To Appliqué with Love

Applique Large and Small by Mary Mulari as seen on Sewing With Nancy/Valentine Applique Projects and Gifts

To Appliqué with Love

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I’m excited that  Mary Mulari, Sewing With Nancy’s most frequent guest, is sharing more ideas from her popular appliqué book, Applique Large & Small.  She has projects featuring patterns and techniques, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Join us as Mary Mulari guest blogs today. And, watch her on Sewing With Nancy online, in her two part series, (Part One and Part Two).

Applique Large and Small by Mary Mulari as seen on Sewing With Nancy/Valentine Applique Projects and Gifts

 

By  Mary Mulari, Guest Blogger

It’s not too late to plan and stitch some great Valentine’s Day mementos. With a copy of my book Applique—Large & Small  and the appliqué designs included, you can create distinctive cards, gift bags, and gifts. Start now and you’ll have time to ship your creations to friends and family. You’ll see how to form heart shapes from swirls and how to use intriguing techniques to build appliqué designs. You have permission to enlarge and reduce the sizes of the 25+ appliqué designs and two alphabets from the pattern sheet in the book. Join me in inventing classy but easy projects perfect for my favorite February holiday.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Applique- Large & Small
Turn a plain tee into a perfect garment to wear to a Valentine’s Day party. The design is built from two fabric cutouts of one swirl appliqué shape. To make the heart more interesting, I chose a square of lace fabric to be placed off center and beneath the appliqué. The perfect tiny silver button adds additional dimension to the appliqué.

Applique Large and Small by Mary Mulari as seen on Sewing With Nancy/Valentine Applique Projects and Gifts

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Appliqué Aprons

Aprons are terrific candidates for heart appliqués. Here’s the Blue Ribbon Apron from my pattern Newfangled Reversible Aprons. I chose the red rick rack trim, so a matching red heart was just right. To make the heart shape, I chose two different size paisley shapes from the pattern sheet. You can see how they fit together to form a heart. The heart fabric has wrinkles, which gives it lots of texture. The cotton fabric was sewn to specialty fabric (Fabric Magic™ or Texture Magic ™), which shrinks with a steam iron.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

What are Appliqué Chips?

Start with scraps too small to save; they’re what I call appliqué chips.
Arrange the chips on a base fabric and sew everything together with clear monofilament thread. You’ll find the instructions and recommended materials in the book so you can build chips creations of your own. On this table runner, a flower cut from a chips base is terrific trim for a Valentine’s Day dinner table. Lines of stem stitching extend from the heart shaped pearl button in the center. Lana wool thread (stitched with a topstitch needle) creates the prominent heavy stitching.
The flower on the table runner is one of the three-layered flowers shown on a notebook cover—a pretty and practical Valentine’s Day gift for someone special.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Let’s Get Personal with Appliqué

Monograms are popular accents and embellishments. Choose one or more letters from the alphabets and reduce or enlarge the size as needed.
One large initial makes a bold and colorful trim on a small pillow. Use the traditional red and pink tones of Valentine’s Day, or select colors to match a girlfriend’s bedroom.
Monograms are also great tote bag decorations. To celebrate the holiday of Cupid and love, this tote features an added front pocket with appliquéd first initials of a special couple. Consider this idea also for a wedding shower or tote bag gifts for wedding party attendants.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Lots of Love Enclosed

With these cute and clever gift bags, it’s the thought that counts. A boating enthusiast will love the anchor-stitched design (Use the anchor appliqué shape and stitch around it by hand or on the Baby Lock Sashiko machine). The wool-felted bag trimmed with a woolen heart cut from an orange and white blanket holds an electronic tablet or a warm pair of socks. The bottle carrier can hold a Valentine’s Day “peace offering” of wine or flavored vinegar.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Last Minute, Fast No-Sew Heart Appliqués

With colorful fabrics, paper-backed fusible web, such as Wonder-Under, and an iron, you have the materials to turn plain paper bags into Valentine’s Day holiday décor. For a coordinated gift, match the appliqué fabrics to the colors of the gift inside the bag.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Beautify an everyday towel with a swirl appliqué shape paired to form a heart. When adding cotton fabric appliqués to a heavily textured waffle-weave towel, first apply lightweight fusible interfacing, such as Sof Shape Interfacing by Pellon, to the wrong side of the appliqué fabric. This helps maintain a flat appliqué surface.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

Turn samples of heart appliqué designs into greeting card trim. The oval opening on the card frames the stitched heart shape.

