that it’s made completely from recycled polyester fibers.

Step 2: Cut out the shapes to be appliquéd from the fabric.

It doesn’t sound like it, but this is really the most complicated part. For this project, we started with a cutting out a paper pattern that was “roughly right”.  That pattern is then flipped over and traced on the back of the fabric/Senseude. This “roughly right” shape can then be cut from the fabric.

Appliques29Jul2011Then, spend an hour shaving tiny pieces off of it to make it exactly fit the desired shape. No, I’m not kidding. It really took me an hour. Who knew? I ended up with two precisely trimmed pieces of fabric (see left), but there was a LOT of trimming. See? Here’s the scrap pile!

ScrapsFromApplique29Jul2011

Step 3. Stitch it to your canvas using teeny tiny stitches, spaced as closely as they need to be.

In my case, this didn’t have to be very close. My stitches are about 3/8” apart, since I have some embellishment to add later that will help hold the Sensuede in place.

AppliqueDetail29Jul2011

Surprisingly, the stitching took a total of 15 to 20 minutes for both pieces. The advantage of using a non-fraying fabric is that you don’t have to turn under the edges.

That’s it. It’s really easy!

Magi #1 is getting there. Just a bit more embellishment, and he’ll be done!

Magi29July2011

6 comments:

Ellie said...

where do you find sensuede?

Ann said...

STILL kicking myself for letting this one get away--it's absolutely gorgeous and can't wait to see it grow!

Wendy said...

Wow. Your Magi is looking amazing

Jeanne said...

Ellie,
Great question! I have NO idea where to purchase it, but I'll ask Dorothy Lesher (the teacher) and get back to you!

Ann, Wendy, Thank you!

Front Range Stitcher said...

Nice job! Your Magi piece is gorgeous. Thanks for letting us know about the Sensuede.

Jeanne said...

It doesn't actually look too hard but gives a real wow effect! Love the piece - it's going to be a spectacular finish!