This is the link to the full you tube tutorial: How to applique | FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/UMepm9iX3XY?si=XgmTghDjcpw0SL0-
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Table of Contents
How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is a fun and simple sewing technique that allows you to create beautiful designs using fabric. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’ll show you how to applique an acorn design using a FREE acorn applique pattern.
This project is perfect if you’re new to applique or if you want an easy project to practise your free-motion quilting.
The finished acorn can be used on a 12 x 12-inch canvas, like the wall hanging shown here, but you can also use exactly the same technique on a cushion cover, apron, sweatshirt, quilt, bag or another sewing project.
The FREE acorn applique pattern is available in the Faodail Creation Facebook group, so make sure you join the group to get your copy.
Materials Needed for the Acorn Applique – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before you begin learning How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, gather all your supplies.
Faodail Creation Facebook Group https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
For the Canvas Wall Hanging
Below I have included all my Amazon Affiliate links, if you decide to purchase from any of these links I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
My Amazon Store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/faodailcreation
You will need:
- 12 x 12-inch canvas – https://amzn.to/4cUlGZE
- 11 x 11-inch piece of quilter’s batting https://amzn.to/4zSdDXg
- 16 x 16-inch piece of background fabric
- Fabric for your acorn
- Steam-A-Seam https://amzn.to/46DrGCu
- Sewing machine
- Embroidery Thread https://amzn.to/461MCmE
- 90/14 Microtex needle https://amzn.to/4ygKhzZ
- Pins – https://amzn.to/4xzj7o3
- Friction pen – https://amzn.to/3Ux7AqR
- Iron – https://amzn.to/4h7uAp2
If you are putting your applique onto a cushion, sweatshirt, apron or another item, you don’t need the canvas supplies.
Step-by-Step: How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now let’s get started with the complete how to applique tutorial.
STEP 1: Get the FREE Acorn Applique Pattern – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
The first step is to get your FREE acorn applique pattern.
The pattern contains three pieces that you will need for the acorn:
- The main acorn
- The top section
- The stem
Join the Faodail Creation Facebook group to access the free pattern. https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Once you have your pattern, check the cutting dimensions before beginning.
STEP 2: Trace the Acorn Pattern – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Place your Steam-A-Seam underneath the first pattern piece.
You should be able to see the pattern through the paper.
You shouldn’t need a light box, but you can use one if you find it easier.
Carefully trace around the main acorn shape.
When you reach the top section, extend your tracing slightly beyond the edge.
This gives the pieces an area where they can overlap.
Important Applique Tip – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Don’t cut directly on the traced line yet.
Leave some extra Steam-A-Seam around the outside of each pattern piece.
This makes the pieces much easier to handle and gives you some room for adjustment.
STEP 3: Trace the Remaining Pattern Pieces – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Repeat the same process for the other two pieces.
Trace the top of the acorn and then trace the stem.
Keep any leftover Steam-A-Seam scraps because small scraps can be useful for smaller applique pieces.
You should now have three traced pattern pieces.
STEP 4: Prepare Your Fabric – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before applying the fusible adhesive, check your fabric.
If it has any creases, press it with your iron.
You want your fabric to be nice and flat.
Place each pattern piece onto the wrong side of the fabric.
Remember that the applique will ultimately be attached with the fabric’s right side facing upwards.
STEP 5: Attach the Steam-A-Seam – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Take your first traced piece.
Carefully peel back the adhesive backing.
Sometimes the adhesive can stay on the wrong side of the paper.
If this happens, gently pull it back and reposition it.
Place the adhesive onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Once it is correctly positioned, press it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Always follow the instructions supplied with your particular fusible adhesive.
Set the piece aside and allow it to cool.
STEP 6: Prepare the Acorn Top – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Take your second pattern piece.
Check the right and wrong sides of the fabric.
Remove the paper backing from the Steam-A-Seam.
Place the adhesive onto the wrong side of the fabric.
Press it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow the piece to cool before moving on.
STEP 7: Prepare the Acorn Stem – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now take the stem pattern piece.
Before permanently attaching it, place it over the acorn pieces to make sure the size and position are correct.
You may need to position the stem slightly on an angle.
Once you’re happy with it, remove the backing from the Steam-A-Seam.
Place the adhesive onto the wrong side of the stem fabric.
Press with your iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Allow it to cool.
STEP 8: Cut Out the Acorn Pieces – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once all three pieces have cooled, you can cut them out.
This time, cut carefully directly along the pattern line.
Take your time around curves and small sections.
You should now have three finished applique pieces:
- Main acorn
- Acorn top
- Stem
Your pieces are now ready to attach to your background fabric.
STEP 9: Find the Centre of Your Background – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before attaching your applique, find the centre of your background fabric.
If you’re making the wall hanging, your background fabric is 16 x 16 inches.
Use a friction pen to mark a temporary centre line.
This will help you position your acorn correctly.
If you’re working on a cushion, sweatshirt, apron or another project, use the same method to establish your desired placement.
