Sunflower Applique
I used this sunflower applique for my lounge cover. It is such a “happy” design. I will be referring to my lounge cover sunflower, but this design could be used for a pillow front, quilt block, or clothing. Change the size to fit your needs.
Go to: Cushion Cover Pattern to learn how to make the lounge cushion cover.
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Great “beginner” sewing project. Practice straight stitching.
Also see:
Notes From The Workroom & Trail
Valentine's Day Sewing
Furniture Projects
Craft Projects
Create Sunflower Applique
My applique lesson will teach you how to use an applique piece using fusible web. Refer to that project for instructions on creating and placing applique fabric pieces.
Follow the transfer web (fusible adhesive) instructions for the specific fusible web you are using to adhere the fusible web to the wrong side of your petals and flower center fabrics.
Use my pattern to draw the flower petals and the flower center onto the paper that is adhered to the fabric.
Supplies
Adjust amounts for your project - these amounts were for my lounge cushion cover.
Project Supplies
Scraps of fabric for sunflower petals (a 2 " x 6" piece of fabric is enough)
Small scrap of fabric for sunflower center
5/8" Ribbon: 8" piece for each leaf (trim to desired length after tying); ribbon stem piece cut to desired length (mine was 14").
1/8 yard Fusible Web (also called transfer web - for applique)
Stabilizer (for applique)
Applique Thread
Pattern Pieces (pdf files):
Sunflower Pattern Sunflower Pieces Flower Placement
General Sewing Supplies
sewing scissors
quilting pins
large sewing ruler
fabric marking pencils
seam ripper
rotary cutter and mat (optional but nice)
Check Lay-out
Print my patterns (above) or draw your own flower. Cut out all fabric pieces. The following photo shows the ribbon stem lying on the lounge cushion cover fabric, along with the paper flower pattern. I wanted to check placement before stitching, in case I needed to change the size of the flower or length of the ribbon. It is always a good idea to check placement of applique before stitching.
For the general layout of the flower on your pillow, quilt block, or cushion cover, pin the stem ribbon onto the cover front. Slip the leaf ribbon pieces UNDER the stem. Pin the paper flower (petal placement pattern) onto the cover front, on top of the stem. Decide where the flower looks best. Adjust position as necessary.
Stitch Ribbon Stem & Leaves Into Place
Slip the leaf ribbon pieces underneath the stem ribbon piece. When satisfied with placement, remove the paper flower and stitch around all four sides of the stem ribbon so that it is firmly sewn to the cover front, and the leaf pieces are caught underneath.
Do NOT stitch the leaf pieces; they will be tied later, so must be left free.
Create The Sunflower
Draw petals and flower center on to the paper side of the fusible web. Press with iron to adhere web to wrong side of fabric.
Cut out petals and flower center. Peel the paper backing off the petals and flower center. Place the petals onto the cover front, then place the flower center over the petals. Use an iron to press the flower parts onto the cover front.
Stitch Flower Pieces
Use an applique stitch (narrow satin stitch) around petals and flower center. Use stabilizer on the wrong side of the cover front. The stabilizer will allow your machine to create a nice, even satin stitch. Without stabilizer, fabric tends to bunch up, and the finished product will not be nearly as nice.
The leaf ribbons are caught under the stem when the stem is sewn, but the leaf pieces are not sewn down all the way around. Leave their ends free. Tie them in a French knot so they become 3 dimensional leaves.
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