Sewing Applique Seams

Hello fashion sewers and welcome to our Fashion Sewing Blog.

In today’s article, guide and FREE online fashion sewing video tutorial, I’d like to demonstrate for you the technique of sewing appliqué seams.

You may remember of late, we have looked at the following fashion sewing ‘lace fabric‘ related techniques -

Lay Planning on Lace Fabric, and

Cutting Lace Fabric.

Today, we shall take the final step on our ‘lace‘ journey, and learn how to attach our lace fabric pattern pieces together using an appliqué seam to create a completed garment.

Just in case some of you have missed my previous lace fabric articles, before we head on straight to the technique and tutorial itself, I’d first like to explain what an appliqué seam is, and how, if done correctly, can add flair, beauty and real professionalism to any lace garment.

Appliqué Seams

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An appliqué seam is a lace onto lace technique.

To put it simply, when you begin to cut around a sewing pattern piece, rather than cut straight down and through a lace’s motif, instead, you cut around the pattern within the lace that in turn extends the seam edge.

When, eventually you construct your garment, the lace (appliqué seams) overlap and assists carrying the repeated pattern through, without the garment looking to cut up.

NB – Appliqué seams are usually completed when an overlapped (extended seam) joins with a straight seam. However, it is possible to treat both seam edges with extended motifs, and alternate the overlapping.

Let me show you!

Sewing Applique Seams with Colleen G Lea

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I hope you find the following video tutorial of use.

Don’t forget to subscribe to my FashionSewingBlogTV for FREE and get regular updates when new tutorials and demonstrations are published.

How to Sew an Appliqué Seam

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1 – Cut around the motifs of the overlap section, and cut a straight edge for the underlap (the garment section that is to be joined to it). Thread trace the seam line on both sections including the motifs using different coloured threads.

2 – Working on the right side of the overlap (motif) section, clip into the seam allowance above and below the design.

3 – Fold under the seam allowance of the overlap section (motif) and place into position onto the right side of the straight seam section, matching up the thread-tracing. Once done, pin into place.

4 – Working on the wrong side, baste the seam allowance about 3mm – 1/8inch from the seam line thread tracing.

5 – Working on the right side, baste around the edges of the motif.

6 – Machine stitch the basted seams between the motifs, using a small stitch length and width.

7 – Working on the right side of the lace, stitch around the motifs using a small zigzag stitch.

8 – Appliqué seam – DONE!

Take your time fashion sewers. This can be a little tricky and complicated to get right at first.

As with anything, practise is key, along with a little patience.

Try to work with your lace’s pattern and plan carefully through each and every stage of construction.

If you do that, you’re on the road to appliqué seam success!

If you do have any questions relating to this article, then please do get in touch.

Happy fashion sewing

About the Author: Colleen G Lea is the founder of Fashion Sewing Blog and co-owner of DC Media Productions. Get more from Colleen at YouTube and Google+.

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