STEP 10: Arrange Your Acorn Applique – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Place the main acorn piece onto your background fabric.
Add the top section.
Finally, position the stem.
Because Steam-A-Seam is a two-sided fusible adhesive, you can move the pieces around until you are happy with the arrangement.
This is your opportunity to adjust the design.
Stand back and look at it from a distance.
Make sure the acorn is centred or positioned exactly where you want it.
STEP 11: Fuse the Acorn to the Fabric – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you are happy with the placement, apply heat.
Press the applique pieces according to the instructions for your fusible adhesive.
The heat will activate the adhesive and secure your applique to the background fabric.
Allow everything to cool before moving on to the sewing stage.
STEP 12: Baste the Quilt Sandwich – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you’re making the canvas wall hanging, place the 11 x 11-inch piece of quilter’s batting behind your background fabric.
Pin the layers together.
This will help prevent the fabric and batting from shifting while you are doing your free-motion quilting.
If you’re applying the applique directly to another sewing project, you may not need this step.
STEP 13: Set Up Your Sewing Machine – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now it’s time to sew around your applique.
This is where you can combine how to applique with beginner-friendly free-motion quilting.
For my project, I used a Baby Lock Ellure 2.
Attach your free-motion quilting foot and lower the feed dogs.
I used brown embroidery thread on top and brown embroidery thread in the bobbin.
I also used a 90/14 Microtex needle.
Your machine may have slightly different settings, so always follow your sewing machine manufacturer’s instructions.
STEP 14: Free-Motion Quilt Around the Stem – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Start with the stem.
With the feed dogs lowered, you control the movement of the fabric yourself.
Slowly move around the outside of the stem.
Go around the stem approximately three times.
Don’t worry if your lines aren’t perfectly identical.
This is actually a fantastic way to practise free-motion quilting because you are simply following the edge of your applique.
Beginner Tip – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you find yourself struggling to move around a curve, stop sewing.
Lift your foot if necessary, reposition your project and continue.
You don’t have to sew the entire design without stopping.
STEP 15: Free-Motion Quilt Around the Acorn – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now move to the top section of the acorn.
Follow the outside edge using the same free-motion technique.
Move slowly and concentrate on controlling the fabric.
Remember: when your feed dogs are lowered, you are the feed dogs.
Your hands control the direction of the fabric.
If you find it easier, you can also wear quilting gloves to give you additional grip.
STEP 16: Check Your Finished Applique – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you’ve finished sewing around the acorn, trim away any loose threads.
Look over your stitching and make any adjustments you need.
Your acorn applique is now complete!
STEP 17: Attach the Applique to the Canvas – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you’re making the wall hanging shown in this tutorial, you can now attach your finished fabric to the 12 x 12-inch canvas.
Apply a small amount of suitable adhesive to the canvas.
This can help prevent the fabric and batting from shifting.
Place your fabric over the canvas and make sure your acorn is positioned correctly.
STEP 18: Staple the Fabric to the Canvas – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Fold the excess background fabric over the edge of the canvas.
Secure it with staples.
Start with one side.
Then move directly to the opposite side.
Pull the fabric gently so that it remains smooth, then fold it over and staple it into place.
Repeat this process with the remaining two sides.
STEP 19: Finish the Corners – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Fold the fabric neatly around each corner.
Trim away excess bulk if necessary.
Secure the corners firmly with your staples.
Take your time with this part because neat corners will give your finished wall hanging a much more professional appearance.
Your Acorn Applique Is Finished! – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
And that’s how to applique an acorn!
You now have a cute handmade acorn wall hanging that you can display in your home.
The best thing about this technique is that you don’t have to stop with an acorn.
Once you understand how to applique, you can use the same process to create all sorts of designs.
Where Can You Use Applique? – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Try your new applique skills on:
- Cushions
- Quilts
- Bags
- Aprons
- Sweatshirts
- Table runners
- Wall hangings
- Placemats
- Sewing accessories
- Children’s clothing
- Home décor
You can also experiment with different fabrics and threads to create completely different looks.
Why This Is a Great Applique Project for Beginners – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you’re nervous about trying applique, this project is a great place to begin.
There are only three applique pieces, and the free-motion quilting is simply following the outside edges.
You don’t need to create complicated free-motion designs.
You’re simply moving your fabric around the shape.
This makes it a fun and easy way to learn how to applique and practise free-motion quilting at the same time.
Get the FREE Acorn Applique Pattern – How to Applique – FREE Acorn Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Don’t forget that the acorn applique pattern used in this tutorial is available FREE in the Faodail Creation Facebook group – https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Join the group to get the pattern and discover more sewing, quilting and applique projects.
If you make this project, I’d love to know what you think!
Leave a comment and tell me where you would use your acorn applique.
And don’t forget to subscribe to the Faodail Creation YouTube channel for more sewing tutorials, free patterns and beginner-friendly projects.
Happy sewing!
Read this next : https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/08/26/how-to-applique-free-autumn-leaf-applique-sewing-pattern-for-beginners/
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