This is the link to my full you tube tutorial : How to applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/ltodagFYeeQ?si=bF8ca2ktnz1URjze
Table of Contents
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is a wonderful sewing technique for adding beautiful fabric designs to cushions, wall hangings, quilts, bags, aprons and many other sewing projects. In this tutorial, I am going to show you how to applique a cheerful sunflower design using fusible web, fabric and free-motion quilting. This is also a great applique quilting tutorial for beginners who want to learn how to combine applique and quilting techniques in one project. It is an easy appliqué quilt tutorial for anyone who is new to working with fabric applique.
This sunflower applique is a fun project for beginners because you don’t need to be an experienced quilter or applique artist to create something beautiful. The sunflower pattern is made up of simple shapes, including petals, a centre and a leaf. Once you understand how to applique, you can use the same technique to create many different designs.
I am using my sunflower design to create a pretty fabric wall hanging, but you can use this How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners technique on almost anything. You could add the sunflower to a cushion cover, apron, quilt, table runner, tote bag or even a piece of clothing. If you enjoy combining decorative fabric shapes with quilting, this project is also a fun appliqué quilt tutorial to add to your sewing projects.
The How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is available through my Facebook group, where I share lots of free applique and quilting patterns. If you are new to applique and quilting, this applique quilting tutorial for beginners is a great way to practise creating fabric shapes, securing them with fusible web and adding decorative free-motion stitching.
How to Applique a Sunflower – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you are learning how to applique, this sunflower is a great project to start with. The design has multiple petals, a simple centre and a leaf, so you can practise working with several applique pieces while still keeping the project manageable.
For my wall hanging, I am using a 12 x 12-inch artist canvas. I find these canvases inexpensive and they work really well for displaying finished applique projects.
I also use quilter’s batting underneath the fabric. The batting helps give the finished project a little more dimension and prevents the fabric from looking completely flat against the canvas.
Materials for How to Applique – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before you begin learning how to applique, gather everything you need.
FREE PATTERN ON FACEBOOK GROUP – https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Below I have included 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
You will need:
- FREE sunflower applique pattern – https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
- Fabric for the sunflower petals
- Fabric for the sunflower centre
- Fabric for the leaf
- Background fabric
- Fusible web such as Steam-A-Seam – https://amzn.to/3T0ddxc
- Quilter’s batting – https://amzn.to/3V48jjr
- Sharp fabric scissors – https://amzn.to/3SYA4tc
- Paper scissors – https://amzn.to/4gS15Gx
- Pencil – https://amzn.to/4ig3RYF
- Iron – https://amzn.to/4hg0nUW
- ironing mat – https://amzn.to/4cBIw8t
- 12 x 12-inch canvas if making the wall hanging – https://amzn.to/4ynI7yB
- Sewing machine
- Free-motion quilting foot
- Embroidery thread – https://amzn.to/4hjd94Y
- 90/14 needle – https://amzn.to/4r6IgV0
- Pins – https://amzn.to/4A2Uced
- Staple gun for mounting the finished piece https://amzn.to/4gRei2s
For my project, I cut my backing fabric approximately 16 x 16 inches. I also cut my quilter’s batting approximately 11 x 11 inches so it fits over the front of the canvas.
Prepare the Pattern – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
The first stage when learning how to applique is preparing all of your applique pieces.
The sunflower pattern includes 19 petals, the centre of the sunflower and a leaf. You can trace every petal individually if you want to follow the pattern exactly.
However, I prefer to make this process a little easier.
Trace the Sunflower Petals – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Take one petal from the pattern and use it as your template. This simple technique tracing method makes it easy to create multiple matching pieces for your sunflower applique.
Place your fusible web over the pattern and trace around the petal using a pencil. I like using Steam-A-Seam because it is fusible on both sides and makes positioning the pieces much easier later. This technique tracing method is especially helpful when working with multiple applique shapes because you can quickly create all the pieces you need.
You need 19 sunflower petals.
Rather than tracing every petal individually, you can repeatedly trace the same petal 19 times. This saves time and ensures that all your petals are similar.
When tracing your petals, pay attention to the centre of the sunflower.
The petal needs to overlap slightly into the area where the sunflower centre will eventually sit. This gives you room to tuck the petal underneath the centre when you assemble your applique.
Trace the Centre and Leaf – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once all 19 petals have been traced, trace the centre of the sunflower.
You can also trace the leaf as one complete applique piece.
If you find it difficult to see the pattern through the fusible web, use a light box. You can also place the pattern against a bright window and trace it that way.
This is a simple tip that can make how to applique much easier when working with detailed patterns.
Keep Track of Your Pieces
As you trace your petals, write the number beside each piece.
