Crochet

Patterns, projects and techniques

CROCHET APPLIQUE

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Applique is something I learned to love when I was a quilter. Since becoming a crocheter, I’ve seen plenty of pretty crochet appliques that I think would look great sewn or glued onto a jean jacket, tote bag, or scarf. Here are some ideas for you.

Once you’ve chosen your foundation (what you’ll affix the applique to), how will you affix it?  There are several methods.  They are pretty much interchangeable, but you’ll find some a bit more challenging or expensive.  Hand sewing is by far the least expensive way to apply an applique, especially if the foundation is fabric.  If the foundation is itself crochet, don’t use sewing thread.  Use one or two plies of the yarn with which you created the applique.  Sewing thread will cut through the yarn in short order, destroying your handiwork.

Two other methods are easier, but aren’t suited to all applications.  First is iron on fusing.  This is a web sold under various names (like WonderUnder or ThermOWeb) that you must use an iron to apply.  Typically, you’ll adhere the web to your applique, then peel off the web backing and adhere the applique to your foundation.  This is fairly easy to do if you’ve got a denim piece as you can work from the wrong side of the fabric to apply the iron.  Takes 6 hands, but you can do it!

The easiest method IMO is glue.  There are several brands that will work well for this application.  I prefer Aleene’s Fabric Fusion.  Other good brands are Beacon’s Fabri-Tac or Border Patrol.  Read the container directions.  The downside is that you’ll need about 24 hours of drying time – more if your area is very humid.  Be sure to use a glue that is machine or hand washable.  Most are not dry cleanable.

Another idea is a glue called ‘Tack It Over and Over’.  This is another Aleene’s product.  You can use it to make your applique removable. You can use it to apply the applique from one garment to another.  Between times, you ‘stick’ your applique on some wax paper.  The glue is good for up to 6 changes, but I wouldn’t trust it that long.  I’ve reapplied the glue after only 2-3 moves.  Don’t want to lose my handwork.  For this, the applique must be very lightweight and preferably not dimensional.

For Halloween, you might enjoy this one:

cro pumpkin applique 1009

 

Pattern

or this:

cro skull applique 1009

Pattern

Or, try one of these:

 

Such a simple but effective addition to a store bought jacket, sweater or shirt for your little one:

cro applique seams 1009

Pattern

Comments

  1. Hi I saw your web site and noticed you use a lot of crochet and appliques. We offer heat seal embroidery, hand crochets, foil and plastisol transfers, as well as an extensive line of stud and stone designs. We can produce your custom designs for as little as 25 to 100 pieces, depending upon the product you require. If you would be interested in chatting please feel free to contact me. Thanks, Joe

Have you read?

Crocheting Christmas Gifts? Make This Supply Checklist Before You Buy More Yarn

I have never met a crocheter who needed much encouragement to buy yarn. The trouble starts when the yarn arrives and the project also needs a smaller hook, stuffing, buttons, a tapestry needle and a shade of green that looks nothing like the one on the screen.

If you are crocheting Christmas gifts this year, a little planning before you shop can save several stops and starts. Pick your projects, check the patterns properly and make one supply list for the whole gift pile. You can still enjoy choosing beautiful yarn. You will simply know what it is for.

This checklist is especially useful if you are making several small gifts, such as ornaments, mug cozies or stocking fillers. If you order supplies online, Amazon Prime may be convenient for eligible items. Check the price, contents and delivery estimate for your address before ordering, rather than assuming every item in your cart will arrive together.

1. Choose projects that fit the time you have

Start by writing down the recipients and a realistic project for each one. A pair of elaborate amigurumi toys may be a joy in September and a rather different proposition in December.

Small pieces are easier to fit around everything else Christmas brings. Our free crochet Santa spiral ornament can be used as a tree decoration or gift topper. If you want more tiny festive projects, CraftBits has a crochet peppermint candy pattern to consider.

Read the entire pattern before adding supplies to your cart. Check the stated skill level, finished size and any assembly or finishing steps. A project that looks quick in the photo may have several pieces to sew together.

2. List the yarn by weight, fibre and amount

For each pattern, note the yarn weight, suggested fibre, colour and required yardage or metres. If you substitute yarn, compare more than the colour. A bulky chenille will produce a very different result from smooth cotton, even if both are labelled “cream.”

When buying crochet yarn on Amazon, check the amount in each skein and calculate how many you need. Leave a little allowance for gauge differences and joining pieces. If the finished size matters, make a gauge swatch with the yarn and hook you intend to use.

If pattern abbreviations or supply details are confusing, our guide to reading crochet patterns explains what to look for before starting.

3. Check every hook size before buying another set

Write the hook size beside each project on your list. Look through the hooks you already own before buying a new set just for one missing size. If you crochet often, a comfortable hook in your most-used sizes can be a better purchase than a large assortment you rarely touch.

For amigurumi, the hook listed in the pattern helps produce a firm fabric that holds the stuffing inside. Changing yarn or hook size can change the finished dimensions and the amount of yarn you use.

4. Add the finishing supplies people forget

This is the part of the list that saves me the most frustration. Depending on your projects, you may need:

  • Tapestry needles for weaving in ends and sewing pieces together
  • Stitch markers
  • Stuffing
  • Buttons or embroidery floss for details
  • Ornament hanging loops
  • Labels, tissue paper or small gift boxes

Check whether a kit includes these items before buying them twice. If you are making toys for a baby or very young child, avoid detachable small parts and follow appropriate toy-safety guidance; embroidered features are often a better choice than plastic eyes.

5. Work out the cost per finished gift

If you are making the same ornament for several people, buying the main yarn colours and ornament hanging supplies in suitable quantities may simplify the job. First calculate how many complete gifts the supplies will make. A big multipack only helps your budget if you will use it.

Include stuffing, finishing pieces and packaging in the total. Scraps from your existing stash may cover some colour changes, so shop your yarn basket before adding another six-pack of red.

6. Give yourself a finishing deadline

Aim to finish crocheting a few days before the gifts need to be wrapped. That leaves time to sew on the last detail, weave in the ends, wash or block pieces where appropriate and package them nicely. I know weaving in ends feels like a task for Future Me, but Future Me is usually busy wrapping presents.

If you decide to use Prime for your crochet supply shopping, check the current membership terms and the delivery date shown for each eligible item at checkout. Then put the parcel aside, make a cup of tea and enjoy the reason you bought it all: giving someone a gift made by your own hands.