New
New
Exploring appliqué
I can create a decorative appliqué initial
Lesson 6 of 6
New
New
- Year 8
Exploring appliqué
I can create a decorative appliqué initial
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Appliqué has been used throughout the centuries, using various techniques for both functional and artistic purposes.
- You can create varied designs with appliqué using different methods of stitch and also by bonding fabric.
- A template is often used to help replicate shapes at the correct size.
- Felt is a popular material for appliqué because it’s thick and easy to work with.
Keywords
Felt - a soft, thick fabric often used as a base for appliqué.
Template - A shape you cut out and use to trace or repeat on fabric.
Appliqué - attaching fabric shapes onto a background to make a design.
Common misconception
Appliqué is just a form of decorating fabric and has no connection to colour or culture.
Appliqué goes beyond just decorating fabric, it's a powerful form of art that can reflect cultural heritage.
When cutting the template, make sure it is photcopied, or use tracing paper, as pupils might need to cut various shapes out more than once.
Teacher tip
Equipment
Paper, pencil, scissors, ruler, coloured pencils, felt, glue or thread and needle, pins, tracing paper or access to a printer.
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
Loading...
Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is appliqué?
What is appliqué?
A method of dyeing fabric using natural materials like leaves and flowers.
A way of weaving fabric using a loom and yarn.
A printing technique using carved blocks and fabric ink.
Q2.Appliqué is made by attaching pieces of onto fabric.
Appliqué is made by attaching pieces of onto fabric.
Q3.What is a template used for in appliqué?
What is a template used for in appliqué?
To mix fabric dye evenly.
To sew pieces together on a machine.
To measure the length of thread.
Q4.What is an embroidery hoop used for?
What is an embroidery hoop used for?
To cut fabric into shapes.
To store thread and needles.
To press fabric flat with heat.
Q5.How can you best secure appliqué pieces before sewing?
How can you best secure appliqué pieces before sewing?
Using a stapler.
Using masking tape.
Using water.
Q6.You can often find appliqué on a variety of items like clothes, wall hangings, and cushions.
You can often find appliqué on a variety of items like clothes, wall hangings, and cushions.
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.Which of these materials are you most likely to use for appliqué?
Which of these materials are you most likely to use for appliqué?
Cardboard
Plastic sheets
Leaves
Q2.Felt is great for appliqué because it doesn’t .
Felt is great for appliqué because it doesn’t .
Q3.Can you stitch the edges in different ways when doing appliqué?
Can you stitch the edges in different ways when doing appliqué?
No, all edges must be glued down.
No, only running stitch is allowed.
Yes, but only with a sewing machine.
Q4.You can secure fabric in appliqué before stitching with .
You can secure fabric in appliqué before stitching with .
Q5.In appliqué, you cut fabric using a pair of .
In appliqué, you cut fabric using a pair of .
Q6.Can you decorate your appliqué with other materials?
Can you decorate your appliqué with other materials?
No, appliqué must only use plain fabric.
Only if you are using a sewing machine.
No, extra decoration means that it is no longer appliqué.