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small as seen on sewing With Nancy

I hope you’ll enjoy the creation of Valentine’s Day appliqué gifts and decorations along with giving and receiving gifts for this holiday of love, gratitude, and friendship.
~Mary

Do You Have a Copy of Mary’s Book?

Mary Mulari Applique Large and Small

Learn 14 easy-to-sew, up-to-date appliqué techniques—you get more than 3 dozen ideas on how to use these techniques on projects.

  • Make quick and easy, yet inventive appliqué projects both big and small—the 14 techniques can be used to create large and small applique designs depending on your project, requiring minimal fabric and time
  • 25+ full-size appliqué designs, plus full upper and lower case alphabet included on a pullout pattern to make tracing simple and easy
  • Techniques include:
    • Using basic appliqué steps and tips for professional looking appliqués
    • Utilizing common machine stitches that often never get touched to simplify the appliqué process, while adding an artistic touch
    • Creating leaf and flower appliqués without fussy cutting a single leaf or petal shape

Watch Applique—Large & Small

Watch Mary on Sewing With Nancy in this two part series.  Part One:

Applique large & small as see on Sewing With Nancy

Watch Mary on Sewing With Nancy in this two part series.  Part Two:

Applique large & small as see on Sewing With Nancy

 Where’s Nancy?

If you watched the show online and didn’t find me, Nancy, at the helm of Sewing With Nancy, you might wonder what happened! No, I’m not trying to compete with Waldo, rather I was recovering from a rather serious illness and needed time to rest. What better person to fill the job than my most frequent Sewing With Nancy guest and dear friend Mary Mulari. Not to worry, I’m back to my old self and once again I’ve returned to my favorite classroom, the Sewing With Nancy studio.
Nancy Zieman's Giveaway
For a chance to win a copy of Mary Mulari’s book, please leave us a comment telling us your favorite appliqué method.
Nancy Zieman's Giveaway Winner
The random winner of a 5-in-1 Sliding Gauge from Clover Needlecraft is Patti K. Her comment was: This 5-in-1 tool is definitely going on my wish list! It would solve so many situations I deal with daily. Thanks for sharing the information on it. I hadn’t ever really looked at it before. Thanks.
And thank you Mary! What great ideas.
Bye for now,
Nancy Zieman The Blog

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69 Comments

  • Vicky D
    January 20, 2015

    I have not done a lot of applique projects because I didn’t know how to do it. I used a satin stitch when I did projects and had problems with knowing how to set my stitches. I am eager to try it again with new methods and projects. I think this book would be a great tool for advancing in applique techniques.

  • Laura L Smith
    January 20, 2015

    I am learning needle turn applique by hand, but my usual go-to technique is machine applique using a narrow zig zag stitch.

  • Sue Anderson
    January 20, 2015

    In all honesty I love all forms of applique. I have done needle turn and machine applique.

  • Linda E in AZ
    January 20, 2015

    Nancy- We hope you will soon be well and strong again.
    Fusible machine applique. I really like the applique chips.
    thanks!

  • Daniela
    January 20, 2015

    I like back basting applique.

  • Zaida
    January 20, 2015

    I have used a regular zigzag stitch for some appliqué but have not done lot.

  • Chris B
    January 20, 2015

    Mary is always a favorite guest for me. She has such easy methods of decorating shirts, totes and sweatshirts!
    I hope you are feeling better Nancy! The flu is definitely going around here in NC!

  • Janey
    January 20, 2015

    Hooray! Glad you are mended. Would love Mary Mulari’s book. She is so talented. I have done some applique with all kinds of results–some cute, some not so cute. Have used fusible backings and freezer paper. Not sure if I want to try needle-turned but sure love the results of others who try it. Thanks!

  • Sara Beachboard
    January 20, 2015

    I recently attended a presentation by Mary Mulari at Quilts and Lace in Melbourne Fl. It was the best day ever! How delightful and fun Mary is. I learned and laughed and my friends and I just had a wonderful time. Thank you Mary!

