Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
This is the full you tube tutorial link How to Applique | FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/Zbew4MZuxYI?si=NN16XEpldsb1New0
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How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginnersis a wonderful way to bring the colours and feeling of fall into your sewing projects. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to applique a beautiful autumn leaf design using fabric scraps, fusible adhesive and free-motion quilting.
This Autumn Leaf Applique project is perfect if you are new to applique because you don’t need to create a complicated design from scratch. You can download the free autumn leaf applique pattern from my Facebook group and use it to create your own beautiful fall project.
The great thing about applique is that you can put your design onto almost anything. You could use this Autumn Leaf Applique on a wall hanging, cushion, tote bag, apron, table runner, quilt or even a piece of clothing.
For my project, I decided to create a small autumn-themed wall hanging using a canvas that I had previously used. I’m also going to show you how I use free-motion quilting to stitch around the applique rather than using a traditional blanket stitch.
The slightly sketchy look created by free-motion stitching is one of my favourite ways to finish applique because it is quick, relaxed and doesn’t have to be perfect.
Autumn Leaf Applique Materials – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before starting your Autumn Leaf Applique, gather everything you need.
For the wall hanging shown in this tutorial, you will need:
- Free autumn leaf applique pattern
- Fabric scraps for the leaves
- Fabric scraps for the stems
- Double-sided fusible adhesive such as Steam-A-Seam
- Pencil
- Iron
- Sewing machine
- Free-motion quilting foot
- 90/14 Microtex sewing needle
- Thread in your chosen colour
- 11 x 11 inch piece of quilt batting
- 12 x 12 inch canvas
- 16 x 6 inch backing fabric
- Friction pen
- Pins or temporary spray adhesive
You don’t need to make the exact wall hanging that I am making.
The Autumn Leaf Applique design can easily be adapted to suit whatever project you have in mind.
Step 1: Download and Trace the Autumn Leaf Applique Pattern – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
The first step is to download the free Autumn Leaf Applique pattern from my Facebook group.
FACEBOOK GROUP – https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Once you have downloaded and printed the pattern, look at the measurements provided on the pattern for cutting one leaf.
For my project, I am making two leaves, but you can make as many as you like.
If you want to make one leaf, make one.
If you want three leaves, make three.
This is one of the things I love about Autumn Leaf Applique because you can change the design to suit your project.
Trace the Leaf Design – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Place your fusible adhesive over the leaf pattern.
Use a pencil to carefully trace around the leaf.
You do not need a light box for this.
If you have difficulty seeing the pattern through your adhesive, you can place it against a window so that the natural light helps you see the lines.
Of course, if you already have a light box, you can use one.
Don’t worry about making your tracing absolutely perfect.
A little bit of imperfection is completely fine with this Autumn Leaf Applique technique.
The free-motion stitching later will add to the relaxed, handmade appearance.
Important: Don’t cut directly on the traced lines at this stage.
Leave some excess material around the outside of the design.
This extra fabric will make the applique much easier to handle.
Trace the Stems
You will also need to trace the stems for your Autumn Leaf Applique design.
For my project, I am making two stems because I am using two leaves.
When tracing the stems, make sure they extend beyond the area where the leaf will sit.
The stem needs to go underneath the leaf.
Having extra length means you can position the stem underneath the leaf without worrying about having a gap.
Step 2: Prepare the Fabric and Fusible Adhesive – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now it is time to prepare the fabric for your Autumn Leaf Applique.
Choose the fabric scraps you want to use for your leaves.
This is a fantastic scrap-busting project because you don’t need large pieces of fabric.
If your fabric is creased, give it a quick press with your iron before continuing.
Position the Adhesive
Place the traced leaf onto the reverse side of your chosen fabric.
The adhesive should be positioned against the wrong side of the fabric.
Before applying any heat, check that your fabric is large enough to accommodate the entire traced design.
Remember that you have deliberately left excess fabric around the tracing.
If your piece is too small, choose another scrap rather than trying to make the design fit.
Sometimes it can be difficult to tell which side of the fusible adhesive contains the glue.
If you accidentally have the adhesive on the wrong side, gently check the paper and adhesive.
You want the glue to be facing the fabric.
Once everything is positioned correctly, press it with your iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always follow the temperature and pressing time recommended for the particular fusible adhesive you are using.
After pressing, allow the adhesive to cool.
This gives the glue time to properly bond to the fabric.
