Felt Appliqué Basket and Book Giveaway
I recently made a fun fabric basket using wool appliqué with a design from Minki Kim’s new book, Zakka Wool Appliqué: 60+ Sweetly Stitched Designs. I’m sharing some tips for working with appliqué patterns, the free tutorial to make this basket, and at the bottom of the post you can enter for a chance to win your own copy of Zakka Wool Appliqué from Minki Kim!
Materials to Make an Appliqué Fabric Basket
- Wool felt scraps
- One scrap of solid color cotton fabric for base of appliqué (see basket tutorial below for fabric requirements)
- Fusible webbing
- Pencil
- Clear tape
- Iron and pressing surface
- Find the free basket tutorial from Minki Kim here (I left the handle off of my basket)
- Copy of Minki Kim’s Zakka Wool Appliqué (or use your appliqué pattern of choice)
- Sewing machine (I use a BERNINA 570 QE)
- Open embroidery foot #20
Minki’s new book includes lots of sweet patterns and project ideas, and I immediately loved the “Cat Says hi” design, featuring a cute cat wearing a little sweater. Here’s how I created the cute cat appliqué with wool.
I copy the appliqué pattern to white copy paper to trace the pattern. I’m using one piece of cotton woven fabric for the base of the appliqué design.
When I need to trace, I use an ultra slim light box from The Daylight Company. If you don’t have a light box you can use a window to trace your design. I use clear tape to hold the pattern in place while I am tracing to keep the layers from shifting.
First I trace the outline of the appliqué shape very lightly directly on the base fabric. This will help align the pieces in a later step. Once the pattern outline is traced on the base fabric, I can trace the appliqué shapes on the paper side of the fusible webbing. I decide that the cat will stand alone without the little “hi” speech bubble.
Because the paper side of the fusible webbing will become the back of the shapes, the pattern will need to be REVERSED (or flipped-over) before you trace. I flip the pattern over and use the clear tape to secure it to the light table.
I trace the shapes on the paper side of the fusible webbing in batches corresponding to the colors of felt.
Once I’ve traced the shapes, I follow the manufacturer’s instructions for fusing the paper backed webbing to the WRONG side of the felt. Then I can carefully cut out each shape.
I arrange the shapes carefully on the base fabric following the outline I traced. I use the pattern to help me put little shapes in the right place. Use a pressing cloth to do the final pressing in place to help keep those little tiny pieces from shifting around.
Now I’m ready to add all the stitching details to my appliqué with the sewing machine. I use Open embroidery foot #20 for these steps because the foot gives me a clear view of exactly where I am placing the stitches on the shapes.
I use a very narrow zigzag stitch to secure the shapes in place, stitch width 1.5 and stitch length 1. I use coordinating thread colors for each shape to help hide the stitches.
To add the details to the cat’s paws and face, I use black thread with a very short straight stitch, and sew the lines. I am stitching as I go, but you can gently trace the lines with a fabric marking pencil first (just be sure to test first with the felt to make sure the marks won’t be permanent).
To add some fun details to the cat’s sweater, I pick a fun decorative stitch from the machine. This is decorative stitch 142 in my B 570 QE. I stitch one motif using the Pattern Begin/End feature. This feature allows you to stitch just one of the decorative motifs perfectly! Find out more about this feature with this tutorial to use Pattern Begin and End from WeAllSew.
I finish off the sweater with a triple stitch at the top and bottom of the single stitched motif.
To create the basket, I use Minki Kim’s basket tutorial linked in the Materials section above, leaving out the addition of the basket handle to create a handy fabric bin.
I sewed the cotton fabric piece with the appliqué cat to squares of half-triangle patchwork. I used all vintage fabrics from my stash, created the HST’s to finish at a little larger than 2″ x 2″, sewed them together with the appliqué cat, and then cut the entire piece of patchwork to the correct size to make the basket. You can create any type of patchwork or combination of fabrics for the outside of your basket! Just follow all the directions in the tutorial to finish the project once you’ve created the outside.
It’s a great size to use as a scrap basket next to your sewing machine.
Or to hold a handful of sewing patterns, balls of yarn, fat quarter bundles, or other craft supplies.
And the bin even works well to catch and hold your four footed furry friends favorite toys!
Zakka Wool Appliqué Book Giveaway
The giveaway is now closed, thanks to our WeAllSew fans who entered. Congratulations to the winner of one copy of Minki Kim’s new book, Zakka Wool Appliqué WeAllSew fan @scooter!
All you have to do is post a comment below and answer the question:
“What is your favorite BERNINA presser foot for appliqué?”
The the giveaway is open through Thursday, August 13.
