There are several ways to appliqué: needle-turn by hand, machine, reverse to name a few. The SMQG guild library has several books about appliqué. You can use a double sided iron-on product, which is what is presented here. Some of the brands are HeatnBond, Wonder Under, and Steam-a-Seam. Use the light version if there is one. A heavy one will make your fabric too stiff and you might have trouble sewing through it. Here are some general guidelines but also read your package directions.

My package directions say to pre-wash the fabric first, using no fabric softeners, to remove the fabric sizing. Personally, I just pre-rinse with plain water and have not had any problems with adhesion.

Trace the pattern onto the paper backing. Cut out leaving about ¼" around shape. With wrong side of fabric up and rough side of fusible down (paper side up), using a DRY iron set to a medium setting, press for a few seconds to bond. Let cool and cut on traced line. Then remove the paper and place the shape right side up on the right side of your background fabric in the desired position. Press again for about 10 seconds making sure to cover all areas.

Here is a pattern for a simple heart and you can use whatever appliqué technique you like to use. If you feel adventurous try combining the paper foundation method from last month to make a pieced heart. Machine or hand embroider the seams with different stitches for a crazy quilt look. Do that before using the iron-on fusible. The heart is 3 ½" and background is CUT 4 ½" so that you will have an 8" block using 4 hearts. Place them on the background as you choose – straight on the block or with the points to a corner.

Don’t forget to bring your (labeled) block to the January meeting. There will be samples, and it will be fun to see what everyone did with the hearts.