The basic idea of appliqué seems easy - cutting a shape out of one fabric and sewing that shape onto another fabric. However, it is actually a little bit more complicated than that: there are a few things that you should consider such as whether to hand sew or machine sew, what materials to use, how to stop the edges from fraying, etc.

Appliqué is a simple and effective method of decorating your quilt whether you are using hand appliqué or machine appliqué. There are different methods of hand appliqué, so you have to know at least one type of stitch such as the slipstitch. Machine appliqué is of course done on sewing machines. Many machines have stitches that are specially designed for this. Appliqué doesn't just use fabric; it can also be used with other materials such as beads, sequins, etc. and is often combined with other types of needlework such as embroidery to create the desired and amazing effect.

Appliqué is suitable for small or large scale work, but not every material is appropriate for every appliqué project. If you are planning appliqué for something that will require frequent washing, such as table mats, you must choose fabrics that wash well, e.g. linen or cotton. If you are planning something purely decorative such as a wall hanging there is a wider choice of fabrics to select.

Appliqué gives you the freedom that piecing does not; the freedom to cut any shape, any size you want to. The possibilities are endless!