What are precut fused appliqué shapes?
They're appliqué pieces that arrive already cut out and already backed with fusible web. The shapes are laser cut, so edges are crisp and every curve matches the design, and the fusible – Heat-n-Bond Lite, Steam-A-Seam 2 or FlexiFuse, depending on the maker – is already on the back. You skip the tracing, fusing and trimming, which is the fiddly part of appliqué, and go straight to the fun part.
Most packs finish somewhere around 6" x 8" to 7" x 10", which is just right for an 11" block, a pillow front, a tote bag or a sweatshirt. Packs include a layout guide, and some come with buttons for finishing touches.
How to use them
Lay it out. Arrange the pieces on your background fabric using the layout guide, starting with the pieces that sit underneath.Peel. Remove the paper backing from each piece.Press. Use a hot, dry iron and follow the time on the pack. Press straight down rather than sliding the iron, so nothing shifts.Stitch. Sew around the edges with a blanket stitch, zigzag or straight stitch so the shapes hold up to washing.
New to appliqué? Jenny covers the basics in the video below and in our how to appliqué tutorial .
VIDEO
Shapes, kits and fusible web
This page is mostly single-design shape packs you can add to anything, plus a few laser-cut kits whose pieces come pre-fused. For a whole project with fabric and pattern included, browse appliqué kits and laser-cut quilt kits . Prefer to cut your own? Pick up fusible web and find a design in our appliqué patterns . Pressing sheets, pins and other helpers are in appliqué tools .
Fused appliqué FAQ
Do I have to stitch around fused appliqué? For a wall hanging that never gets washed, the fusible alone will hold. For anything that gets used or laundered – quilts, pillows, totes, clothing – stitch around the edges. Fusible web isn't meant to survive the washing machine on its own.
What stitch should I use? A blanket stitch is the classic look. A narrow zigzag or satin stitch covers the raw edge completely, and a straight stitch about 1/8" in from the edge gives a relaxed, raw-edge look that frays a little over time.
Do I appliqué before or after quilting? Usually before: fuse and stitch the shapes onto the block or background, then layer and quilt. You can add a shape to a finished quilt too – just stitch through all the layers, and the stitching doubles as quilting.
Can I put them on clothing or bags? Yes. Cotton, canvas and sweatshirt fleece all take fusible well. Press from the front, then from the back of the fabric, and stitch the edges before the first wash.
Can I use the shapes without a pattern? Absolutely. Each pack works as a stand-alone design, so you can drop it onto a block, a table runner or a gift bag – no pattern required.
