Applique Work

Applique work is such a versatile work. It is a technique where patches of fabrics are stitched on to another base fabric to create a design. The pieces of the fabrics are cut according to the shapes of the design chosen and then it is stitched on to another fabric using some decorative embroidery stitches.  

Geometric and floral patterns are used. Once you have mastered applique work you can be more self expressive, use your creativity to create more different patterns and effects. This technique can also be used to hide the flaws in a fabric. Applique work can be done by machine or by hand.

Velvet paisley motif 

appliqued on georgette

fabric

Velvet appliqued on net with crystal work done on it

Materials Required for Applique Work

• Sharp scissors
• Material for background and also for the design to be appliqued on the background fabric
• Stainless steel pins
• Embroidery Needle
• Embroidery Thread

How to do Applique Work ?

1) The first step in applique is to decide and select a design. The next step is to decide on the technique you will be using to secure the applique to the background fabric i.e, either through hand or my machine. Then select the material for the background fabric. 

2) Take the material which has to be used as the design and has to be appliqued on the background fabric. Draw the selected design on to this material. Draw seam allowance of about 1/2" to 1". 

Motif to be appliqued is drawn with seam allowance 

3) Cut the design out leaving seam allowance for machine.

4) Now that the cut design applique piece and the background fabric is ready you can start pinning and basting the applique piece in place on the background fabric. 

5) Stitch with a series of running stitches or whip stitches or by machine do satin stitch. 

Image of the cut motif appliqued on the background fabric

6) Finish the corners of the background material to secure edges. 

'Om' Symbol appliqued on a georgette fabric and outlined with crystals

Velvet fabric appliqued on net and other types of embroidery done on it

Velvet appliqued on net with crystal embroidery done on it. This is a neckline design. 

Products where Applique Work is used

• Kurtis
• Lehengas
• Sarees
• Blouses
• Anarkali and salwar suits
• Western gowns
• Table cloths
• Purses
• Bags
• Curtains
• Chemise
• Pillows and pillow covers
• Bed covers
• Lamp shades and lots of other products

Sequins Embroidery

Sequins embroidery is a very beautiful and traditional embroidery work used for garment surface ornamentation. Sequins are any flat disc shaped material which are sewn on to the fabric for decorative purpose. I use sequins embroidery in wide variety of my designs including Indian, Indowestern and Western clothes and accessories too. There are wide varieties of sequins available for embroidery in different shapes, colors, sizes etc. In the below contents i have shared with you images of different types of sequins, different types of sequins work, beautiful products ornamented with sequins work, technique of attaching sequins on to the fabric and much more. 

Different Varieties of Sequins

As I have discussed before there are various types of sequins available in different sizes, shapes, colors etc. Different types of sequins like Ubaick, Katori sequins, rainbow sequins, devdas sequins, pani(water) sequins, matt sequins, tear drop sequins etc are used in varieties of clothing and accessories.

Matt sequins are opaque and are available in solid colors. Transparent sequins as the name says are transparent, it shines and takes the color of the base fabric on to which it is stitched and these are also called as pani sequins. Metallic sequins look like opaque discs in metallic colors and are used for material work. Rainbow sequins and devdas sequins shines in multi colors. There are sequins which shines in two colors too. There are katori sequins which are 3D in appearance. Sequins are available in various thickness.


Images of Various types of Sequins

Attaching sequins

There are number of ways of attaching sequins to the fabric. The thread will be visible to some degree and so to be selected carefully to match or contrast in a decorative fashion. As the thread will be repeatedly pulled through the sequins the thread should be strong and durable. Always work from right to left.

Back stitch, Double stitch, Simple running stitch can be used to attach the sequins.

 1) Insert the threaded needle from the wrong side of the fabric through the fabric and bring it to the front of the fabric.

2) Thread on a sequin through the hole at the centre of the sequins.

3)Bring the needle down at the edge of the sequins to the wrong side of the fabric.                                                 

4) Leave a stitch gap and insert the needle again from the wrong side of the fabric through the fabric and bring it to the front of the fabric and thread on another sequin.

5) Do the back stitch by inserting the needle down through the fabric at the same point where the first stitch ends(at the edge of the first sequins) and bring the needle up again leaving a stitch gap and continue doing the same steps until you finish the design.

Heavy Sequins work at the edges of a georgette dupatta


Here the sequins work is combined with other embroidery work such as stone work, bead work etc. This embroidery sample from cbazaar.


Sequins work done on a beautiful chiffon saree


                           Gold and silver seqins are used along with small sugar beads



Heavy embroidery using sequins and other embroidery work on a georgette fabric






Sequins work on neckline design


This sequins is similar to tear drop sequins but they are pointed at both the edges. This is a neckline design of an Anarkali. I just clicked the image before cutting and sewing the Anarkali.


Sequins embroidery border on a net dupatta


                 Embroidery border and scatters is done using sequins.


Sequins embroidery border combined with other embroidery work



Sequins work done using machine

Sequins work is also done using machines and computerised technique which is fast and easy. There are needles and different sewing machines available to sew the sequins on to the fabric. This is less expensive compared to hand embroidery and is much useful when it comes to mass production.

Images of machine and computerised embroidered sequins work

Black Sequins Border

Border with Silver Katori Sequins