The giveaway is open to residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia. One comment per fan. Comment must be submitted to the WeAllSew.com blog by Thursday, August 13, 2020 at 11:59 PM Central Time. Winner will be chosen randomly. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to contact to claim the prize.
Good luck!
Used Products
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95 comments on “Felt Appliqué Basket and Book Giveaway”
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My favorite foot is the 20D foot. I don’t even put it away, it sits right next to my sewing machine, to use on the fly!
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I really like the clear foot #23. I like to center the design so I have even foot pressure on both sides of the applique edge and I can clearly see when I have to rotate the fabric.
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Darling projects Minki! Since the 20 C foot came with my machine I love that one for appliqué! I also love
10D but not for appliqué:) Love the pillow too! -
My favorite foot for applique is the 20D.
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The #20 foot is my favorite for applique!
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I love using the 20D. Super cute bin!
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I use the 20D for applique– so easy to see where I’m going 🙂
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I am going to try this. So cute. I do wool applique by hand, but I am going to give this machine option a try. I LOVE my 23 foot. I have owned it for 20 years and it is my favorite. Next up would be a 20.
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I like the #39 for lots but also #20 also
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My favorite applique foot is #20 open toe foot.
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My favorite applique foot is 20D.
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I like the 5mm 20 foot and use it in conjunction with the 5.5mm throat plate because of the support it gives you when you appliqué your shapes to a background fabric. The 5.5 mm throat plate helps prevent the fabric from sinking into the throat plate needle opening. Love this little project, so cute.
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I use the Bernina #20 foot for machine applique and love the selection of stitches my machine has. I absolutely love this little cat basket and thanks for the great instructions.
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I like 1D. I’m so used to dual feed, it’s just more comfortable for me.
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I like to use the open toe 20.
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I like the #20 foot because I can watch the progress on my applique. This kitty pattern is really cute, my Granddaughter is going to love it!
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Love the open toe embroidery foot. This project is so useful and the felt designs are the cherry on top!
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My favorite foot for applique is the open toe or 20D
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I’m still very new at this but currently like using the 20D.
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The 20D is my go too foot for appliqué.
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Open embroidery foot #20 or 20C.
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#20 open toe foot is my favorite for for applique
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I prefer the #23 foot with the 5.5 mm stitch plate for applique. Easy to go around curves and corners. Love Minki Kim project books.
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My Bernina 710 is new for me. So I haven’t had a chance to do any embroidery. I love this site for all the great tips, and comments from fellow sewing enthusiasts.
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I always use the open toe #20 for applique. Love this charming little kitty basket!
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I like the #20 open toe foot for appliqué. But then, I love all my Bernina machine feet! ? They all do their job to perfection!
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#20 foot for appliqué works for me
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I like the 20D foot for applique
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I mainly use 20C and for some things 23C. I have a 790Plus now so
will be adding a 20D soon. Love this idea, thanks for a great tutorial! -
I love this design and project!
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I enjoy all the projects presented by Bernina. I use the 20D for applique. It gives a clear view of where you are stitching.
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Love my 20D foot!
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I use my 20C foot for appliqué. I’ve been doing a lot of blanket stitching, and this foot has the visibility that helps me see where I’m going.
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Foot #20 is the best for applique.
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My B790 is brand new to me upgrading from my old reliable 120! I have only done hand applique so I am excited for my new journey into embroidery and machine applique! Love the design !
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The 20D foot is one I use I love the open toe.
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This is like trying to pick my favorite child – an unpleasant task. All of my wool applique has been by hand, but for regular applique, I mostly use the #20 foot; it works great.
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I generally “cheat” by creating the appliqué design in my 8.2 software and then using my 700E to stitch it out with my #26 foot ?.
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The #20 is my go-to foot for applique that can be manuveured easily. If not, it’s the open-toe hopping foot!
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My favorite BERNINA presser foot for applique is 20D.
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I love the 20C that came with my machine. But down the road I do plan to upgrade to the 20D since I really like having the walking attachment connected to help guide everything smoothly.
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My #20 foot. Open toe is great! Seriously though, is there a bad one to use? 🙂
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Either the 20D of the #23
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I usually use foot 20D for applique but sometimes I like the 34D foot if my stitch I pick needs
to be centered on the edge of the applique. -
I use the #20 open toe foot.
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Love the 20D foot.
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I must get a foot #20 I think it will make my applique much easier. I really liked the little kitty on the scrap basket I would like to try to make the basket with the applique I imagine the foot comes in a #20C
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I am doing an applique project now. I am using #20 foot. It is working great!
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20d for sure!!
