Cutout applique for sheer fabrics (1468 Views)

Weather you have a plain solid or print sheer fabric and want to reduce the transparency level a little, after you cut out the pattern you had in mind, you are always going to have some leftover corners with or without the print motifs. A quick way to add some flair and reduce that transparency is to apply cutouts from the leftovers to the fabric itself. I did this on a silk chiffon, that does not fray so bad, I'm not sure how it works with knits, I guess it would be nice on those stretch mesh (net?) fabrics too.

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Step 1 of 3

Cut out your cutouts. I have cut around the print motifs, in case the motif is small. You can also finish the edges of the appliqué with a satin stitch first and then cut around, to prevent all the fraying. Just make sure the satin stitch does not add too much bulk.
Step 2 of 3

Place your cutouts onto the fabric, overlapping motifs, respect the grain line or bias and pin them down. Sew a straight stitch from top to bottom of the piece to which you attach them and go over the cutout, removing the pins first. You can use a quilters guide to sew parallel seams, or do them curved on purpose.

Make sure you hold the fabric in such a way that the stitches will not make it puckered.

It is best to sew the appliques first, before sewing the pattern itself, with long stitches from one end to the other of the whole pattern piece. That way, the thread ends from the stitches will be caught in the seams and hems, making the fabric look like it was made like that with the appliqués from the beginning.
Step 3 of 3

Use your imagination and transform your fabric to reduce the transparency.

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Materials

sheer fabric, cutouts for appliqué - from the same fabric or a similar fabric, with or without the print

COMMENTS (5)

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peaudane Ï Posted 29 April 2008 at 12:49 AM

It's a great idea! You seem to have skipped the part about how you attach them. Do you sew them or glue them on?
Mirela Ï Posted 29 April 2008 at 6:58 AM

You sew, I've entered that part too, it just didn't get saved the first time, thanks for noticing!
dianacirne Ï Posted 29 April 2008 at 8:07 AM
Flowers are everywere!!! Catch one!

that's a great idea! Not just for transparent fabric, but for give some detail for some creations!
oonaballoona Ï Posted 30 April 2008 at 9:16 PM
going to the dentist, dammit.

what a cool idea!
amarie Ï Posted 2 May 2008 at 1:54 PM
making a tunic...

Clever!