Prepare the Stem – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Repeat the same process with your stem.
Place the fusible adhesive onto the reverse side of your stem fabric.
Press it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
If you are making more than one leaf, prepare all of your pieces at this stage.
For my Autumn Leaf Applique, I prepared two leaves and two stems.
Step 3: Cut Out the Autumn Leaf Applique Pieces – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once your fabric and adhesive have completely cooled, it is time to cut out your Autumn Leaf Applique pieces.
Now you can carefully follow the pencil lines you traced earlier.
Cut around the leaf.
Take your time around the curves and points.
The great thing about applique is that you don’t have to worry about achieving absolute perfection.
The stitching will add character to the finished design.
Adjust Your Leaf Shape – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before moving on, look at your leaves.
If you think the stem is too thick, make it thinner.
If you want a slightly different leaf shape, you can make small adjustments.
Your Autumn Leaf Applique should reflect your own style.
There is no requirement for every leaf to look exactly the same.
You can even experiment with different colours.
Traditional autumn colours such as orange, rust, brown, mustard and red look beautiful, but you could also create green leaves, purple leaves or use completely unexpected colours.
Step 4: Position Your Autumn Leaf Applique Design – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before permanently attaching your Autumn Leaf Applique, take a moment to decide where you want everything to go.
If you are making a wall hanging like mine, prepare your background fabric.
For this project, I am using an 11 x 11 inch piece of quilt batting, a 12 x 12 inch canvas and a 16 x 6 inch piece of backing fabric.
You can change these measurements if you are making a different project.
Find the Centre – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
To help position the design, find the centre of your background.
Fold the fabric over and press it firmly.
Then fold it over again and press once more.
This gives you a centre reference point.
I like to use a friction pen to mark the centre.
Once you know where the centre is, start positioning your stems and leaves.
Place the stems down first because the leaves will sit over the top of them.
Create Your Design – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Arrange your Autumn Leaf Applique pieces until you are happy with the design.
Don’t immediately press everything into place.
Move the leaves around.
Try different angles.
Change the distance between the leaves.
You might find that a slightly different arrangement looks much better.
Remember, this is your project.
You can make one leaf, two leaves or several leaves.
You could even create an entire collection of autumn leaves across a quilt.
Step 5: Fuse the Autumn Leaf Applique to the Fabric – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you are happy with the arrangement, remove the backing paper from the fusible adhesive.
Carefully place your Autumn Leaf Applique pieces onto the background.
Take your time.
Once the leaves and stems are positioned correctly, apply heat with your iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
The heat activates the adhesive and permanently bonds the applique to the fabric.
Make sure you have all of your pieces exactly where you want them before pressing.
After the applique has been fused, allow the project to cool before moving it over to your sewing machine.
Step 6: Prepare Your Sewing Machine for Free-Motion Applique
For my Autumn Leaf Applique, I am using a Baby Lock Altair 2 sewing and embroidery machine.
However, you don’t need this particular machine to make the project.
The technique can be adapted to many sewing machines that allow you to do free-motion quilting.
I am using a free-motion quilting foot because I love the sketchy appearance it creates around the applique.
Lower the Feed Dogs
Set your sewing machine up for free-motion quilting.
You will need to lower the feed dogs.
On my machine, I can do this at the touch of a button, which makes the process very convenient.
Your machine may have a different method, so check your sewing machine manual if you are unsure how to lower the feed dogs.
Once the feed dogs are lowered, you become responsible for moving the fabric.
This can feel strange the first time you try it, but don’t worry.
You will quickly become more comfortable.
Choose Your Thread – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
For the leaves, I like using a dusky orange thread.
You could also use:
- Dark orange
- Rust
- Brown
- Black
- Green
- Gold
- A contrasting colour
There are no rules.
If you want your stitching to stand out, choose a contrasting thread.
If you want a softer appearance, choose a thread that blends with your fabric.
Step 7: Add the Free-Motion Stitching – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before starting the free-motion stitching, place the 11 x 11 inch piece of quilt batting behind your project.
The batting provides additional stability and gives your wall hanging some body.
I recommend pinning or temporarily spray-basting the batting to the back of your project.
Now you are ready to begin your Autumn Leaf Applique stitching.
Start Slowly
If you have never tried free-motion quilting before, this is a great project to practise with.
You already have the leaf shape in front of you.
Instead of trying to draw your own design, simply follow the outline.
Begin moving around the outside of the leaf.
