• When tracing appliqué pieces from the pattern onto iron-on Vliesofix (fusible webbing), we find it helpful to place the Vliesofix on top of the back to front pattern (if the pattern has not been provided in reverse) on either a light box or against a well-lit window where the morning or afternoon sun comes through.  Stick the Vliesofix  against the window with sticky tape to hold it in place so that you can still move the pattern around underneath to individually trace the appliqué pieces.  By using this method, you will be able to cut the appliqué pieces out ready for placement the right way around according to the pattern.

HINT – Make sure your iron is switched dry heat not steam and press the Vliesofix   gently onto the fabric – steam and pressing the iron backwards and forwards will affect the viability of the Vliesofix (it is likely to lift off).

• We find it useful to number appliqué pieces on the pattern and match the numbers to the pieces traced onto the Vliesofix – this way you can quickly and accurately place them according to the pattern.  Of further assistance in this process is to trace the pattern onto some tracing paper and pin it (across the top or side only) to the background fabric in the position you want the design to appear.  You can then flip the tracing paper up or sideways to slide the appliqué pieces into the correct place before ironing them on.

• Where some appliqué pieces underlap others, it will be indicated on a pattern by broken lines.  HINT – check your pattern carefully and make sure you are familiar with the areas where appliqué pieces underlap and secure these onto the background first and place pieces outwards from them.

• When you are working on a large project involving appliqué, keep the different fused shapes separate in envelopes or sealable plastic bags with the paper backing in place on the pieces until your are ready to fuse them onto the project.

• When pressing the project between stages, avoid flattening the stitches by pressing the embroidery side face down on a soft pile towel.


• When cutting multiple shapes from one fabric, trace them close together and fuse them in one piece to save time, fabric and fusible webbing.


• Some applique shapes underlap others.  This is often indicated by broken lines on a pattern sheet.  Secure the underlapping pieces on the background fabric first.


• If your Blanket (Buttonhole) stitches tend to pull inwards rather staying flat on a curved shape, anchor every few stitches by taking the needle over the thread to the back and coming back to the front inside the loop before continuing.