Applique designs can come from anywhere. In this class, taught by Heather Thomas, you will see how to use existing applique designs, or create your own, to make fun blocks that can be stitched together into a quilt or used on their own in a smaller project, like a pillow.
Selecting the right iron-on adhesives and stabilizer can have a big impact on your final applique shape. Heather will discuss the types of products she prefers to use and will demonstrate a method of applying adhesive that eliminates extra fullness and helps to create dimension with stitching.
Several different stitches can be used when appliqueing a shape in place. Heather will demonstrate several stitch options and teach you the best ways to begin and end stitches around a shape. You will also learn how to incorporate several stitches and multiple stitch widths within the same applique shape.
Applique and quilting can also be done at the same time using a technique known as appliquilting. Learn several ways to do this technique including using a straight stitch, a fun stitch known as the herky jerky and a free form method known as freestyle applique.
Class Sessions
Session 1: Overview & Supplies Needed
13:58
In this session you will get an introduction into applique. See some of the different designs that are great to use for applique, understand what tools and supplies will be needed and learn what some of the different types of stitches are that are used with applique. You will also learn tips on how to properly adhere your applique shapes in a way that reduces bulk in layered designs.
Session 2: Zig Zag & Buttonhole Applique
37:28
In this session Heather will teach you how to applique using both the zig zag stitch and the buttonhole stitch. She will also explain why it is important to test out your stitches on a sample piece first as well as demonstrate how multiple stitch widths can be used on the same applique shape. You will also learn the best way to secure the beginnings and ends of applique stitching.
Session 3: Mix of Decorative Stitches
19:26
Different stitches as well as different widths of the same stitch come together seamlessly in this session. Heather shows how to practice different stitches first and then demonstrates how to use them in different areas of an applique shape. You will also learn how to handle corners and points when stitching with intricate or ornate decorative stitches.
Session 4: Appliquilting: Straight Stitch
9:11
Learn how to accomplish two tasks at the same time with a fun technique known as appliquilting. Heather shows you how to use a simple straight stitch and free motion quilting settings to applique a shape in place while quilting at the same time.
Session 5: Appliquilting: Herky Jerky
18:36
Learn how to really dress up the edge of an applique shape with a stitch known as the herky jerky. Heather demonstrates how to do this stitch around the perimeter of a shape as well as how to use this stitch inside areas of applique designs to add shading and extra visual interest.
Session 6: Freestyle Applique
31:03
Not all applique shapes have to be cut out prior to stitching them in place. Learn how to freestyle applique by stitching shapes and designs onto simple squares or rectangles of fabric and then cutting away the excess fabric. Heather will also teach you how to add layered designs to a piece.
Your Instructor
Heather Thomas
Heather is a mixed media fiber artist with a passion for color and a dedication to teaching. After a decade of making original yet traditional work, she began venturing out toward art quilting, embellishments, and mixed media work. With more than 12 years of studying and teaching color and design under her belt, she wrote her second book, A Fiber Artists’ Guide to Color & Design, which came on the heels of her very popular first book, Fabric Embellishing: The Basics & Beyond.
In 2011 Heather was a guest writer for Quilting Arts magazine with a multi-part feature on Free Style Machine Quilting. She also participates in group and individual instructional DVDs produced by the Creative Crafts Group. You can visit Heather’s blog at heatherthomasblog.blogspot.com.
Bonus Material
Class Resource: Applique Designs
Download this PDF for a sampling of Heathers designs to use on your project.
Meet Your Expert
Download this video to listen to Heather encourage you to try your own design and don’t feel like you have to always use someone else’s design.
Bonus Materials available for download after purchase.
FAQs
How do I know what the Class covers?
Every Class has a free Preview video you can watch, to give you a flavor of the Instructor and the skills or project that will be covered. In addition, the Overview tab includes a thorough written description of the Class. And finally, each Class Session has a brief written summary of the content in that Session, including the length of each Session video. You will get a good feel for the Class content by reviewing these resources.
Do I have to be a Member of National Quilters Circle to purchase a Class?
