Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation
This is the full you tube tutorial : How to Applique | FREE Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://youtu.be/oU1e5aLOUps?si=K3P1p-bsLPPMtzs8
Table of Contents
How to Applique is a wonderful way to add colour, personality, and texture to your sewing projects. In this beginner-friendly tutorial, I’m going to show you How to Applique a fun pair of scissors using a FREE Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners.
The great thing about learning How to Applique is that you are not limited to one particular project. Once you know the basic technique, you can use your applique design on cushions, aprons, bags, wall hangings, quilts, table runners, sewing room decorations, and so much more.
For this tutorial, I’m demonstrating How to Applique the scissors design onto a fabric wall hanging. However, you can easily adapt the project to suit whatever you would like to make.
The free scissors applique pattern is available in the Files section of my Facebook group, so you can download the pattern and follow along with the tutorial.
If you are completely new to applique, don’t worry. I’ll take you through How to Applique step by step, including tracing the pattern, preparing the fabric, positioning the pieces, and stitching around the finished design.
How to Applique Using a FREE Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern
Before we begin How to Applique, gather everything you will need for the project.
Materials for How to Applique
You will need:
- The FREE scissors applique pattern – https://www.facebook.com/groups/405258636506758
- Fabric for your applique pieces
- Fabric for your background project
- Steam-A-Seam or HeatnBond
- Sewing machine
- Embroidery thread
- Embroidery bobbin thread
- 90/14 sewing machine needle
- Iron
- Pressing mat
- Scissors
- Friction pen or fabric marking pen
- Light box, if required
- Quilt batting, if making the canvas wall hanging
- Canvas, if making the wall hanging
- Fabric glue, such as Elmer’s glue
Steam-A-Seam is particularly useful when learning How to Applique because it gives you an adhesive layer that temporarily holds your applique pieces in position before you permanently stitch them.
HeatnBond can also be used if that is what you already have available.
How to Applique: Preparing Your Pattern
The scissors design contains several individual pieces. There are six main applique sections, and numbering them makes the process much easier.
When you have several small applique pieces on your work surface, it can become surprisingly easy to mix them up.
Number Each Applique Piece
Before you start How to Applique, number the pieces on your pattern.
For this scissors design, the pieces are numbered from one through six.
This simple step will save you time later when you are positioning the applique pieces onto your background fabric.
If you are making a different applique project, I recommend using the same method. Number every individual section before cutting anything.
Trace the Pattern Onto Steam-A-Seam
Steam-A-Seam has two sides. One side has a grid, while the other side is blank.
I personally prefer using the blank side when learning How to Applique, as I find it easier to see the pattern underneath.
Place your Steam-A-Seam over the pattern and trace each individual section.
You don’t necessarily need a light box for this.
If you don’t have one and are struggling to see the pattern, you can place the pattern against a bright window and trace it that way.
When tracing the scissors handles and blades, pay particular attention to where the pieces overlap.
You want some sections to extend underneath the adjoining pieces.
How to Applique Scissors With Overlapping Pieces
One of the most important parts of How to Applique this particular design is allowing some pieces to overlap.
For example, when tracing the handle, extend the traced section slightly beyond the area shown on the pattern.
This extra area will eventually sit underneath the scissor blade.
The same principle applies to the other pieces.
Why Do Applique Pieces Overlap?
Overlapping pieces make your finished applique look cleaner and more professional.
Rather than trying to make every edge meet perfectly, one section can tuck underneath another.
This is especially helpful for beginners learning How to Applique because it makes positioning much more forgiving.
Don’t worry if your traced lines aren’t perfectly straight.
You can straighten the pieces when you cut them out.
Preparing the Fabric for How to Applique
Once you have traced all six pieces, prepare your fabric.
I recommend starting with the smaller pieces first.
Place each piece of Steam-A-Seam onto the appropriate fabric.
At this stage of How to Applique, don’t cut directly on the traced line.
Instead, leave a small amount of extra fabric around each piece.
Leave an Extra Edge
Leaving an extra edge is important because you want the adhesive to cover the fabric.
If you cut directly on the line too early, you can make the process more difficult.
