WORD APPLIQUÉ
THE EASY WAY
Claudia Lash
Presto Avenue Designs
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Sometimes I like to add a word or a few words to my quilts.
Paint and
fabric markers
work well for
some areas,
but may not
work for large
letters or
words.
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So for large letters or words, I like to use a fusible web appliqué
method. I’ve found that this is a fun and personal way to decorate
quilts. It is meant to be somewhat whimsical so don’t worry about
perfection. Plus there is no need to reverse the letters while using the
fusible web. The technique is easy, but I do recommend practicing first
before working on your fabric.
You can either
write the words yourself or copy a favorite computer font.
First you will need to decide how large your letters can be. This will
depend on the size of your finished piece and how much you want to
write.
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Write the words yourself
•
Make a guide using freezer paper and a ruler. With a dark Sharpie
marker draw a base line, a top line, and a middle line (if necessary).
•
Lay scrap paper on top and practice writing your words to fit in the
lines. Using cursive writing is a bit easier because the letters are
connected. However manuscript printing will work if you make the
letters touch each other. Printing individual letters will necessitate a
bit more cutting.
•
After you’ve written a word, go over the writing again elongating and
making the letters thicker and more ‘fancy’. Do this several times
until you have an example which you like.
•
Use a Sharpie marker to trace over the word on freezer paper to
make the letters wider and make inside circles for o’s, e’s and other
loopy letters.
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Use a computer font
•
Search through fonts on your computer. Remember you will be
cutting the letters out with scissors so a basic or simple font might be
best.
•
Enlarge the letters to make them fit your composition. Print an
example to check the size.
•
If you are making several words it’s easier if you hook the letters
together in each word.
•
Print the letters to make a master copy.
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Making letter templates:
•
Using freezer paper trace around the word or
individual letters.
•
Roughly cut around the word leaving ¼” around
each outside line.
Prepare the Lettering Fabric:
•
Following manufacturer’s directions, apply fusible web
to the wrong side of your chosen lettering fabric.
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Place your fused fabric right side up on the ironing surface and lay your
freezer paper words on top.
Use a dry iron to stick the freezer paper to the right side of the fabric.
This should only take a few seconds.
Carefully cut out the words with sharp scissors.
Don’t cut across any letter but pinch to cut out inside spaces.
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Arrange the words on the quilt top making sure
to leave an inch or so from the outside edges.
Following manufacturer’s directions, fuse the
letters or words onto the top.
The wording is temporary and will need to be
stitched down.
•
I like to use a buttonhole stitch if there are
only a few letters to stitch down.
•
If there are words, I usually drop the feed
dogs and free motion stitch around each
letter or word.
I hope you enjoy adding words to your quilts!
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