Unorthodox Applique: Loose Applique
 Loose applique adds an extra dimension to a design. It’s much more time-consuming than regular applique because you must create part of the project ahead of time, then add those pieces. The resulting three-dimensional finished product will be a head-turner and will be sure to garner the question, “How did you do that?”
Designs featured in this article:
The tropical flowers shown here were created with this technique. Part of the design is the embroidery of the petals. In this case each flower has  three layers. I embroidered them on two layers of nylon fabric, hooped wrong sides together. Then I cut around them, staying as close to the stitching as possible. Once that was done, I was ready to apply them in the design that was digitized for applique.
The main design for which these petals would be applied has two green shades that make the stem and leaves. The outlines for petal placement, which are small circles indicating the center, are laid out at this time. Then, one at a time each flower is attached with a tackdown and the flower center. The three layers that make up the flower petals are staggered to add extra dimension and placed all together over the outline. It’s a bit “putzy,” but the effect is staggering!
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