As promised, here is the Falling Bag applique tutorial. This applique can be added to ANY bag with a plain front panel. Plain as in no pleats. It should also be added BEFORE you sew your bag pieces together. OK, here we go...
Supplies:
main bag panel
fabric for tree
several scrap fabrics for leaves
wonder under/heat 'n bond
water soluble fabric pen
brown variegated thread
This is the original drawing that I used for the Falling Bag. Click on the picture to see original size and print it. Enlarge or reduce the image to fit the bag you will be applying it to.
To make the tree applique, first apply wonder under (or another iron-on adhesive) to the back of your fabric. Follow product instructions! Tape the original image to the window then tape the fabric in all four corners over the top - or just use a light box.
Trace the outline of the tree ONLY (not the leaves) onto your fabric with a water soluble fabric pen.
Cut out the traced image close to the lines. A damp cloth can then be used to erase the outline.
Peel off the backing paper, place the tree in the desired place on your fabric, smooth all branches flat, and iron by pressing down on the image. Do not slide the iron back and forth!
Now that your tree is attached, you can free motion stitch! See the manual for your machine for directions. Make sure to stitch as close to the edge of your tree as possible, then fill in the trunk and branches using up and down motions. I used brown variegated thread to add a little bit of extra interest, but plain brown would work just fine.
Apply heavy heat 'n bond to the back of the leaf fabrics. Cut out leaves in the desired shape, arrange them on your tree, and iron by pressing down on each one. I used about 26 leaves.
Sew a straight line down the middle of each leaf.
And there you have it!
You could also use this applique on a pillow or wall hanging. Have a fun and happy fall!