For now, simply make sure the Steam-A-Seam pieces fit comfortably within the fabric sections you are using.
How to Applique With Steam-A-Seam
Now it is time to attach the Steam-A-Seam to your fabric.
Start by removing the backing paper.
Occasionally, the adhesive can remain on the unexpected side.
Don’t panic if this happens.
There is a simple way to fix it.
If the adhesive is on the wrong side, press the glue temporarily onto a suitable surface, such as the foam or pressing surface, and then peel it back onto the side of the fabric where you need it.
Once the adhesive is on the correct side, remove the remaining backing.
Repeat this process for all of your applique pieces.
This is one of those little tricks that can make How to Applique much less frustrating when working with fusible adhesive.
Press the Applique Pieces
Once all the adhesive has been transferred correctly, use your iron to press each piece according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
This permanently adheres the fusible adhesive to the fabric.
Allow the pieces to cool before continuing.
The adhesive helps reduce fraying around the edges of the applique.
It won’t necessarily stop fraying completely, but it can make a significant difference.
How to Applique: Cutting the Pieces
Once your fabric and Steam-A-Seam have cooled, carefully cut out each individual piece.
Now you can follow the traced lines.
Take your time with this stage because neat cutting will make the finished How to Applique project look much better.
Cutting the Centre of the Scissors
The centre section of the scissors requires a small opening.
To create this opening, fold the fabric over slightly and make a small snip.
You can then use your scissors to carefully cut away the centre section.
Take care not to accidentally cut into the surrounding applique piece.
When finished, you should have all six individual scissors pieces ready to position.
How to Applique Onto Your Background Fabric
Now we can start putting the scissors design together.
You can use the applique on practically anything.
For this demonstration, I am using a wall hanging, but you could use exactly the same How to Applique technique on:
- Sewing room cushions
- Aprons
- Tote bags
- Quilts
- Table runners
- Placemats
- Fabric baskets
- Pouches
- Clothing
- Wall hangings
- Sewing room decorations
This is one of my favourite things about How to Applique. Once you understand the basic technique, you can take the same pattern and use it on completely different projects.
How to Applique: Find the Centre
Before positioning the design, find the centre of your background fabric.
Fold the fabric in half and finger press it.
Then fold it in half again in the opposite direction.
When you open it back up, you should have a cross marking the centre.
Use a friction pen to mark the centre point.
This gives you a useful reference point when positioning the scissors.
Position the Scissors Applique
Start positioning your pieces onto the fabric.
I recommend beginning with one of the blades because it gives you a good reference point for the rest of the design.
The Steam-A-Seam should be sticky enough to temporarily hold the pieces in position.
One advantage of using this type of adhesive is that you can carefully peel a piece away and reposition it if you aren’t happy with the placement.
Take your time.
Don’t press anything permanently until you are completely happy with the arrangement.
How to Applique a Reversed Design
It’s important to check whether your particular applique pattern needs to be reversed.
The scissors pattern used in this tutorial has not been reversed.
If you need the design facing the opposite direction, you can trace the reverse side of the pattern.
A light box makes this easy, but you can also use a bright window.
Simply place the pattern against the window and trace the reversed design.
This is a useful technique to remember when learning How to Applique, especially if you want your finished design to face a particular direction.
How to Applique: Permanently Press the Design
Once every piece is in exactly the right position, it’s time to permanently press the applique.
Make sure you are happy with everything first.
Once you press the adhesive, moving the pieces becomes much more difficult.
Press according to the instructions for your fusible adhesive.
Allow the project to cool before moving on to the sewing machine.
How to Applique With a Sewing Machine
The next stage of How to Applique is securing the fabric permanently with stitching.
For this project, I am using a Baby Lock Altair 2 sewing and embroidery machine.
I have embroidery thread in the top of the machine and embroidery thread in the bobbin.
I’m also using a 90/14 needle.
You don’t have to use exactly the same sewing machine to learn How to Applique.
Most sewing machines have stitches that can be used successfully around applique pieces.
Choose Your Applique Stitch
There are many different stitches you can use for How to Applique.
