This is the you tube tutorial link : How to applique | FREE Halloween Frankenstein’s Monster Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/G-QYFPdnPUM
Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
Table of Contents
Frankenstein Monster Applique is a fun Halloween sewing project that is perfect for adding a spooky touch to your home. In this tutorial, I’m going to show you how to create your own Frankenstein monster using fabric appliqué, fusible adhesive, and free-motion quilting.
I had so much fun making this Frankenstein monster, and this project is much easier than it may look. You can turn your finished appliqué into a wall hanging, cushion, apron, sweatshirt, tote bag, or another sewing project of your choice.
The technique is the same regardless of what you decide to make.
The Frankenstein Monster Applique pattern is available as a free pattern in my Facebook group, Faodail Creation Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Group. The group is free to join, and you’ll also find other free appliqué patterns and sewing inspiration there.
As a Baby Lock Educator, I love creating projects that allow you to explore the creative possibilities of your sewing machine. This Frankenstein Monster Applique project combines traditional fabric appliqué with free-motion quilting to create a fun Halloween design.
Frankenstein Monster Applique Supplies
Get the FREE Pattern HERE https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
Before beginning your Frankenstein Monster Applique, gather everything you’ll need.
Materials for Frankenstein Monster Applique
You will need:
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!
My Amazon main store : https://www.amazon.com/shop/faodailcreation
- Frankenstein monster appliqué pattern https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
- Fabric for the Frankenstein face
- Fabric for the hair
- White fabric for the eyes and teeth
- Green fabric for the eyes
- Black fabric for the eyes
- Fabric for the bolts
- Steam-a-Seam 2 – https://link.amazon/B0g5SZis3
- Friction pen https://link.amazon/B0emwuGx2
- Iron https://link.amazon/B0fDEyQqD
- Quilter’s batting https://link.amazon/B07Ql00Bx
- Sewing machine
- Open-toe presser foot
- 90/14 needle https://link.amazon/B06QA2S9P
- Black embroidery thread https://link.amazon/B03U3VLrh
- 12-inch x 12-inch canvas frame https://link.amazon/B06DgcUtK
- Fabric for your finished project
I used Steam-a-Seam 2 because I like the way it works for appliqué projects. The two-sided fusible adhesive allows you to position your pieces before permanently pressing them into place.
Step 1: Prepare the Frankenstein Monster Applique Pattern
The first step is to prepare your Frankenstein Monster Applique pattern.
Print or obtain the free pattern and look carefully at all of the individual pieces.
There are quite a few pieces in this Frankenstein design, so I recommend keeping track of them as you work.
I like to tick each piece off the pattern as I trace it.
This simple step can save you from wondering whether you have already traced a particular piece.
Trace Each Applique Piece
Place your Steam-a-Seam onto the pattern and begin tracing the individual shapes.
You do not need to trace every curve perfectly. Just make sure you follow the basic outline of each piece.
For Frankenstein’s face, pay particular attention to the area underneath the hair.
The face should extend slightly underneath the hair because the hair will overlap the top of the face when the pieces are assembled.
Once you have traced the face, tick it off your list.
Continue with the hair, bolts, teeth, nose, eyes, and other pieces.
Keep Small Pieces Together
Some of the pieces are very small.
When several small pieces belong together, I recommend leaving them together on the Steam-a-Seam until you are ready to use them.
This makes them easier to keep track of and reduces the chance of losing one of the tiny pieces.
For the eyes, label the pieces if necessary.
For example, you can mark them with:
- E – White
- E – Green
- E – Black
You can also label the nose with an “N.”
This is especially helpful when you have several small appliqué pieces on your work surface.
Step 2: Cut Around the Applique Pieces
When you have finished tracing your Frankenstein Monster Applique pieces, cut around each shape.
Do not cut directly on the drawn line yet.
Instead, leave approximately ¼ inch around each shape.
If you are working from a large roll or sheet of Steam-a-Seam, trim away the excess material first.
This makes each individual piece much easier to handle.
Continue ticking off your pattern pieces as you cut them.
By the end of this stage, you should have every Frankenstein Monster Applique piece traced and prepared.
Step 3: Apply the Fusible Adhesive to the Fabric
Now it is time to transfer the Frankenstein Monster Applique pieces onto your fabrics.
Place the fusible adhesive against the wrong side of the fabric.
This is important because the adhesive needs to bond to the reverse side of your fabric.
Check Which Side Has the Glue
Steam-a-Seam is two-sided, and sometimes it can be difficult to tell which side contains the adhesive.
