QUILTsocial | Issue 09

Fussy cut no more!
Using precut and prefused applique shapes
Bill Locke
Let's discover the wonderful concept of precut and prefused
applique pieces using fabric from Northcott’s Urban
Elementz collection.
The typical way to make our applique pieces, tracing the design
shapes to the paper back side of the fusible adhesive, cutting
out the paper shapes, leaving a little of the white paper outside
of the lines. Then, fusing the shapes to the wrong side of the
fabrics and lastly removing the paper backing and fusing the
applique shapes.
With this special product, the applique shapes are all
prepared for you. These applique pieces have been prefused
and precut; all you have to do is fuse them to your project.
There are a wide variety of packages to choose from in
Northcott’s Urban Elementz Applique series.
Prefused applique packages
Prefused appliques allow us to be creative and less
task oriented.
The applique shapes are created in the various fabrics within a
collection, the beauty of it is that the fusible adhesive is already
on the applique pieces, and each of the applique pieces already
precut. All you have to do is lay them on your project, and with
a hot iron, fuse in place.
I opened one of the packages and laid out the pieces to show
you how easy it is to play with these. It took me just a couple of
minutes to arrange the pieces as per the photo on the packet.
This is going to be a fun!
The applique pieces shown above are from the Daisy Dotz –
Small package. All of the applique pieces are prefused and
ready to apply to your project. Just peel off the paper backing,
place on your project, and press with a hot iron.
Applique shapes from one package are laid out
as per the design idea on the package
Each package of appliques comes with a project idea for
the pieces. Daisy Dotz – Small, has a pattern for a 12” x 12”
finished project that would make the most adorable cushion.
Of course, once the cushion has been appliqued, adding a
border to the cushion from one of the coordinating fabrics
is going to give it even more pizzazz as all quilters know the
magic of easy borders!
An important note is that the appliques don’t necessarily have to
be used on cotton fabric. You can use these on canvas, burlap, or
even wood!
When you use the applique pieces, once you have positioned
the pieces on your project correctly, you must permanently fuse
the appliques in place. It’s suggested that you use a pressing
cloth to press the shapes in place. I like to use the cotton/hot
setting and I always use steam for my appliques. The steam
really helps set the adhesive on the back of the applique pieces.
After you fuse your applique pieces, you must let your project
cool before handling. If you find that the applique pieces didn’t
adhere correctly, simply press again. Sometimes, I find that
turning the project over and pressing from the back side also
helps to set the adhesive, especially if some of the applique
pieces have been layered.
To finish off the appliques, I suggest machine stitching around
each of the pieces with a blanket stitch.
I’m thoroughly impressed with the packaging, the directions
and the overall quality of the applique pieces. These Urban
Elementz Applique shapes by Northcott are definitely on my
buyer list for my own customers, and me of course.
Remember, although a pattern is included with each of the
packages, you can create your own. These applique shapes
would be great for placemats, mug rugs, cushion covers,
table runners, and a wide range of happy designs for quilts.
Q
44 .com| issue 9
UILTsocial
Photos by Bill Locke