You can turn and rotate your project as you sew.
Remember that because the feed dogs are lowered, you are controlling the movement of the fabric.
Don’t worry if your stitching isn’t perfectly straight.
In fact, the imperfect lines are part of the charm.
Create the Sketchy Effect – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
One of my favourite things about this Autumn Leaf Applique technique is the sketchy appearance.
I like to go around the leaf approximately three times.
The lines don’t need to perfectly follow each other.
Let them move slightly.
You can even choose to stitch slightly inside the leaf or occasionally travel outside the edge.
This gives the project a relaxed, handmade appearance.
Step 8: Stitch the Leaf Veins – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once the outside of the leaf has been stitched, add the veins.
Move towards the centre of the leaf and stitch the vein lines.
You can use the same thread colour or choose a contrasting colour.
Black thread can look particularly dramatic against autumn fabrics.
If you are using a very light thread, the stitching may be subtle.
That is perfectly fine.
If you want the veins to be more noticeable, simply choose a darker thread.
Repeat the process on each leaf.
Step 9: Stitch the Autumn Leaf Stems – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once the leaves are complete, move onto the stems.
Follow the length of each stem with your free-motion foot.
Again, there is no need for absolute perfection.
The relaxed stitching works beautifully with the natural appearance of an autumn leaf.
This is also why I love free-motion stitching for Autumn Leaf Applique.
It allows you to work quickly without worrying about creating a perfectly precise satin stitch or blanket stitch.
Step 10: Attach the Finished Project to the Canvas – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once your Autumn Leaf Applique has been stitched, you can turn it into a wall hanging.
For my project, I am using a 12 x 12 inch canvas.
I also have a piece of backing fabric that measures 16 x 6 inches.
I like to put a little glue onto the canvas to help keep the quilt batting in position while I attach the fabric.
Carefully position your fabric over the canvas.
Fold the raw edge over and bring the fabric around the canvas.
Then staple it securely into position.
Once the top has been attached, work on the bottom.
Continue folding and securing the fabric until the entire canvas is covered.
If you are unsure how to attach fabric to a canvas, I have a separate full tutorial showing this process in more detail.
Why I Love This Autumn Leaf Applique Project – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
I honestly thought this project was going to look very basic when I started.
But once the stitching was complete, I absolutely loved how it turned out.
The combination of the fabric, the applique and the free-motion stitching creates a lovely handmade autumn decoration.
The best part is that you don’t need expensive materials.
You can use fabric scraps you already have in your sewing room.
You can also change the size of the leaves and create an entirely different project.
More Ways to Use the Autumn Leaf Applique Pattern
Your Autumn Leaf Applique doesn’t have to become a wall hanging.
Try using the free pattern on:
- Tote bags
- Cushion covers
- Aprons
- Table runners
- Quilts
- Placemats
- Mug rugs
- Table toppers
- Fabric baskets
- Sewing room decorations
- Clothing
- Christmas projects
- Seasonal decorations
Make a Seasonal Collection – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you have mastered this technique, consider making applique designs for different seasons.
You could create spring flowers, summer leaves, autumn leaves and winter designs.
This would give you a complete collection of seasonal sewing projects.
Beginner Tips for Autumn Leaf Applique – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If this is your first time trying Autumn Leaf Applique, don’t be afraid to experiment.
Your first attempt does not need to be perfect.
Practice your free-motion stitching on a scrap piece of fabric before starting your finished project.
This will help you get used to controlling the movement of the fabric.
Also remember to check your sewing machine manual before changing settings such as lowering the feed dogs.
When working with fusible adhesive, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular product.
Most importantly, enjoy the process.
Final Thoughts on Autumn Leaf Applique – How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
This How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners project is a simple and enjoyable way to use fabric scraps while creating something beautiful for your home.
The free pattern makes it easy to get started, and the free-motion stitching adds a wonderful handmade finish.
You can make the project exactly as shown or take the basic Autumn Leaf Applique design and create something completely different.
Try one leaf on an apron.
Make three leaves on a cushion.
Create an entire collection of leaves on a quilt.
The possibilities are endless.
If you enjoyed making this How to Applique: FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know what you are planning to make with the pattern.
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How to Applique | FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
How to Applique | FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is a fun way to explore Applique.
If you enjoyed How to Applique | FREE Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, you might also like Sew a Daffodil Applique Cushion Cover you can also try How to create Applique Designs to learn more Applique using your sewing machine.
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