Before pressing, check that you have the correct side against the fabric.
If you have accidentally used the plain side, there is an easy way to correct it.
Press your thumb gently against the surface.
If the adhesive sticks to your thumb, you know you have found the glue side.
You can then gently move the adhesive over so the glue is facing the correct direction.
Always check before pressing.
This small step can save you from having to redo your fabric pieces later.
Step 4: Prepare All the Frankenstein Monster Applique Fabrics
Work through your traced pieces one at a time.
Start with the face.
Place it against your chosen fabric and check that you have enough fabric to cover the entire shape.
I like to audition the pieces before permanently pressing them.
This means placing the fabric pieces together to check the colours, size, and overall appearance before committing to the final placement.
Repeat the process with the hair.
Then prepare the bolts, teeth, eyes, and other pieces.
For the eyes, prepare the white, green, and black sections separately.
For the teeth, use white fabric.
The bolts can be made from a contrasting fabric of your choice.
Step 5: Decide on the Nose
For my Frankenstein Monster Applique, I initially prepared a separate fabric piece for the nose.
However, I decided to leave the fabric nose out.
Instead, I planned to create the nose using free-motion quilting later.
This is one of the fun things about fabric appliqué.
You do not have to follow the design in exactly the same way every time.
You can change details and use stitching to add additional features.
Step 6: Prepare Your Background Fabric
For my project, I used a 16-inch x 16-inch piece of fabric for the wall hanging.
You can change the size depending on how you want to use your Frankenstein Monster Applique.
For example, you could make the design into:
- A wall hanging
- A cushion
- An apron
- A sweatshirt
- A tote bag
- A Halloween decoration
The principle of applying the fabric pieces remains the same.
Find the Centre of Your Fabric
If you need to find the centre of your background fabric, fold the fabric in half.
Fold it in half again.
Pinch the corner firmly and then open the fabric back out.
You should have a small cross-shaped crease marking the centre.
You can then use a friction pen to mark the centre more clearly.
This gives you a useful reference point when positioning your Frankenstein Monster Applique.
Step 7: Cut Out the Frankenstein Monster Applique Pieces
Once your fused fabrics have cooled, you can begin cutting out the individual pieces.
This time, carefully cut directly along the drawn lines.
Take your time around curves and small details.
The more accurately you cut the pieces, the cleaner your finished Frankenstein Monster Applique will look.
There is no need to rush this stage.
Step 8: Position the Frankenstein Monster Applique
Now comes one of my favourite parts: assembling the monster.
Peel away the paper backing from each appliqué piece.
Removing the paper reveals the adhesive underneath.
Position the face first.
Then add the hair.
Continue adding the bolts, eyes, teeth, and other pieces.
The great thing about Steam-a-Seam is that you can reposition the pieces before permanently pressing them.
So if something isn’t quite where you want it, simply lift it and try again.
And remember, this is Frankenstein’s monster!
It doesn’t have to be perfect.
Add the Mouth
Use your friction pen to sketch the mouth onto the fabric.
Don’t worry if the markings are visible.
Friction pen markings can be removed with heat later.
You can use your sketch as a guide when you begin your free-motion quilting.
At this stage, you can also sketch the nose if you have decided to create it with stitching rather than a separate fabric appliqué piece.
Step 9: Add Quilter’s Batting
Before going to the sewing machine, add a layer of quilter’s batting behind your project.
The batting provides stabilization and gives you a suitable surface for the free-motion quilting.
For my 12-inch x 12-inch canvas frame, I used an approximately 11-inch x 11-inch piece of batting for mounting.
For the actual appliqué project, use batting appropriate for the size and purpose of your finished item.
Pin the batting securely behind your work.
Step 10: Fuse the Frankenstein Monster Applique
Once you are completely happy with the placement of every piece, it is time to permanently fuse the Frankenstein Monster Applique.
Carefully press the entire design with your iron according to the manufacturer’s instructions for your fusible adhesive.
Make sure every appliqué piece is exactly where you want it before pressing.
Once the adhesive has been fused, the pieces will be secured to your background fabric.
Some of your friction pen markings may disappear during this process.
That’s okay.
Simply redraw any lines you need using your friction pen.
Step 11: Free-Motion Quilt the Frankenstein Monster Applique
Now it is time to take your Frankenstein Monster Applique to the sewing machine.
For my project, I used a Baby Lock sewing machine with an open-toe foot, a 90/14 needle, and black embroidery thread in the bobbin.
