Freezer Paper Applique
Appliqué is the process of taking shaped fabric pieces and sewing them onto a background, foundation fabric to form patterns and designs. Using Freezer Paper to perform the steps in basic applique makes the process simple and easy.
The main steps in Freezer Paper Applique are to draw or trace your applique shape on the dull side of the Freezer Paper. Cut out your Freezer Paper appliqué shape, without leaving a seam allowance. Now, lay the Freezer Paper on the wrong side of your fabric with the shiny, waxed side against the fabric. You will need to press (NOT IRON) your fabric to adhere it to the Freezer Paper. Cut out the fabric leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance all the way around the Freezer Paper.
To hand stitch, fold the fabric seam allowance under the Freezer Paper and stitch the applique to your foundation fabric using a thread that matches your fabric. When you are left with about a half-inch unstitched, pull out the Freezer Paper. Then complete your stitching.
If you are using your sewing machine, it is easier to iron the Freezer Paper to the wrong side of the fabric, then iron the seam allowance over the Freezer Paper. This will give you a nice, crisp edge to applique. Remove the Freezer Paper before sewing. The wax residue will make the fabric slightly sticky which will help to keep the fabric in place as you sew.
If you do not have Freezer Paper on hand, you can also use glue sticks. To use the glue stick method, you will perform the same actions as you would in the freezer paper method, only you use copier, or printer paper along with a glue stick. On the backside of your paper applique shape, add a bit of glue to the middle and press it onto the wrong side of your fabric. Add a thin layer of glue all the way around the shape and press from the inside out to adhere the paper to the fabric. Cut out your fabric, leaving a 1/4 inch seam allowance and stitch in the same manner as in the Freezer Paper method.
Reynolds brand Freezer Paper is the easiest to use. I have tried other brands and they do not work nearly as well. Reynolds even has brief instructions for applique listed on the Freezer Paper Box. Freezer Paper is also great for Paper Piecing, sewing hexagons together as in Grandmothers Flower Garden Blocks, and printing labels on fabric.
To print on a piece of fabric, adhere the Freezer Paper to a piece of fabric 8 1/2" x 11", making sure there are no loose threads to get caught up in your printer. The Freezer Paper will give the fabric enough body to go through the printer like a piece of paper. Make sure you use an ink jet printer only.