  • Debora Nipper
    January 20, 2015

    I really respect any who had the patience to do the hand applique…for me I love machine or in the hoop…

  • nancy in IN
    January 20, 2015

    I love needleturn. I love to do applique while watching TV with my hubby during the evening.

  • Karen Nelson
    January 20, 2015

    Hmm I’m haven’t been a fan of Appliqué ! I bought a simple wall hanging at a quilt shop in Silver Bay, thought it was going to be so easy!
    Pieced most of it together but the Appliqué part- I did one piece 4 times!! I finally left it off! I need your expertise and advice Mary and Nancy’! Thank You for what I ve learned already and your inspiration!!

  • Beverly Smith
    January 20, 2015

    My favorite is machine applique and find it calming and peaceful to do. Among my favorite stitches is the feather stitch and blanket stitch, however have recently discovered many decorative stitches on my machines that can embellish applique work. Mary Mulari is so inspiring with her ideas. I have been watching her on Sewing With Nancy for many years and have several of her books and designs.

  • Janie O
    January 20, 2015

    I really enjoy applique. I usually do a zig-zag stitch but sometimes do raw edge. Mary’s designs are inspiring and her book would be welcomed to my library.
    Nancy, glad you are doing better. Love your programs.

  • Charlotte
    January 20, 2015

    I have not done much appliqué. So this book would be wonderful, This heart I’m going to try. Thanks for the inspiration.

  • JACKIE K
    January 20, 2015

    My favorite applique is “don’t do it.” I am very intimidated by applique but Mary and her book could change that!

  • Linda K
    January 20, 2015

    I have used all applique methods, but my favorites are raw edge and turned fusible. When I do raw edge, I use a satin stitch to cover the raw edge and with fusible turned, I like to use a machine blanket stitch.

  • Sharon K
    January 20, 2015

    Very glad to hear that you are feeling well again, Nancy. I always love when Mary is on the show and although I have had bad luck with applique in the past, I just might try again with this good instruction. I have no friends who sew which makes it even more special that your show is on television and that the blog exists on here. It is like having a good girlfriend who sews to share ideas with.

  • Pat
    January 20, 2015

    What wonderful ideas for quick gifts. So glad to hear you are feeling better, Nancy. Mary’s great but we miss you!

  • Ilana
    January 20, 2015

    I love fusible applique.

  • Kim M. Harrington
    January 20, 2015

    I have always loved applique. I think my favorite is machine embroidered applique, but I also enjoy some handwork now and then. I have used machine blanket stitch too. It is all very fun and effective.

  • Debe
    January 20, 2015

    My favorite appliqué is In-the-hoop embroidered as it usually turns out perfectly, as alleges are ev n, which doesn’t happen when I do it manually. I like both blanket &satIn edges, although she designs are nice with stem stitch or other decorative stitches.

  • Kelly Sasman
    January 20, 2015

    My favorites change from time to time. Right now I am in love with machine embroidery applique because I got my first embroidery sewing machine right before Christmas. I love all applique methods though and I love Mary! Nancy I hope that by now you are well on your way to feeling better. Praying for you.

  • Jan C
    January 20, 2015

    I do lots of appliqué using fusible web. Love the satin stitch but lately have been doing raw edge type.

  • Stella S
    January 20, 2015

    I love appliqué! I’ve done quilting with appliqué flowers, but these ideas have opened my eyes to yet another world of fun. Wow, who would know you can layer it and upscale clothes. I’m excited to know what else I can learn from this book. Thank you for sharing with us.

  • Winota
    January 20, 2015

    I usually use WonderUnder or another fusible backing and then proceed to do a blanket stitch around the design to secure the applique for a quilt or other quilty type project. I definitely want it to stay stuck through washings…..I would love to have Mary’s book.
    Didn’t know you had been ill….glad to hear you are now “mended”. Hope you stay that way…..:)

  • Dawn S
    January 20, 2015

    Definitely prefer fusible for the crisp finish and placement regardless of how the item is stitched down.