I lowered the feed dogs so I could do free-motion quilting.
Follow the Applique Shapes
If you are new to free-motion quilting, this is a great project to practise with.
You already have the Frankenstein design in front of you.
Instead of having to invent a quilting design, simply follow the lines and shapes that you have created.
I like to think of this technique as thread painting or thread sketching.
You are essentially drawing with your sewing machine.
Start with one of the eyes.
Move around the inside of the eye several times to secure and define the shape.
You don’t need to make every stitch identical.
The character of free-motion quilting comes from the movement of your hands and sewing machine.
Use Your Hands Correctly
When free-motion quilting, position your hands so you can comfortably move the fabric in different directions.
Keep the fabric supported and use smooth movements.
The goal is to allow the fabric to move freely while maintaining control over your stitching.
Practise on a scrap piece of fabric and batting first if you are new to free-motion quilting.
Step 12: Stitch the Frankenstein Monster Details
Continue using free-motion quilting to add the facial details.
Follow the lines you created with your friction pen.
Stitch the nose.
Then stitch the mouth.
Continue around the other appliqué pieces, using the black thread to outline and define the design.
You can go over certain areas more than once if you want stronger definition.
This stitching is what really brings the Frankenstein Monster Applique to life.
It adds texture, personality, and detail without requiring complicated embroidery designs.
Step 13: Mount the Frankenstein Monster Applique
Once the stitching is complete, you can turn your appliqué into a finished Halloween wall hanging.
For my project, I used a 12-inch x 12-inch canvas frame.
These inexpensive canvas frames are particularly useful for fabric wall art.
I have reused the same type of frame several times by removing the previous fabric and mounting another project.
Attach the Batting to the Frame
Use glue to attach the batting to the canvas frame.
The batting should be slightly smaller than the frame.
For a 12-inch x 12-inch frame, my batting was approximately 11 inches x 11 inches.
This gives you room to concentrate on mounting the fabric neatly.
If you are unfamiliar with mounting fabric onto a canvas frame, I also have a full tutorial explaining the process in more detail.
Why I Love Frankenstein Monster Applique
One of my favourite things about this Frankenstein Monster Applique is how adaptable the technique is.
You don’t need to make a wall hanging.
The same appliqué could become part of a Halloween cushion, clothing, an apron, a tote bag, or another seasonal sewing project.
You can also change the fabrics to create a completely different look.
Try patterned fabric for the hair, different shades of green for the face, or colourful fabrics for a more playful Frankenstein.
The free-motion stitching can also be changed.
You could add additional stitching around the face, create decorative details, or use different thread colours.
Frankenstein Monster Applique Tips for Beginners
If you are new to appliqué, don’t be intimidated by the number of pieces.
The most important thing is to work methodically.
Trace one piece at a time and tick each one off.
Keep small pieces together.
Label pieces when necessary.
Always check which side of your fusible adhesive contains the glue.
Most importantly, audition your appliqué pieces before permanently pressing them.
This gives you the opportunity to make adjustments before the adhesive is fused.
When free-motion quilting, practise first if you need to.
Your stitching does not need to be perfect.
In fact, a little variation can make your Frankenstein Monster Applique look more handmade and unique.
Create Your Own Halloween Sewing Project
Making a Frankenstein Monster Applique is a fantastic way to combine fabric, appliqué, and free-motion quilting into one creative Halloween project.
Whether you are an experienced quilter or just beginning to explore fabric appliqué, this project gives you plenty of opportunities to practise.
The free pattern makes it even easier to get started.
Head over to the Faodail Creation Sewing, Quilting & Embroidery Group on Facebook to join the group and access the free Frankenstein pattern, along with previous free appliqué patterns and more projects as they are added.
If you enjoyed making this Frankenstein Monster Applique, don’t forget to check out my other Halloween sewing and appliqué tutorials.
And if you try this project yourself, I’d love to know what you make!
Final Thoughts on Frankenstein Monster Applique
I had way too much fun making this Frankenstein Monster Applique!
It is a simple project with plenty of room for creativity, and you can adapt the finished design to suit your own sewing style.
From choosing your fabrics to adding the free-motion quilting, every stage gives you an opportunity to put your own personality into the project.
So grab your fabrics, your fusible adhesive, and your sewing machine and have fun creating your own Frankenstein monster.
Happy sewing!
Read this next : Owl Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners – A Fun & Easy Fall Wall Hanging https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/09/30/owl-applique-sewing-pattern-for-beginners/
