In Studio Sample Maker
Applique Top
(Using Raglan Tee Pattern from Travel Trio Three #226)
I started this project with a bag full of scrap fabric from previous projects. Most might throw these scraps away but at times the fabric is so beautiful, I think about getting the most out of every inch. Creating your own appliqués is a great way to do that.
First, I thought about how big I wanted the appliqué and where to place it. To help determine this I partially constructed the raglan top, attaching the sleeves to the front piece only. Keeping the side seams open at this point makes attaching the design a lot easier. I thought it might be cute to have this appliqué design originate from one side of the lower front and flow diagonally into the sleeve at the opposite side of the body.
Next, I looked at the scraps of fabrics in front of me. I noticed some browns and a few different shades of green and decided to make a tree. I was working with a knit to make the Raglan Tee and since the appliqué was going to be covering such a large area, I kept my fabric choices as light weight as the Raglan Tee fabric. Depending on the fabric choices you make, edge treatments may be necessary to prevent fraying.
The branches were the next step. I cut slivers of brown knit fabric and began pinning them down to the shirt until I had the areas I wanted to fill covered. Stitch Witchery is another great way to secure your design while you sew it. I used a zig zag stitch to attach the pieces of the design on this knit top. Stitch slowly, making sure that the fabric underneath stays smooth. You don’t want to distort it by stretching too much or securing folds in the fabric with your stitching that might be hiding under the applique.
I made the leaves by cutting out half heart shapes out of folded fabric. Four different shades of green were used to give it some depth and variation. 
After deciding the placement of the leaves, I stitched them down in the center of each leaf. I liked the movement that attaching them this way would create while being worn.
When the appliqué was completely sewn down, I constructed the rest of the Raglan Tee as instructed.
Appliqués can be big or small, geometric or random shapes, beautiful lace pieces, etc. Keep where you place it in mind (you might not want your design concentrated on the apex of the bust or in some other unflattering position). Also, consider if the fabrics used will work well together. If you have a lower neckline, you don’t want a heavy appliqué pulling the front of your shirt down. Lastly, think of the best way to attach the design to the garment. Machine stitching, hand stitching and fusing are all options.
By Auria, Sample Garment Sewer @ CJ Patterns Studio.
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