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#20 open toe foot is great for appliqué. Such a cute project, thank you
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Baskets and cats are a great fit, a lovely project indeed. The 20D foot is my go to accessory for applique,as well as the 23 foot because I learned to use it first.
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My favorite for applique is 39c, but 20D is a close second. Kinda depends on the applique. if it’s fusible applique that just needs to be stitched down, 20D is perfect. But if it’s a bulky type applique, 39C works better for me.
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Not sure which foot to use. Did a general inquiry on Applique techniques because I want to start this artform and found this blog. Just purchased my B 770 with embroidery module and super excited to make creative projects for my grand babies and friends!
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I use the #20 foot so I can easily watch what I am doing.
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I love the open toe foot!!!
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My favorite applique foot is the 20D.
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I use my #39 foot. Cute project can’t wait to try it.
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Generally I like the #20 foot , but if I need to stitch on both sides of a center line then I like #23 foot.
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9mm width #20C foot or the #23 Clear Applique foot. I will have great-grandbaby projects to sew in the near future. I look forward to some ‘cute’ inspiration for Bernina QEE.
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When I do machine applique I prefer foot #20 but sometimes when I appliqué I am quilting at the sometime and use the walking foot.
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Foot 20 is easy to use and always nearby. I love the single decorative stitch on the sweater!
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Both the # 20 open-toe, and #27 Clear, are my most used feet for applique. I think they both do a professional-looking stitch//job.
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I also use the 20D Foot for applique. I can set the right Toe of the foot on the edge of the Applique, move the needle close to the Foot Toe and sew.
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Cute and useful!! I like #20D.
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I use my 20D on my 880 plus. Great control and visibility.
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I have a machine that is over 30 years old (Bernina 930), but the embroidery and appliqué feet keep me right up to date on it. My favourite for this kind of job must be the embroidery foot with its excellent visibility range. Love these cute projects.
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I haven’t tried applique on my new Bernina – guess I will get out the #20D and try it!!!
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#20. I recently purchased a #39, but haven’t had a chance to try it.
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I’ve been using #9. I am thinking about purchasing a 20 though. love this project too!!!! I use 100% wool sweaters from goodwill. wash them in hot water and cut for my wool. they won’t unravel.
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I like to use foot #20 for applique and also, too, for other stitches that require good visibility of the fabric.
It would be wonderful to have Minki Kim book. She is so talented.
Thank you for the tutorial and for the opportunity to win the book. -
Agree with many others. Love the 20D for machine appliqué. Thank you!
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I like the open toe of the #24 embroidery foot for applique, when ‘drawing’ embroidered lines and the #20 for other stitches
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I love the 23 foot I need to have control and see all around. I have the 20D foot my next project I will try this.
Would enjoy the book to see more projects. -
I love the #20 foot for appliqué. I also use the #37 foot, it stays on my machine most of the time.
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I like the open toe foot #20 to applique.
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The applique is adorable and the basket could be very useful. I look forward to making it. Thank you for the instructions.
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I love the D20 foot it makes -making things easy !! I hope I win the cat is so cute !!
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Definitely my 20D. I use it for a lot of things. Appliqué and ditch-stitching for sure.
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I prefer the open ft. #20C or sometimes #34C my clear ft. Love my Bernina B770!
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I like the 20C. This is adorable, thank you for sharing this with us.
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Love the #20 foot for for these type of projects.
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How adorable! I have an older Bernina and I really like my #34 foot for applique.
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Bernina feet 20 & 10 work well. Love the cat design! Thanks for the how to’s.
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Adorable project. My favorite Bernina presser foot for applique is the # 20 foot.
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that is SO adorable!!!
I have only done applique once and I used #39C as it was the only foot that was available. (I let a friend borrow #20 :). -
I have been a Bernini sewist for 30+ years. The 20 foot is my go to tool for appliqué though I douse 23 at times also. I could not imagine sewing on anything but Bernini!!!
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#20 is my preferred foot for applique. Cute project!
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I use the #20D foot. Love the above project!
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I have recently started using the clear #23 foot and really like it for applique!
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I have two favorite feet The #20 open foot and the teflon foot. I use the #20 for applique and tight stitchline sewing like a scant 1/4″ , and the teflon for anything requiring an easy glide.
Love the basket projet, thinking of where I could use it (lots of ideas running through my head). -
I like open toe foot #20!
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I like the open toe foot #20! Love the project, and all the designs shown in the preview of the book! Adorable!
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I like the #20 foot both D and C. They allow the most visibility. Love this basket project and plan on making it for all my sewing friends. The ones that have cats will get this one and the ones that have other pets will get that applique instead.
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I do like the 20 feet for appliqué because of the open toe feature for maximum visibility