Hi friends!
This is the first post of The Quilter’s Alphabet! And for A we chose Appliqué!
This week, both Tammy and I are exploring appliqué in quilting because there is more than one kind of appliqué so we decided we would each take a few types and explain.
What is Appliqué in Quilting?
Let’s start with the basic definition of appliqué:
The noun appliqué refers to small pieces of fabric applied (can be sewn or “stuck”) to a larger piece of fabric. The pieces of fabric often form a design.
The verb appliqué refers to the act of adding the small pieces of fabric to a larger piece.
I appliquéd the flowers to the quilt!
Appliqué can be used to create a design or as mending. In it’s early days as a technique, it was often used to cover a worn patch of clothing with a new, sturdier patch. Now we usually use appliqué in quilting to embellish; to add another layer of design to our quilts.
In her post, Tammy will explain Hawaiian, machine appliqué and needle turn.
I will define Baltimore Album, Broderie Perse, and fusible appliqué.
Baltimore Album
Album quilts contain a collection of quilt blocks, each with different images. Baltimore Album quilts reflect a style of appliqué quilts that became popular in Baltimore, Maryland in the 1840s.
Each block has a unique story to tell and the blocks may actually be intricate pictures in fabrics. The blocks may be signed signed or inked with additional information or designs. Sometimes each block was made by a different maker; sometimes all the blocks were made by the same maker. Either way, they are beautiful examples of appliqué!
Search for Baltimore Album Quilts and get some eye candy!
Broderie Perse
Broderie Perse is a specific appliqué technique.
One that is often used in Baltimore Album Quilts!
It means to take a printed motif, cut it out of one fabric and appliqué it onto the quilt block. Back in the early days, the fabric used for this was chintz. But I could use this awesome print, cut out the snail and appliqué it into a block design!
Fusible Appliqué
Fusible applique is another specific appliqué technique. In this technique, a fusible web material is adhered to the back of a design and then the design is adhered to the quilt block. There are many fusible products on the market- some that include paper on one side so you can draw your shape, some that have paper on 2 sides, some that have no paper! some fusible products are permanent and some are not and will need to have stitching applied around the edges of the shape.
But however you finish, they start with a product that adheres your shapes to the block!
Don’t forget to check out Tammy’s post on other appliqué technique definitions! Next week in our Exploring the Basics post, we will delve further into appliqué – I will give tips on fusible and Tammy will talk about machine stitching down your appliqué!
happy quilting,
Kate