For the scissors blades, I am using an overcasting-style stitch.
You could also experiment with:
- Zigzag stitches
- Satin stitches
- Blanket stitches
- Overcasting stitches
- Decorative stitches
Before stitching the actual project, make a sample.
This is one of the most important tips for How to Applique because different fabrics, threads, needles, and stitch settings can produce very different results.
Adjust the Stitch Settings
For the applique blade, position the stitch so the edge of the stitching sits neatly along the edge of the fabric.
I also recommend reducing both the stitch width and length if necessary.
Slow your machine speed down while you are getting used to stitching around the curves.
A slower speed gives you more control.
If your machine has a pivot function, use it.
The pivot function can automatically raise the presser foot when you stop, making it much easier to turn your project around corners and curves.
How to Applique the Scissors Handles
For the handles, I’m using a zigzag stitch.
You can absolutely choose a different stitch if you prefer.
In fact, experimenting is one of the most enjoyable parts of How to Applique.
Try different decorative stitches on scraps of fabric before deciding which one you like best.
You may discover that a stitch you hadn’t considered creates a beautiful finished edge.
How to Applique Onto a Canvas
Once your applique is finished, you can turn it into a wall hanging.
For this project, I’m using a canvas and quilt batting.
The batting gives the finished piece a little extra dimension and helps prevent the fabric from shifting.
I use fabric glue to attach the batting to the canvas.
Then decide which direction you want your scissors to face.
Place your finished applique fabric over the canvas and check that you have enough fabric around the edges to wrap around the back.
If you want to sell your finished canvas or give it as a gift, take your time with this stage.
A properly finished canvas will look much more professional.
Helpful Tips for How to Applique
Practice Before Starting Your Final Project
If this is your first attempt at How to Applique, practice on scraps of fabric first.
Test your adhesive, thread, needle, and stitch settings.
Keep Your Pattern Nearby
Don’t put the original pattern away too soon.
You may need it when positioning your pieces, particularly when several sections overlap.
Number Small Pieces
Numbering is one of the easiest ways to make How to Applique more straightforward.
It prevents you from accidentally placing a small piece in the wrong position.
Take Your Time
Applique doesn’t need to be rushed.
Careful cutting and accurate positioning will make a noticeable difference to your finished project.
How to Applique: Frequently Asked Questions
What adhesive is best for How to Applique?
Steam-A-Seam is a great option for How to Applique, and HeatnBond can also be used.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your particular product.
Can I use How to Applique on projects other than wall hangings?
Absolutely.
One of the best things about How to Applique is its versatility.
You can add applique to bags, cushions, aprons, quilts, table runners, pouches, clothing, and many other fabric projects.
Do I need an embroidery machine for How to Applique?
No.
You can learn How to Applique using a regular sewing machine.
An embroidery machine may offer additional decorative stitches, but it isn’t essential.
What stitch should I use for How to Applique?
There isn’t one single correct stitch.
Zigzag, blanket, satin, overcasting, and decorative stitches can all work well.
Try several stitches on a fabric sample before starting your final project.
Final Thoughts on How to Applique
I hope this tutorial has shown you just How to Applique a fun scissors design and how easy it can be to adapt an applique pattern for your own sewing projects.
The FREE Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners gives you a great starting point, but don’t feel restricted to making the wall hanging shown here.
Try adding the scissors to a sewing apron, cushion, bag, quilt, pouch, or another project that reflects your own creativity.
The most important thing when learning How to Applique is to experiment.
Try different fabrics, threads, colours, and decorative stitches. Make samples and see which combinations you like best.
If you enjoyed learning How to Applique, don’t forget to subscribe to the Faodail Creation YouTube channel because I have more free applique patterns and sewing tutorials coming.
You can also join my Facebook group, where you can find the FREE Scissors Applique Sewing Pattern in the Files section.
Happy sewing and have fun with your applique!
Read this next : How to Applique : Free Seam Ripper Applique Sewing Pattern for Beginners https://faodailcreation.ca/2026/08/05/how-to-applique-free-seam-ripper-applique-sewing-pattern-for-beginners/
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