Choose exam board for KS4 Computer Science (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 English
Choose exam board for KS4 French
Choose exam board for KS4 Geography
Choose exam board for KS4 German
Choose exam board for KS4 History
Choose tier for KS4 Maths
Choose exam board for KS4 Music
Choose exam board for KS4 Physical education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Religious education (GCSE)
Choose exam board for KS4 Spanish

      Surface quality and appliqué

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can design and make an appliqué using fabric shapes and stitches.

      Key learning points

      1. Appliqué is a way of drawing with fabric and stitch techniques.
      2. It is important to choose the correct fabric for the appliqué to help describe the surface textures.
      3. Stitch can be turned into a design feature, for example using a bold colour which will stand out against the fabric.

      Keywords

      • Appliqué - a textile technique where fabric shapes are stitched onto a background to make a design.

      • Template - a shape or pattern used as a guide for cutting fabric.

      • Layer - placing fabric pieces on top of each other to add depth, texture, or detail to a design.

      Common misconception

      Appliqué must involve stitching.

      Stitching fabric shapes onto a background is a common way to attach pieces in appliqué. However, appliqué can also involve using fabric glue or PVA glue to attach smaller pieces of fabric to a larger background.

      Teacher tip

      Many people think appliqué is embroidery or stitch. It is worth taking the time to teach students the difference between all of these disciplines.

      Equipment

      White or neutral cotton, varied textured fabrics, scissors, pins, needles, embroidery thresd, paper, pencils, fine liners.

      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 does the term 'appliqué' mean in textiles?

      Gluing paper shapes onto card
      Correct answer: Stitching fabric shapes onto a background to make a design
      Drawing directly onto fabric with pen
      Printing patterns onto fabric using a roller

      Q2.
      Which of the following can be used to add texture and detail to a textile design?

      Correct answer: Layering fabrics
      Correct answer: Using different types of stitches
      Colouring with pencil
      Correct answer: Beading or embroidery

      Q3.
      Why do artists use layering in appliqué and textile design?

      To make all the fabric pieces the same colour
      To make the fabric pieces stick together without sewing
      Correct answer: To build up colours, textures and patterns for more detailed designs
      To make the design flatter and simpler

      Q4.
      Why might artists use a template to create their appliqué?

      To sew pieces together on a machine
      To measure the length of thread
      Correct answer: To cut out fabric shapes accurately
      To make an appliqué more visually interesting

      Q5.
      Can appliqué be done by both hand and machine?

      Correct answer: Yes
      No

      Q6.
      Match the terms to the best definition:

      Correct Answer:Appliqué,A textile technique where fabric shapes are stitched onto a background

      A textile technique where fabric shapes are stitched onto a background

      Correct Answer:Template,A shape or pattern used as a guide for cutting fabric

      A shape or pattern used as a guide for cutting fabric

      Correct Answer:Layering,Placing fabric pieces on top of each other

      Placing fabric pieces on top of each other


      To help you plan your 10 art and design lesson on: Surface quality and appliqué, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...