Wendy Williams applique is a popular technique used in quilting and sewing. It involves using wool or felt fabric to create applique designs on a base fabric. This technique is named after Wendy Williams, an Australian quilter and author, who has popularized this method through her books and workshops. In this article, we will discuss the basics of Wendy Williams applique, its benefits, and how to get started.
Benefits of Wendy Williams Applique
Wendy Williams applique offers several benefits to quilters and sewists. Firstly, it allows you to create intricate and detailed designs that are not possible with traditional piecing methods. Secondly, it is an excellent way to use up small fabric scraps, as you can cut out individual shapes and arrange them on the base fabric. Thirdly, wool or felt fabric used in this technique provides a tactile and dimensional element to your projects.
Getting Started with Wendy Williams Applique
To get started with Wendy Williams applique, you will need the following materials:
Wool or felt fabric in various colors
Base fabric, such as cotton or linen
Fusible webbing
Embroidery thread and needle
Scissors, rotary cutter, and cutting mat
Creating an Applique Design
There are several ways to create an applique design for Wendy Williams applique. You can draw the design by hand, use a pre-made template, or trace a design from a book or magazine. Once you have your design, transfer it onto the fusible webbing and cut out the individual shapes.
Preparing the Base Fabric
Before you start appliqueing, you need to prepare your base fabric. Iron it to remove any wrinkles or creases. Then, cut it to the desired size and shape. You can use a solid color or a patterned fabric as your base.
Attaching the Applique Shapes
To attach the applique shapes to the base fabric, place the fusible webbing side down on the wrong side of the wool or felt fabric. Iron it to fuse the two fabrics together. Then, cut out the shape along the traced line. Peel off the paper backing of the fusible webbing and place the shape onto the base fabric. Iron it in place.
Decorating with Embroidery
Once you have attached all the applique shapes, you can decorate them with embroidery. Use a matching or contrasting thread to stitch around the edges of each shape. You can also add embroidery details, such as French knots, seed stitches, or satin stitches, to enhance the design.
Finishing the Project
After you have finished appliqueing and embroidering, you can finish your project by quilting, binding, or framing it. Quilting adds texture and dimension to your project, while binding gives it a finished edge. Framing is a great way to showcase your applique design as a piece of art.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips and tricks to help you with Wendy Williams applique:
Use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to cut out the shapes
Experiment with different colors and textures of wool or felt fabric
Practice your embroidery stitches on a scrap piece of fabric before stitching on your project
Use a lightbox or a window to trace the design onto the fusible webbing
Conclusion
Wendy Williams applique is a fun and creative technique that adds a unique touch to your quilting and sewing projects. By using wool or felt fabric and a variety of embroidery stitches, you can create beautiful and intricate designs that are sure to impress. With the tips and tricks provided in this article, you can get started with Wendy Williams applique and take your skills to the next level.
