How To Applique with Thread Crochet Motifs

You can easily embellish plain towels and washcloths
to create beautiful custom accessories.

Start with your favorite motif, crocheted in cotton thread.

Then follow these easy steps...

1. Single Crochet around the motif using crochet thread that matches your "plain" item.

4. Spritz the motif with plain water to wet, then pin it to open up the stitches and straighten the edges.

7. Fold up the edge a bit and take a small stitch under it to anchor the thread and hide the knot.

2. For square designs, work 3 SC stitches in each corner for a smooth border.

5. Once the motif is dry, pin it in place. Where and how many is all up to you!

8. Now using small stitches, sew into the back loop of each SC stitch around the item.

3. Finish the round using the invisible join. Not sure how? Click here!

6. Using plain thread in the same color as your border, thread the needle and tie a knot.

9. Finish off by tying a knot close to the fabric and then passing the needle under the motif and out the back to hide the knot.

That's it!  That's all it takes to turn something plain and ordinary into something unique and extraordinary!

If you think it's too hard, please don't be intimidated!  The first time I tried it I was so worried that my stitches would be uneven and the motif would fall off!  Believe me it's so much easier than it looks. And,  it's a great way to put your thread creations to work.  I don't know about you, but I have plenty of flowers and motifs that are just looking for a place to show off!

I turned these simple fingerless mitts into something special by adding flowers to the outside of the wrist.

For these I didn't bother to add a SC border, and since I didn't have matching lilac thread I used the crochet thread.  I cut a piece to length and pulled it apart so I could use just one of the plies.  It worked like a charm!

Well folks, I hope that today's tutorial has been helpful and that you might even be inspired to give this type of applique a try.  You can use this technique on so many different things.  On blue jeans, and denim jackets, shirt collars and pockets, pillow cases and sheets, curtains, tote bags - if you can imagine it, you can do it!

Thanks so much for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.
Until next time friends,
Be blessed and stitch & read with love!