I love Wool Appliqué! It’s easy – It’s quick and I love the look when it’s finished. Whenever I need something on the run I usually go with an embroidery but a wool project is just as easy to transport. Especially, if the pattern needs to be stitched with one color thread. Wool Appliqué has a bit of prep work involved. But, after the prep, it’s just stitching.
Here’s what I am currently working on –
It’s called “Birds of a Feather” by Primitive Gatherings . To me, Primitive Gathering is the Mecca of wool. Lisa Bongean is so very talented! She must design and create in her sleep! I love looking at her wool under my Stella Task light. The True-color mode really shows the hand dyed colors and variations in the wool! It’s all so pretty. Check out her online store – you will love it!
Here’s how I begin.
I’m still “old school” with my appliqué. I know everyone uses a fusible web product to hold the pieces in place but I still go the freezer paper route. I draw off the pattern on the dull side of the freezer paper – iron it on the wool and cut it out. This way if I want to do the pattern again, I just re-use the freezer paper pieces I have already cut out. They can be re-stuck down with the iron many, many times.
I copied off the pattern to a piece of card stock for the stem placement. I cut away where the stem lines needed to be drawn in and I added them to the base wool with a blue frixion pen. You can see the blue line under the bird. These pens are erasable by heat. When I block this project, it will disappear.
Here’s a trick I learned at the Houston Quilt Show a few years ago. I saw someone staple down all the wool pieces to the background to hold them in place. I tried it several years ago and I am hooked on this technique. Especially since I don’t use fusible web. I needed something stronger than a little spot of basting glue to place and hold my wool pieces. Wool is very forgiving. I have never had any issues with holes. I love good tips!
Now it’s time for stitching. I have a fun project “to go”. Check out the video below to see a twist on the traditional blanket stitch. My version makes your stitches like “soldiers”. I like my stitches at attention. You might like this alternative blanket stitch too.
Enjoy the video below!
Just for fun – Here’s a cute project that will only take an hour or two. All the instructions are included to make this charming little candle accessory. Share one with a friend! Enjoy!
Click here for the instructions – Candle Mat SS
This cute little candle mat pattern is fun to do and uses up the small pieces of felt you have been saving for a rainy day.
Nice project! Thanks for the tutorial!
I am just getting started with wool applique and I was wondering what type of wool do I buy, Is there a certain weight that I should be looking for? I have a few patterns that I sketched and would love to see them done in applique.
Thank you in advance for any suggestions and advice.
Angie
Nice blog post! The blankets are beautiful. Wonderful color.Thanks for sharing