Testing Images for Applique
Some patterns in applique will say image reversed for fusible applique, or you may have to reverse the pattern to face the way you want or need. Letters and numbers are good for creating this confusion. There is a way to test the images before using the actual material. Let’s face it some of the quilting materials can get pricey .This test process will help prevent making errors and waste.
The tools you will need are standard copy paper, pencil or marker, lightbox, or window, tape, scrap fabric, paper scissors and your image.
Trace the image you’re working with onto a piece of copy paper. For my purpose I’m going to use the little bird. If you can’t see the lines, use the light box or window to make it easier to trace.
Cut the image out on the line drawn.This is now your template.
Write “paper” on one side of the template and on the same side write the direction in which you want the template to face. L for left or R of right will work. This will indicate the paper side of the fusible web or the drawn side of the template. In this case I want the bird to face right.
Put a piece of tape on the other side of the template. You can use rolled up scotch tape or double sided tape. This is the adhesive side or fusible side of the template.
Using a scrap piece of fabric, put the adhesive (tape) side of the template to the wrong side of fabric. Cut out the template . You don’t have to be exact as this is a test and you’re using scraps.
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Then flip it over. Is the fabric with the template going in the correct way? In my case it is not.
If not the pattern needs to be reversed. Try this with a number like “2” or the letter “E”..or shapes that are not symmetrical. Use the paper template pattern to adjust if necessary by simply flipping it over.
I found it helpful to use this process of testing a pattern when I was working on a quilt and the pattern didn’t come out the same as the picture. The pattern did say it was reversed for fusible web but it really wasn’t. I found that this process works for fusible applique and freezer paper applique After much frustration and money spent for the project I really didn’t want to abandon it. I have yet to try this with other forms of applique but, if you do let me know how it comes out. If you would like to see the process in action check out my video on youtube.
Fancey This 