3D Embellishment3d embellishment detail

This is a method to create your own 3D embellishment to complement a quilt design, add to a child's windcheater or create a mobile (for example). You take two pieces of fabric, fuse these together, then neaten the edges by hand -sewing or using a domestic sewing machine.

Recommended products: Floriani Appli-Kay Wonder and Vliesofix.
Applique Wonder is a heavier bonding agent than Vliesofix and maybe easier for beginners to use.

Instructions: 

  1. Select 2 pieces of fabric and fuse together.
  2. Cut out shape desired. There are several ways of doing this:
    1. Trace around a paper shape onto the fused fabrics. Cut out.
    2. Use carbon paper and trace shape onto top fabric. Cut out.
    3. Trace shape onto fusible webbing and apply to the wrong side of one piece of fabric. Cut out shape. Peel off the bonding paper. Place the second fabric, wrong side down onto the wrong side of the first fabric.  Press with a hot iron. Cut around the shape.
  3. Satin stitch the edges together. I do a line of wide zigzag first, then a satin stitch. I find I have to slightly increase the width of this second row, to make it cover the first zigzag row neatly. You may have to carefully trim stray fabric threads protruding through the satin stitching. Take care not to cut any machine stitches.

Hints for satin stitch:finished example of 3d embellishment

Use an open sewing foot to allow clear vision as you satin stitch.
As a general rule, put the darker fabric on the bottom.
Try to match the top fabric and thread. Experiment here as you can achieve some interesting effects with a different thread in the bobbin.

Alternatives:

If you do not want to use the fusible bonding to create 3D shapes try these:

  1. Line the shape. Turn right side out and slip stitch the opening closed.
  2. Blanket stitch 2 fabric shapes together. I find it difficult to hand stitch through layers which include the bonding webbing so you might try Vilene if you want the shape to be stiff.
  3. Use felt shapes.
  4. To make the shapes stand up, either use wire, spray-on-starch or fabric stiffening such as Vilene.

Tip: Machine quilt, before putting on embellishments, to avoid having to sew over heavy satin stitch areas.