For example, number your petals from 1 to 19.
This is particularly useful when you are working with a larger applique pattern because it means you don’t have to keep stopping to count everything again.
How to Applique: Fuse the Fabric – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once all your pattern pieces have been traced, it is time to attach the fusible web to your fabric.
This is one of the most important stages when learning how to applique because correct placement of the fusible web will make the rest of the project much easier.
Place the Fusible Web on the Fabric – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Start with your sunflower petals.
Check your fabric carefully because you need to identify the right side and wrong side.
The fusible web needs to be attached to the wrong side of your fabric.
Before removing the paper backing completely, audition the piece against the fabric to make sure the adhesive is facing the correct direction.
Steam-A-Seam can be used from either side, so it is easy to accidentally place the adhesive on the wrong side.
If necessary, gently press the adhesive over to the correct side before attaching it to the fabric.
Place the fusible web onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Press the Applique Pieces – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular fusible web and press the pieces with your iron.
Do not guess the pressing time because different products can have different requirements.
Once each piece has been fused, allow it to cool completely before moving on to the next stage.
Repeat this process for all 19 petals.
Then fuse the sunflower centre and the leaf.
Keeping your iron switched on is useful because you will need it again when assembling the sunflower.
Cut the Pieces – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
After the fabric and fusible web have completely cooled, it is time to cut out your applique pieces.
Use sharp fabric scissors for this stage.
Carefully cut around each sunflower petal, the centre and the leaf.
You don’t need to cut the pieces out before fusing them to the fabric. In fact, I find it easier to fuse first and cut afterwards.
The fusible web helps stabilize the fabric and also helps minimize fraying around the edges.
Check Every Piece
Before moving on, lay all your pieces out on your work surface.
You should have:
- 19 sunflower petals
- 1 sunflower centre
- 1 leaf
Check that everything has been cut cleanly.
If you are following a How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners this is also a good time to compare your pieces with the original pattern before assembling the design.
How to Applique: Position the Sunflower – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Now comes the fun part!
This is where you learn how to applique your individual fabric pieces into one finished design.
Take the background fabric that you want to applique onto and give it a good press.
For my wall hanging, I am positioning the sunflower centrally near the bottom portion of my canvas.
However, you don’t have to position your sunflower in exactly the same place.
Arrange the Sunflower Centre
Peel away the paper backing from your sunflower centre.
This reveals the sticky side of the fusible web.
Place the centre onto your background fabric.
Because the fusible web is sticky, you can lift the piece and reposition it while you are arranging the rest of your design.
This is one of the reasons I love using Steam-A-Seam when teaching How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners.
Arrange the Petals
Start placing your petals around the sunflower centre.
Remember that the petals should tuck slightly underneath the centre.
You don’t have to place every petal perfectly straight away.
In fact, I recommend placing several pieces first and then stepping back to look at the whole sunflower.
Move the petals around until the sunflower looks balanced and proportional.
You can make some petals slightly closer together and others slightly farther apart.
The great thing about how to applique is that you can add your own personality to the design.
Add the Leaf – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you are happy with the petals, position your leaf.
Again, you don’t have to copy my exact placement.
Try moving the leaf slightly to the left or right until you are happy with how your sunflower looks.
This is your project, so have fun with it!
How to Applique: Fuse the Design – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Before pressing, take one final look at your sunflower.
Make sure every petal is exactly where you want it.
Check that the centre is covering the ends of the petals and that the leaf is positioned correctly.
Once everything is in place, press the entire applique according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your fusible web.
The heat will activate the adhesive and permanently attach the applique pieces to your background fabric.
Allow everything to cool before continuing.
How to Applique with Free-Motion Quilting – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
One of my favourite parts of learning how to applique is adding the stitching around the fabric shapes.
For this sunflower, I am using black embroidery thread to create a strong outline around the petals, leaf and centre.
You can use a matching thread colour instead if you prefer a softer appearance.
Prepare Your Sewing Machine
I am using my Baby Lock sewing and embroidery machine for this project.
Set your machine up for free-motion quilting.
I use:
- Black embroidery thread in the top
- Black embroidery thread in the bobbin
- A 90/14 needle
- Free-motion quilting foot
- Feed dogs lowered
You will also need some type of stabilization underneath your fabric.
For my project, I have pinned quilter’s batting to the back of the fabric.
Why Use Free-Motion Quilting?
Free-motion quilting is a great way to secure your applique pieces while also adding decorative stitching.
If you are new to free-motion quilting, this sunflower is excellent practice.
You don’t need to create perfectly straight lines.
In fact, I think the sunflower looks better when the stitching is slightly scribbly and organic.
