Applique Circles with Interfacing: A Step-by-Step Guide
Adding appliqué circles to clothing, home décor, and other fabric projects can be incredibly satisfying. From quirky and fun designs to elegant and sophisticated looks, there is a world of possibilities available through appliqué circles. To get the best results, choosing the right materials and following the right steps is essential. In this guide, we’ll take a look at how you can use interfacing to create appliqué circles. It’s an easy and reliable way to achieve beautiful results.
Choose the Interfacing
Interfacing comes in a variety of weights, and you want to make sure you pick the right one for the project. You can select from woven, non-woven, or knit interfacing, and the weight and type you choose will depend on the fabric you are working with. Interfacing can also come in different fusible or sew-in options depending on your preferences. Generally, you will want to choose an interfacing that is similar in weight to the fabric you are working with, but there are some exceptions to this. For example, if you are working with a light-weight fabric you may want to choose a slightly heavier interfacing.
When selecting the interfacing for appliqué circles, you also want to consider the amount of stiffness or body you want the circles to have. You can find interfacing that has a soft, light drape to it or one that is very stiff. When working with appliqué circles, you may even want to use two types of interfacing, one for the circles and one for the rest of your project. This can help ensure that the circles keep their shape while the rest of your project has the right drape.
Cut the Interfacing and Fabric
Before you can start working with the interfacing and fabric, you need to cut them to the right shape and size. The shape of your appliqué circles will depend on the look you’re going for, but some of the most popular shapes are circles, ovals, and stars. You can use a template to make sure you get the shape you want, or you can just draw the shape onto the interfacing and fabric. Keep in mind that you want to cut the interfacing and fabric slightly larger than the shape you want. This will allow for some shrinkage when you press the fabric, as well as some wiggle room when you are stitching the circles.
When cutting the fabric, you want to make sure you use a sharp pair of scissors. If you are working with woven fabric, you may want to use pinking shears to help keep the edges from fraying. If you are working with knit fabric, you will want to use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat to get the best cuts. Make sure you keep the interfacing and fabric separate so you don’t end up with them stuck together.
Fuse the Interfacing and Fabric
Once you have the interfacing and fabric cut to the right shape and size, you can start fusing them together. If you are using a fusible interfacing, you will want to lay out the interfacing and fabric with the interfacing facing up. Place the fabric on top of the interfacing with the wrong side facing up. Then, using the directions on the interfacing, iron the two together. You want to make sure you use the right settings for the fabric and interfacing, and press for the recommended amount of time.
If you are using a sew-in interfacing, you can use an appliqué stitch to attach the interfacing and fabric together. This stitch uses a zigzag pattern to help hold the two pieces together. You can use a regular sewing machine to apply this stitch, but if you have an embroidery machine you can use it to add a decorative touch to the circles. Either way, make sure you stitch around the edges of the circle to make sure the interfacing and fabric are securely attached.
Trim and Finish the Circles
Once the interfacing and fabric are fused together, you can start trimming the edges of the circle. You want to trim away any extra fabric or interfacing, so the shape of the circle is nice and neat. If you are using a fusible interfacing, you may find that trimming the edges helps the circles keep their shape better. You can also use an appliqué stitch around the edges of the circle to help keep them from fraying.
Finally, you can finish the appliqué circles with a decorative stitch. You can use a regular sewing machine to add a simple zigzag stitch to the edges of the circle, or you can use an embroidery machine to add a more elaborate design. This can be a fun way to add a bit of personality to the circles, and it’s a great way to make sure they look their best.
Applique circles with interfacing can be a great addition to any fabric project. With the right materials and the right steps, you can create beautiful circles that look great and last a long time. So, grab some interfacing and fabric, and get ready to make some amazing appliqué circles.
