A few of the items I have made using appliqué. You can click to see a larger picture. There are many ways to appliqué. I will explain my method for doing it. If I'm starting from scratch as I did with my "M and m" set and the Kokopelli top, I prewashed all fabrics, cut out the shirts, then did the appliqué BEFORE I constructed the shirt. If I appliqué on jeans. overalls or a jacket, I use my seam ripper to open the seams to make it easier. FYI, I tend to over explain things, hey I was a school teacher :) . It's just a case of trying to be as clear as possible. If you have insights to my method, I'd appreciate any hints and ideas. I'm always learning to do better! Supplies: 
- Simple pattern to trace. Choose an image that has clean, bold outlines
- Fabric for the appliqué -- woven works well, and you can get with just a few pieces -- remnants, cuts from old clothes work great! You can get new life from an old shirt or dress they have outgrown, Another idea I like is bandana print. I used a Minnie Mouse red with white dots for hoodies I made for my girls to wear at Disneyland.
- Paper backed fusible web -- I use Wonder Under
- Stitch N' Tear or something similar -- you need a stable backing that provides optimum support for your stitching. Stabilizers are used to prevent stitches from rippling and distorting regardless of the background fabric.
- Temporary spray adhesive 505 spray or similar
Step 1- Choosing a pattern
Choose an image that has clean, bold outlines, such as a children's coloring book picture. There are many places to find these -- I have some listed below. I have also traced circles using mugs. Something new I've been using is a letter. I open up word or any other word processing program. I find a font I like, with very few extras or curly cues. I usually use Arial or Arial bold. I make it the size I want, make sure it's thick so the fabric will show inside and print it out. Oh and make sure when you apply it, that it will be facing the correct way. The upper case M was easy but I had to do some flipping for the lower case :D Numbers are fun for birthdays too! Sunbonnet Sue Sunbonnet Sam and Farmer Jim Applique Shapes Scotty Dog Apples, flowers, dolls and more A whole bunch more Step 2- Transferring the pattern to the paper backed fusible web 
Trace the design on the paper side of the fusible web with a sharp pencil or permanent marker Step 3 - Iron Iron the fusible web pattern piece to the wrong side of the appliqué fabric. Refer to product instructions for specific heat settings and fusible times. Remember to place the piece paper side up. Allow to cool, and cut out your fabric and fusible web together following the lines of your appliqué pattern. 
Step 4 - Cut Cut out the now fused fusible web and the fabric together 
Step 5 - Place your appliqué on your background fabric. 
The pieces are ready to be placed on the background fabric. Prepare the background by spraying the fabric with spray starch. This step will help stabilize the fabric and aid against possible distortion. Peel the paper away from the fabric pieces and position on the background fabric. Fuse your appliqué to the background fabric using a hot iron. Step 6 - Stabilize 
Cut a piece of the stabilizer slightly larger than the appliqué. Using your temporary spray adhesive, spray it lightly (I do this over newspapers in the garage I usually make a mess LOL). Apply to the back of the background piece . Step 7 - Stitch around your appliqué 
Zigzag around each piece to secure it in place. The top thread can be color coordinated with the appliqué design or a contrasting color. White bobbin thread will work for almost any project. For special effects, metallic, rayon or nylon threads can add glitter and shine. Try out your zigzag or satin stitches of various widths to secure fabric pieces to the desired location. Step 8 - Remove stabilizer, wash, and you're done! 
Step 9 - Sew and Show! 
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