  • PamB
    January 20, 2015

    Nancy, hope you are feeling better soon!
    I have loved watching Mary speak/teach for many years. I still pull out and use Mary’s first appliqué books that were hand written. That said, the appliqué chips look like they would be fun to try.

  • Susan
    January 20, 2015

    I have always liked needle-turn applique but lately to get things done in a hurry I have been doing fusible applique.

  • Diane Calvi
    January 20, 2015

    I usually use Mistyfuse for applique. But looking over Mary Mulari’s book, Applique Large & Small, I see there are other ways to applique.
    This would be a wonderful book to have in my collection. Thanks for the wonderful give-a-way.

  • Jinger
    January 20, 2015

    I’m a newbie quilter and not comfortable with trying appliqué yet. This book may be the push I need to try something new!
    Glad you’re feeling better Nancy!

  • Margo
    January 20, 2015

    I have found over the years that my applique method makes all the difference in the style of my finished project. For instance I will use a reverse applique method on a project such as a garment made with suiting or coating material. I will use a satin stitch applique on a home dec project such as a stocking as long as the threads used for satin stitch blend into my fabrics so that they appear as part of the print or design in my base fabrics. I might use a needle turn applique method on an heirloom quilt. I will use a satin top stitched applique method by first using a product such as Steam a Seam for a more arts and craft type piece even if it is a quilt. Many times I might fabric glue my applique piece to my base piece rather than using a Wonder Under type of product. Depends upon whether or not the stiffness vs softness makes a difference. I rarely remove the base fabric under my applique motifs.

  • Daw
    January 20, 2015

    Have tried some applique but not much luck, Mary’s projects look great. Would be fun to give them a try.
    Dawn

  • Jeanne
    January 20, 2015

    I love to applique flowers on every thing.Would love a copy of this book.

  • Jackie
    January 20, 2015

    I like raw edge machine applique.

  • Sally Howard
    January 20, 2015

    Applique is the next skill I am going to learn. I am doing paper piecing now. Have 4 more projects to do before starting applique. A book would certainly help my skill building greatly.

  • Kris
    January 20, 2015

    I have had the pleasure is seeing Mary Mulari in person many years ago. Have most of her books. Love her approach to designing. She is so creative. Would love to have her new book!

  • Mary S
    January 20, 2015

    I enjoy doing applique. Satin stitch would be my choice. Thanks to Mary for all her great ideas.

  • Agnetta Person
    January 20, 2015

    I would love to have the book to take me beyond fusible applique.

  • Kathy
    January 20, 2015

    I am new to quilting and have never tried any applique. However I have an elephant wall hanging pattern that is all applique and I am itching to try it. kathleendotlutzatcomcastdotnet

  • Pat O.
    January 20, 2015

    Mary always has new and innovative ideas about routine subjects. I’d love to have her book in my library.

  • Phyllis M
    January 20, 2015

    I have not tried applique but would like to. It looks like a lot of fun

  • Starla
    January 20, 2015

    What fun ideas!

  • Lori Chvojka
    January 20, 2015

    i love all types of appliqué. I want to make a quilt with Angels made out of hankies and appliqué them on the squares.

  • Janice Roberts
    January 20, 2015

    I love to watch your show and just caught part of it last week. I’m not a great seamstress but would love to learn to applique. With the help of my sister-in-law, who is an excellent seamstress, I have learned some basics of applique. I just have a plain sewing machine, nothing fancy but I was able to do some very basic projects for Christmas. Thanks for your great show!!

  • LindaE in NJ
    January 20, 2015

    Hope you’re feeling better. I have done needle turn and mostly machine. I love fused applique with fancy machine stitches and using wool and felt.

  • Lynn
    January 20, 2015

    Appliqué hasn’t been my friend, but I now own a Brother Scan N Cut to help with my appliqué embroidery patterns.

  • Ell
    January 20, 2015

    I have not done much applique in a long time, but used to do satin stitch some. A number of sewing shows have been featuring different materials to try for applique.

  • Nancy Taylor
    January 20, 2015

    My most favorite one, so far, is the embroidery appliques on CD. I always know just how they turn out. The second favorite is the fusible way.
    Hope you are feeling better.
    Nancy Taylor

  • Delaine
    January 20, 2015

    My favourite method of appliqué is the finished edge method. Thanks!

