How to stitch Vintage Applique Designs

I like to choose my fabrics before stitching to make sure they compliment each other well.  Of course, I do change my mind mid stitch ALL. THE. TIME.

Every applique design will vary.  The steps featured in this stitch out are just examples of what you can expect.

After the placement stitch, fully cover the area with your desired fabric that has been starched.  To me, starch makes fabric much easier to cut.

Also, heat n bond lite is a must unless you want all of your fabrics to fray.  For that clean cut applique look, always adhere heat n bond lite to your fabrics.

After looking at the design, I can see that the window is fully covered by other steps.  Therefore, I cut the fabric pretty close.

This is the brand of starch I am currently using. 

You can find heat n bond lite on amazon or at any craft store. 

I have been stitching most of my vintage appliques with only one thread color.  I find matching the thread to the fabrics causes the design to lose some of that hand stitched effect.

I stopped my machine after the top stitched to lay down my tractor fabric.

I find that it is best (if the design allows) to stitch the "final" stitch before cutting the fabric.  

When cutting your fabric, always leave more fabric showing than you think.  You can cut more but cutting too close will lose that vintage effect and it also increases the likelihood of your fabric pulling away from the stitching. 

Once you get use to vintage applique, this won't seem so tedious.  

You will repeat this process until the design is complete!

I am cutting out the middle of the tires to prevent fabric show through.  You can see more on this in this blog post!

Again, you don't need to leave a ton of fabric showing as this will be covered.

These designs stitch so fast and i love the look.  It takes some practice, but once you get the hang of it, you'll love it too!

For tips on folding shirts, check out this blog post!