How to Applique the Sunflower Petals – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Start with the outside edge of a petal.
Move the fabric underneath the needle and follow the shape of the applique.
I like to go around each shape approximately three times.
Don’t worry if your lines aren’t identical.
The slightly imperfect, scribbly appearance gives the sunflower character and makes it look handmade.
Continue around each petal.
Take your time and concentrate on controlling the movement of your fabric.
Stitch the Leaf – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once the petals are complete, move onto the leaf.
Follow the outer edge of the leaf with your free-motion quilting foot.
You can also add additional stitching inside the leaf if you want more detail.
The black thread creates a strong outline and makes the applique design really stand out.
Stitch the Sunflower Centre – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Finally, stitch around the inside portion of the sunflower centre.
You can use the same scribbly free-motion quilting technique.
Don’t worry about making everything perfect.
If you are practising How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, remember that free-motion quilting improves with practice. The more you do it, the more comfortable you will become controlling your fabric.
How to Applique on a Canvas
Once your sunflower applique is complete, you can turn it into a wall hanging.
This is an optional part of the project.
You can use the exact same How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners technique on a cushion cover, apron, quilt, tote bag or another sewing project.
Add the Batting – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
For my wall hanging, I use an inexpensive 12 x 12-inch artist canvas.
I cut a piece of quilter’s batting approximately 11 x 11 inches.
The batting creates a little bit of puffiness behind the fabric and helps the finished sunflower look more dimensional.
Place the batting over the front of the canvas and secure it.
Attach the Fabric – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Place your finished sunflower fabric over the canvas.
Make sure the design is positioned exactly how you want it before securing anything.
Pull the fabric around the back of the canvas.
You want the fabric to be smooth and reasonably taut, but don’t pull it so hard that you distort the sunflower.
Staple the First Side
Fold the fabric neatly over the back of the canvas and staple it into place.
Work your way along one side.
Once the first side is secured, move to the opposite side.
Pull the fabric gently so that you can remove any slack.
Staple the opposite side.
Continue working around the canvas, alternating between opposite sides.
This helps keep the fabric taut and prevents wrinkles.
When all four sides are secured, trim away any excess fabric if necessary.
How to Applique : Finishing Your Sunflower – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
And that’s it!
You now know how to applique a beautiful sunflower design and turn it into a cheerful wall hanging.
I love how the black stitching creates such a strong outline around the sunflower.
However, you don’t have to use black thread.
You can use thread that matches your fabric for a softer and more traditional applique appearance.
You could also experiment with different colours to create completely different looks.
How to Applique Other Projects – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Once you understand How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, you can use this same technique on so many sewing projects.
Try adding the sunflower design to:
- Cushion covers
- Aprons
- Quilts
- Tote bags
- Table runners
- Placemats
- Wall hangings
- Sewing room decor
- Clothing
- Fabric baskets
You can also use the same basic technique with other applique patterns.
The most important thing is to experiment and have fun.
Try Different Thread Colours – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
One simple way to change the appearance of your applique is to change the thread colour.
Black thread gives the sunflower a bold outline.
Matching thread creates a more subtle finish.
You could also use decorative or variegated embroidery thread for something completely different.
Experiment with Fabric – How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
Another great thing about how to applique is that you can use different fabrics to create different effects.
Try floral fabrics, batiks, solids, small prints or even scraps from previous sewing projects.
This sunflower is also a great scrap-busting project because many of the pieces are relatively small.
How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
If you would like to make this project, the FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is available in my Facebook group.
I have many more free applique patterns and quilting patterns available in the group, so make sure you join if you love sewing and want more free projects.
I hope this how to applique tutorial has shown you just how easy it can be to create a beautiful fabric design.
Applique doesn’t have to be complicated. With fusible web, a few fabric scraps and some simple stitching, you can transform an ordinary sewing project into something really special.
Final Thoughts on How to Applique
LearningHow to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners opens up so many creative possibilities.
Start with simple shapes like this sunflower and practice positioning your pieces, fusing your fabric and stitching around the edges.
Once you become comfortable with the technique, you can start creating your own applique designs and adding them to quilts, bags, cushions, clothing and home decor.
The most important thing is not to worry about making everything perfect.
Have fun choosing your fabrics, arranging your pieces and experimenting with your stitching.
I hope you enjoyed learning How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners with this cheerful sunflower project. Don’t forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel and join my Facebook group for more free applique and sewing patterns.
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How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners
How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners is a fun way to explore Applique.
If you enjoyed How to Applique | FREE Sunflower Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners, you might also like Autumn Leaf Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners you can also try Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners to learn more Applique using your sewing machine.
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