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End-uses for appliqué - Suggested Answers

Outline the principle of appliqué as a method of fabric decoration
Appliqué as a method of fabric decoration is achieved by applying a flat motif cut from one fabric to another underlying or background fabric. The appliqué motif fabric is attached by either hand or machine stitches.
In your own words describe the steps involved in the traditional technique of appliquÉ.
Create a mirror reverse paper pattern template. Pin the pattern in place on the wrong side of your choice of fabric. Cut out the shape leaving a 6 mm seam allowance all around clipping any concave areas. Turn the seam allowance over onto the paper and tack through the two fabric and one paper layer. Double stitch to finish. Press the patch to give a good edge finish. Remove the tacking and paper template. Tack the prepared patch onto the background fabric. Using a needle, blind hem stitch around the patch making sure you place the needle vertically down from the last stitch. In this way the stitches will blend with the background fabric. It is important to match the thread colour to the patch colour not the background colour.
Identify and justify a suitable appliqué method as a decorative technique for the following end uses:
- Bed spread
  Traditional appliqué over cardboard or using freezer paper would be suitable for this bed spread. The tiny hand stitches and traditional technique would add heirloom value to the item and would make it suitable for dry cleaning.
- Cushion
  Hand appliquéd with stabilizer. This method would help to achieve a 3D effect especially if a pellon wadding was used as the stabilizer. Hand stitching the motifs adds value to the cushion as well as complementing the traditional appeal of the textile item.
- Bodice
  Vliesoflex with machine embroidered traditional edge stitch is a suitable appliqué method for this bodice. This method creates a flat surface to edge stitch giving stability to the design. Edge stitching gives definition to the outline and a professional finish to this costume piece.
- Skirt
  Vliesoflexed and machined finished with free hand machine embroidery would be suitable for this skirt. The stability of this decorative technique makes for ease of care with this appliqué method.

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