Appliqué is used in numerous fibre arts to attach one piece of textile to another for decoration or embellishment. This article will focus on sewing and quilting appliqué methods for attaching a decorative piece (or pieces) of fabric to a larger, foundational piece of fabric.
There are a range of methods which can be used. The two key details are how the appliqué (i.e., the decorative) piece will be finished (smooth edge vs. a raw edge), and how the appliqué piece will be secured to the foundational piece (i.e., pin basting or using a fusible surface such as iron-on adhesive). There are numerous options for both finishing and securing, and combining these options creates many, many, possible techniques in appliqué. Choosing an overall appliqué technique depends on context, desired effect, and preference of the fibre artist.
A classic example of appliqué in a quilt design.
All images by Helen Mawdsley
