App embellishments are the perfect way to decorate a plain outfit, or turn an old outfit into something new and fun. Apps can also be used to make personalized gifts such as t-shirts, large bags or hats for your friends or loved ones. You can also create apps of any design you can think of, the sky is the limit! Continue reading to learn how to create and install apps.
Step
Part 1 of 2: Creating Apps
Step 1. Choose a design and fabric
If this is your first time creating an app, it is recommended that you choose a simple design, such as a heart shape, a star shape, or a bird shape – objects with definite and easily recognizable shapes.
- Search the internet for “app designs” if you want to see the various ideas other masters have used, if you've found one you like, print it out so you can trace the image later.
- Keep in mind that you will be sewing along the edges of your application when you attach it to your garment. Simple geometric shapes are easier to sew around than a tree with many branches, or a city skyline. Choose the one that suits your abilities.
- Think about what kind of fabric will suit your design and the fabric you will be applying for. Choose based on color and impression. Light cotton or muslin fabrics work well.
- If you're feeling bold enough, opt for a layered design that's made up of more than one piece of fabric. For example, you can make a black bird with red wingtips, or a white crescent with yellow stars.
Step 2. Draw or trace your design on a piece of paper
You'll be using your drawing as a pattern, so take a pencil and draw thick, clear lines so they're easy to cut. Once your design is complete, carefully cut it with scissors.
If your design consists of letters or other asymmetrical shapes that must face a certain direction, draw or trace your design opposite on the paper. The shape will point in the right direction on the finished piece
Step 3. Trace your pattern on a layer or hard cloth that can be ironed on
Make sure you trace it on the smooth side of the layer with the adhesive, as the side with the glue is more difficult to work with. Once you have finished your design, cut it out using scissors.
- In this step, it is recommended that you use a cloth pen or other ballpoint pen with non-bleeding ink to avoid smudging your work.
- A hard, iron-on sheeting is available at fabric stores. Look for a material that has a removable paper coating – this will help you when you apply the application to your clothes.
Step 4. Iron a hard cloth on the “back” side of your cloth
Turn the fabric so that the face side is facing down. Place the cut hard fabric with the adhesive side facing the fabric and iron it on the “silk” setting carefully until it adheres to the fabric.
Make sure the steam setting on your iron is turned off, as moisture can affect the shape of your hard fabric layer
Step 5. Use fabric scissors to cut out your design from the fabric sheet
Your app is now ready to be pasted on clothes.
Part 2 of 2: Paste Apps
Step 1. Prepare the base material for pasting the application
Make sure the base material is clean and has been ironed. If you are using cotton or other shrinkable material, machine wash and tumble dry to prepare them for application.
Step 2. Place the application on the base material
Do you want to place the app in the middle, or on the side? Try a few different settings to decide which look you like best.
- If the hard fabric layer has a removable paper backing, please remove it and paste your design where you have specified.
- If the hard fabric backing doesn't have an adhesive back, place your design and use a few pins to hold it in place.
- Make sure your design and base material are smooth and not wrinkled.
Step 3. Sew the application on the base material
Use a sewing machine to sew around your design, slowly moving your fabric on the sewing machine and turning as you sew the corners.
- When you've sewn around, sew a few inches above your original stitch, then back stitch to finish. Turn your fabric over and trim off the excess thread.
- The settings on your sewing machine determine the length and width of your stitches. Use a stitch that is wider or smaller depending on the final look you want.
- If you have more than one strand in your application, sew the bottom layer first, then place and sew the second layer, and so on. Consider using yarn of a different color for each layer of fabric.
Step 4. Tidy up when you're done
Trim the excess threads from the back side of the application. Iron the t-shirt, bag, or blanket you just applied as a finishing touch.
Think about adding some decorative touches, like buttons, ribbon, or sequins
Step 5. Done
Tips
- If you don't have a sewing machine, you can still paste your application. Read the article on how to sew a patch on a uniform for steps on how to sew an application by hand.
- The fabric you choose for your application should not be heavier than the base material to which it is attached.
- Applications are very useful for covering holes or stains on old clothes.
- Before you wash your finished garment, make sure you know how to wash the application material and the base fabric to which it is attached.
