Nothing can give a sweeter, more homespun feel to a sewing project better than appliqué, and if you think doing professional, high-quality appliqué requires a fancy, expensive sewing machine, think again! Requiring just a few small scraps of fabric, my fox appliqué design can be added to wearable items, home decor items and more, and it can be stitched on any sewing machine with a zig-zag stitch. Today I am sharing the full details for how to stitch up this design, including the free templates you need to make it happen. Let’s get started!
For this project, you will need…
-
Fox Applique Templates (click link for free download)
- Scraps of fabric
- Fusible web
- Iron
- Shears
- Pencil
- Tear-away stabilizer
- Embroidery thread
- Flocked heat transfer
- Hole punch
- 1/2-inch circle punch
Directions
- Download and print the appliqué design templates, and cut each piece out.
- Iron the fusible web to the back of the scraps of fabric.
- Use a pencil to trace the pattern pieces onto the paper backing of the fusible web. Use shears to cut each piece out.
- Iron the main body and main tail pieces to the item you will be embellishing, and then iron the belly and tail tip pieces on top of the main body and mail tail pieces, as shown in the photos below.
- Pin a section of stabilizer to the back of the piece, making sure the piece is large enough to completely back the entire design.
- Using a satin stitch and embroidery thread, stitch along either side of the tail piece to connect the tail tip to the main body. Stitch around the perimeter of the tail tip.
- Stitch around the curved edge of the belly piece before stitching around the entire perimeter of the main body piece.
- Press to affix the eye pieces in their appropriate places. Stitch around each.
- For the eyes and nose, use a small hole punch to cut two eyes and the 1/2-inch circle punch to punch one nose. Iron these into place. (Alternatively, you can use buttons or other embellishments for the eyes and nose, but since this project will be put to use in a baby’s room, I wanted to use something that wouldn’t pose a choking risk.)
You are finished!
I just love the sweet simplicity of this design.
I chose to use this little fox to embellish a pillow that will coordinate with the bedding I am making for my new nephew’s room.
Love this project, but new to appliqué? Be sure to check out my guide to basic appliqué, where I talk the ins and outs of stabilizers, stitches and more.
For details for how I created the actual pillow cover for this project, be sure to check out my Envelope-Backed Pillow Cover Tutorial.
Stumped by satin stitching? This video tutorial from Leah Day is where I learned everything I know!
Thanks so much for stopping by!
Having grown up in a home brimming with sewing notions and paintbrushes, Amy has a deep love for all things creative. On any given day, you’ll find her knee-deep in her latest creative endeavor, with projects ranging from sewing and crafts to home decor and kid-friendly ideas. Amy believes that everyone, regardless of skill level or experience, possesses the ability to create something beautiful, and Positively Splendid was born of her passion for helping others harness their innate creative potential.
Cute fox!!! I’ve linked to your tutorial over at Craft Gossip:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-template-fox-applique/2013/10/21/
–Anne
Thanks so much, Anne! I appreciate you sharing this with your readers!
Stop the cuteness!!! This is so cute and has my mind running with all sorts of ideas on cute applique pillows! The fox is adorable!
I love this applique! I don’t see where to go to download the template. I would love to add this to an apron for my niece whoes last name is Fox! Thank you for the fun projects! Gale
Hi, Gale! What a cute idea to put this on an apron! For the download, click on the wording that says Fox Applique Template in the supply list above. Happy stitching!
Loving the fox!! It’s super cute!!! Thanks so much for the great idea!!!
Amy, I am in the market for an embroidery machine. I would like to be able to monogram and other cutesy stuff..I don’t need anything fancy. What kind of machine would you suggest? I know you came from a sewing family and could probably give me some tips. I already have a sewing machine but I know lots of them are sewing/embroidery. You are always so creative, love following you..Thanks for your help.
Hi, Pam! I run the gamut of experiences with machines. I actually started sewing on a very simple White sewing machine, and then I inherited my mom’s Brother SE-350 when she graduated to a Bernina. I have to say that I love my Brother machine and what it is capable of doing! It is equipped to do embroidery and applique, and it has performed admirably when I’ve pushed it to the limit sewing all sorts of projects. I actually wrote a post about my machine here if you want more details: http://www.positivelysplendid.com/2013/07/brother-sewing-machine-review.html
Admittedly, after sewing on my mom’s higher-end machine, there is a difference in stitch quality and the overall experience of using her Bernina, but the price point for those machines really is prohibitive unless your budget is fairly substantial. When the time comes to replace my current machine, I think I will probably look into a Babylock. I have heard great things about them!
so many uses for this. thanks for sharing the fun tute!
Super cute especially the little tail end!
Thanks so much!
Amy, thank you SO much for the free template. My grandson’s school mascot is a FOX, and I’m thinking pillowcase and throw pillow for Christmas–pattern is perfect. Love the “foxey” fabric also. I enjoy your posts!
Terrific, Linda! I am so glad you like it, and I hope your grandson does, too!
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too cute!!
I linked to your tutorial on my blog – thanks for sharing your free template!
♥, doro von Hand zu Hand
Very nice pillow, I love foxes, this tutorial and free templates great, thanks for sharing