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Whether you applique by hand or machine, having the right applique tools helps you achieve the look you want during the process and in the completed project.
Applique techniques play a critical part in the final results, but the equipment you use is just as important.
With the right applique tools, your sewing enjoyment goes up and frustrations go down.
Ways to Applique
Hand applique with freezer paper is my favorite method to embellish, customize, and personalize sewing projects.
Machine applique tends to be a little faster than hand applique and there are more options for visible stitches.
Many machines have a variety of stitch options. This allows for some creative opportunities with applique projects.
You can even use a combination of hand and machine applique in order to get different finished looks.
Regardless of the applique method or technique you use, having the right equipment makes the applique sewing more fun and less frustrating.
There are several applique tools I use consistently whether I’m hand or machine appliqueing.
In my opinion, having access to these tools makes applique sewing more enjoyable.
For your convenience, I’ve created a list of applique tools and supplies I use for both hand and machine applique.
Hand Applique Tools and Supplies
These hand applique tools and supplies are the ones I use just about every time I'm working on a hand applique project.
Needles - applique sharps size 12
The applique sharps size 12 needles are the ones I like to use to baste the edges of the freezer paper around the shape.
Needles - milliners size 10
The milliners size 10 are the needles I like to use to hand applique the shape to the background fabric. They are longer than the size 12 sharps.
Fabric Glue Stick
If you find the fabric fraying as you're hand appliqueing, you can use a toothpick and a fabric glue stick to smooth the edges.
(Pro tip: Roll the toothpick over the glue, then swipe it under the seam allowance where there is fraying. This will help hold the loose threads in place while you applique.)
Machine Applique Tools and Supplies
Depending on the project, I use different tools and supplies. But when I machine applique I always use a double-sided fusible web and stabilizer.
Iron-on adhesive
This is one of the double-sided fusible web products I use to adhere applique shapes on the background fabric before sewing along the edges.
It is good for lightweight fabrics. It comes in 8.5 x 11-inch sheets and can be used with inkjet printers.
Paper backed fusible web
This is another double-sided fusible web product I use to adhere applique shapes on the background fabric before sewing along the edges.
It is applied with an iron.
The sheets are 9 x 8 inches, lightweight, and can fuse with light and medium weight fabrics.
Multi-purpose fusible web
This is another double-sided fusible web I use to adhere applique shapes on the background fabric before sewing along the edges.
It is applied with an iron and comes in a roll.
A roll that is 15" x 2 yards is enough for many projects.
Tear away stabilizer
Stabilizers give you more control when sewing and helps keep the background fabric from moving around.
I like this one because it is lightweight and easier to remove than some other stabilizers I've tried.
Tools and Supplies for Both Hand and Machine Applique
The following equipment is what I use for both hand and machine applique.
That Purple Thang
This tool is great for both hand and machine applique.
- You can use either end when you need to remove freezer paper.
- The curved end is helpful when removing basting stitches.
- Easily measure/confirm 1/4" with the flat end.
You really want to have at least 2 of the Purple Thangs....one to keep by your sewing machine and the other to have on the table when you're watching tv and doing some hand applique.
Light Pad
A window is a great source of light to trace templates during the day, but if you want to applique at night, this light pad comes in handy.
The lights are adjustable for 3 levels of brightness, and the pad is 10" x 14", so it's big enough for most applique tracing.
Plus, the light pad is very thin so it takes up little storage space.
Mini-iron
This small iron has a long cord which makes it easy to use at a table when I am working on making the applique templates.
Table Top Pressing Board
The Quilter's Cut'n Press II is the table top board I use with the mini-iron.
The pressing side gets used the most, but the cutting side has come in handy for some smaller projects.
Let’s Connect
My main goals are to support, empower, and inspire you to discover the joy of sewing.
Need help or have questions on this project, pattern, or tutorial? Send me an email at nicki@theruffledpurse.com and we can work together to get it figured out!
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