No you don’t. While Premium Members will receive regular offers for special deals on NQC content, Classes are not reserved exclusively for Members. If you buy a Class as a non-member, we’re sure you’d also enjoy having access to our full library of great quilting videos and articles as a Member, so give it a try.
How do I purchase a Class?
First you should decide that the Class is what you want. Review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content. When you’re ready to purchase and gain access to the Class, simply click the “Add to Cart” button, and proceed through the Checkout process.
How do I access/view my Class?
Once you’ve paid, you can access/view your Class by going to the MY ACCOUNT section of National Quilters Circle. The MY ACCOUNT link is in the upper right-hand area of the website. Within your MY ACCOUNT, a section labeled “My Content” is where the class you purchased will appear, including a link to watch the video of your Class. You’ll also receive an email confirmation after your purchase, which will include a link to view your Class. You can access your Class as many times as you wish, and you’ll never lose access to your Account information. Just be sure to “Log In” for access to MY ACCOUNT.
Do I have to take the Class right away?
No. Any Class you buy will be accessible to you always. You can view your Class whenever you want, and you can view individual Sessions in whatever order you like.
Is there a limit on the times I can view my Class?
No. Your access never expires. You can view any Class you purchase as many times as you want, whenever you want.
Can I view a Class on my tablet device or mobile phone?
No problem. Most newer-model smartphones or other mobile/tablet devices with an internet connection are able to play the Class videos. Simply Log In on National Quilters Circle, and you can view any Class you’ve bought through the MY ACCOUNT section. Or, you can click on the “View Class” link within the email confirmation you’ll receive upon your purchase.
How do I get access to the Bonus Materials for the Class?
Until you purchase a Class, the Bonus material (any extra videos, download materials, etc.) will not be accessible. Once you purchase a Class, and go to view your Class, each individual Bonus element is accessible by simply clicking on each item. You’ll find the Bonus Materials directly below your main Class viewer frame. You can access the bonus materials as many times as you like and/or save them to your device.
Can I print out Class details?
For any Bonus Material that is a PDF Download, yes you can. Just click on the icon/button for the Bonus element you want, and print with your local printer.
What are PDF downloads?
These are simply documents, plans, or written materials that are formatted in a way to print out and retain for reference. By simply clicking on the icon/link for any PDF Download that is included with a Class, you can print that document on your own printer or simply view the contents on your computer/mobile device.
Are there any system requirements to view the Class video content?
Your Class video content is best when viewed on a computer manufactured in the past couple of years with a good broadband Internet connection (not dialup). We also highly recommend using the latest version of Firefox, Safari, or Chrome as your Internet Browser, though recent versions of Internet Explorer will work as well. The recommended screen resolution is 1024 x 768 or larger.
Why do you need my email?
We need it to acknowledge your purchase of a Class, and send you a confirmation of your transaction. Also, in order to maintain your permanent access to the Class videos, you’ll need to Login to www.nationalquilterscircle.com. We guarantee that we will not share your email with any third parties. You may receive email updates from NQC from time to time, with details of new Classes and updates. You can easily unsubscribe when you receive any email.
Can I get a refund if I don’t like the Class?
Because you’ll have full access to all the materials and content that is presented in the Class immediately, we can’t offer a refund after purchase. Please review the Class Preview video and the various written descriptions of the Class and each Session before you purchase, so you have a good understanding of the Class content.
How do I contact National Quilters Circle?
If your question is about the Class content, please use the Contact Us Link – and you'll receive feedback from the Class Instructor. Even your fellow Class participants may jump in to offer tips and advice from their experience. If you have other questions or need help, you can email us at nationalquilterscircle@program-director.net or call us toll-free, at 1-855-253-0822. Service Representatives will be available Monday-Friday, from 8:00AM to 4:30 PM Central time, excluding normal holidays.
This site uses cookies and other technologies to track your use of the site that will allow us and our service providers and partners to enhance your experience and deliver relevant content to you. By agreeing to or closing this notice, you understand and agree to such use and data collection. For more information about our privacy practices and your choices, please visit our privacy policy and cookie notice.
