Playing with Spooky Hollow – a mini applique tutorial

Why hello there friends!

Today is a great day – I get to share some super fun fabric, release a mini tutorial AND release a set of fun new applique templates in the store.

It has been a tough few weeks here with my beautiful 93 year old Nana having a major stroke and being unable to return home and Hannah having some not so fun medical tests that really brought home some big big emotions for both of us. To be able to stop in the middle of all that and create was a true privilege. I always feel so lucky to have sewing as my creative outlet, I am a lucky lucky girl.

Lets dive in and talk FABRIC first!

Spooky Hollow is the latest collection by Melissa Mortenson from Polkadot Chair for Riley Blake Designs. I don’t usually choose novelty fabrics but this was just too fun to pass up. I mean look at that cute little Pumpkin Man! My lovely friend Andrea (founder of Hallozween) is a lover of all things spooky so I knew automatically that this collection was going to be used to create a fun gift.

If you follow me on Social Media you know I have a new pattern in the works called the Tiny Town Pouch. Last month I shared this sweet patchwork version using Notting Hill by Amy Smart with you all. I was hoping to release it in its entirety today but I still feel it has a wee bit of tweaking to go. Never fear though for those of you who want the little street scene as that is being released in my shop tonight as a series of Applique templates. The pouch itself is the perfect size for projects on the go or as a travel case for your iPad and other bits. There will be a few different design options to choose from which is why it is taking so long – I really never make things easy for myself!

It was so much fun turning the Halloween fabric into a spooky little street scene. The little details were perfect for fussy cutting and the monsters were easy to cut out and attach – it is always great when you can make something that looks fiddly but is actually quite simple.

I decided to applique the design on using black thread in a sketchy style, I love the extra detail it brings and although I am not brilliant at it there is so much room for error that it is the perfect to just relax and have some fun. I have a few more details about this in my mini tutorial below.

If it wasn’t for Andrea I wouldn’t have Halloween props in the house. They certainly came in handy although fake spiderwebs are made by the Devil himself I am sure of it! I had that fluff all over me for the rest of the day.

Lets stop for a minute to talk about that zipper tape and pull too. I purchased these from Online Bag Supplies and they are such great quality. The Zipper Tape is metallic silver and that little rainbow skull was the perfect touch. I love that the zipper tape is a bit wider than a standard zip so you can use a normal foot to attach and choose how much of the tape itself you display – some are so wonderful and decorative. Joanne kindly sent me a little gift bag of extras to giveaway so stay tuned to my Instagram for that this week if you want to be in the running.

I often get asked how I cut my applique shapes so precisely by hand so I thought i would share a mini applique tutorial with you to show you my process. Everyone has different ways of doing things but this is mine and I hope it helps anyone who is just starting out on their Applique journey.

Lets dive in:

Mini Applique Tutorial

What you need

A printer for your templates
Fusible webbing – I use vleisofix
Marker Pen
Good quality sharp scissors – I use these by Kai
Iron and pressing cloth
Lots of fun and fancy fabrics

Method

Open up your pattern PDF and print your chosen template. Set the print scale at 100% and making sure the box “Scale o Fit” isn’t checked. The 1” test square on Page 1 will help to ensure the printing has been done correctly. Tape the patterns together if needed. DO NOT CUT OUT.

Using your Marker pen, trace all the different components of your design onto the fusible webbing, paper side up. Piccolo Studio Pattern Templates come automatically reversed however with others you may need to do this yourself first.

Audition your fabrics for each part of the design.

Cut around each component and iron to the WRONG side of your fabric. Line up where possible so you can really focus on gorgeous little fussy cut details.

Cut your design out with sharp scissors. When ready to attach to your design, simply peel off the paper backing and iron on, using a pressing cloth if playing with delicate fabrics.

Creating an entire scene

When creating a scene it is a great idea to start with your key components first to ensure everything is properly spaced and lined up. Iron those on then slowly layer up all the details, pressing as you go.

Bringing it home

There are so many ways to applique a design – the choice is endless and will depend very much on both your personal style and the type of project you are making. I alternate a lot between simple raw edge applique using a straight stitch and this fun sketchy style. To make it sketchy all you need to do is go round each separate component of the design a few times using a black straight stitch. The best thing about this version is you don’t need to be perfect – the sketchier it looks the better. You can also add in extra detail including broken windows, cracks and building details.