  • Linda Straka
    January 20, 2015

    I have always enjoyed satin stitch applique. I took a class from Mary years ago-before she was a TV star!

  • Karen
    January 20, 2015

    I don’t do much applique. Raw edge is best ,than no one knows it did not go right.

  • Debbie W.
    January 20, 2015

    Nancy, glad to hear that you are on the mend!
    I love fused, raw edge applique.

  • D. S. Wassell
    January 20, 2015

    For an easy appliqué with a little dimension, I sew a complimentary fabric to my appliqué fabric along the desired outer edge of the design. I make a small slit in the center of the backing fabric and turn the appliqué right side out and press well. No matter how I choose to attach the appliqué, there is not risk of the edges fraying and the appliqué has a subtle pillowed effect.

  • MaryEllen
    January 20, 2015

    I like the different options that you’ve shown for appliques. I’ve done the fusible web when I made a gingerbread placemat and it sure made things easier especially when I used the satin stitch. Also, I saw you at the King of Prussia show in October—so great to see all of your work there. Inspiring.

  • Kathy
    January 20, 2015

    I have only done fusible and then blanket stitch the book by mary would be great. Nancy I hope you are feeling much better.

  • kathy
    January 20, 2015

    I love applique on my embroidery machine and have been experimenting on using my Cameo Silhouette to cut our the applique fabric. So much fun!

  • Mary P
    January 20, 2015

    I use machine over fusible web. May not do it right but it looks ok. Would be great to learn to do it properly!

  • Lori Morton
    January 20, 2015

    Love all the info…and this book looks amazing!! I am new to Applique…slowly making progress on small project…stitching by hand. Would love to have this book..know would be such a helpful tool for me! 🙂

  • Mary Wippold
    January 20, 2015

    I’ve been a BIG fan of Mary Mulari since she first appeared on Sewing with Nancy many, many years ago. i own many of her books.
    My favorite applique technique is with with a machine blanket stitch. Second would be a satin stitch.

  • Sharon
    January 21, 2015

    I am learning to applique so I don’t have a favorite yet, except I know it won’t be doing it by hand! I really like Mary Mulari. She comes from the cute little town, Aurora, where I spent many summers visiting my cousins.

  • Madeline o.
    January 21, 2015

    usually use raw edge appliqué and the buttonhole stitch. Just finished a Christmas one for charity raffle. Most of my sewing is for giving either to friends or charities. I have started collecting appliqué designs to use in these projects. This book would be a great addition to my collection. Feel better soon. Love your show!

  • Joanne Dillon
    January 21, 2015

    I love all applique but have to say Blanket and Satin are two of my favorites. Thank you so much for all the inspiration Nancy and Mary and the rest of the staff provide for us. Gotta love it.

  • Kathy Schulz
    January 21, 2015

    My favorite applique technique is using the blanket stich on my machine. I also love machine embroidery applique.

  • Jennifer Fried
    January 21, 2015

    Dear Nancy and Mary, Thanks again for the information. I like the Chips applique. It is very interesting. I saw Mary on an episode of, Sewing With Nancy, use it on a collar. Sorry to hear that you, Nancy, had a bout with a health issue. So glad to hear you are back to normal. The two of you have a very special friendship, I think it is wonderful when you find such a special friendship. Jennifer Fried

  • Julie Preston
    January 22, 2015

    My usual applique technique is a zig zag stitch because it seems to hold the fabrics together well.

  • Cindy Schultz
    January 22, 2015

    I took a class from Mary Mulari in 2001 in Missoula, MT. I’m not sure she would remember being in Missoula, but I was really inspired by her. I have several of her older books, one autographed 4/7/01 so I remembered the date. I really like her style. My new favorite technique is the chip applique. What a great way to use the little scraps of fabric that we all have. I also like the looks of the framing of applique.

  • Judy C
    January 26, 2015

    I don’t have a favorite applique method yet as I am just learning how to do it. The monofilament thread idea with small chips of fabric intrigues me. That will be my next try at appliqueing.

  • Theresa Brooks
    February 4, 2015

    I usually use satin stitch or blanket stitch. I hope you are feeling better soon!

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