Welcome to the world of wool appliqué as the final part in our 2024 series of applique techniques! This versatile and forgiving quilting technique is perfect for creating lush textural designs. With this tutorial, we're keeping costs low and creativity high, making it accessible for all quilt artists. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Gather Your Supplies
As with most quilting techniques, there are many ways to approach raw edge wool appliqué. Here’s a low-cost option:
Essential Supplies:
A marking tool (like a pencil or fabric marker)
Access to a printer (to print your templates)
Fabric for the background (a solid or subtle print works well)
Fabric for template shapes (scraps of wool from sweaters, scarves, or blazers; knits like old t-shirts also work)
Freezer paper
Bonus Supplies:
A lightbox or a window for tracing templates
Chipboard, cereal box, or cardboard for sturdy reusable templates
Step 2: Preparing Your Background Fabric
Choose a contrasting fabric for your background. Press it and cut it to 20" x 20". The finished block will trim down to 18.5" x 18.5". Next, gather scraps for your template shapes—a mug, sweater, dots, and snowflakes are excellent starting points.
Step 3: Felting Your Wool
Felt your wool to ensure it doesn’t shrink later. Here’s how:
Hot Wash: Soak your wool in a sink of hot water or run it through a hot washing machine cycle. Rinse in cold water.
Dry: Use a dryer to make it soft and pliable.
Pro Tip: Wash similar colors together to prevent bleeding. Unsure if your wool is fully felted? Felting it again won’t hurt!
Step 4: Tracing and Cutting Shapes
Reverse Your Pattern: Check if the pattern template is already reversed. If not, use a lightbox or window to trace it in reverse.
Trace on Freezer Paper: Trace each shape onto freezer paper, ensuring clear, bold lines.
Cut Around the Line: Cut just outside the traced lines.
Fuse and Cut Precisely: Iron the freezer paper (paper side up) onto the correct color of wool. Cut directly on the drawn lines.
Peel and Arrange: Once cooled, peel off the freezer paper and arrange your pieces on the background fabric using your pattern as a guide.
Step 5: Securing and Sewing
Pin or baste your shapes in place, ensuring at least a 1/2” seam allowance around the block’s edges. Now comes the fun part: sewing by hand! Here are your options:
Thread Choices: Match your thread to the wool or choose contrasting colors for a bold look.
Stitch Styles: Use a blanket stitch for a classic finish, or experiment with wide, messy stitches in bright neon threads for a modern twist.
Bonus Resources: Watch the Experts
Expand your skills by watching these helpful video tutorials:
Step 6: Finishing Your Block
Stitch around each appliqué shape, ensuring the edges are secure. Take creative liberty with your stitching style to make your block uniquely yours. Once finished, admire your completed 18.5” x 18.5” appliqué block ready to be joined into a larger project or displayed as a standalone piece.
Happy stitching!
Blog post and pattern created by Sara Flynn
