Although applique may be a French-sounding word, the use of applique in quilts is an American invention. Like our culture, beginning with English bedding traditions, quilters added parts of German design mixed with diverse native folk art. At the turn of the 1900s, quilting terminology distinguished between a “pieced” quilt and a “patched” quilt. A patched quilt referred to sewing-on or layering of new cloth on top of the pieced cloth, i.e., meaning the applique technique. Applique has come and gone in popularity over hundreds of years. In the 1980s, there was a renewed interest in Baltimore Album quilts. Since that time, quilters have been inspired by the traditional designs to create new designs as applique comes into its own again. Applique can be sewn by hand or by machine. Applique is such a diverse technique and can inspire quilters to create everything from the traditional Baltimore Album quilts to the modern art quilts that tell a story.
The OPQG library has many books, including the following titles, that will inspire and motivate you to try various styles of applique.
Encyclopedia of APPLIQUE by Barbara Brackman
This is an illustrated numerical index to traditional and modern patterns of applique. Applique was used as a type of embroidery on vestments in the 14th century. In the 18th century, Americans took this art form and adapted it to quilting. In this book, the author depicts many traditional patterns to help identify the names of the design. In total, this encyclopedia presents 1,795 patterns, both published and unpublished, from 1800 to 1950.
Elegant Quilts, Country Charm by Leonie Bateman and Deirdre Bond-Abel
If you are interested in applique with wool, then this is the book for you. The beauty of using felt wool is that there are no edges to turn under and wool doesn’t fray. There are patterns and instructions for several quilts, wall hangings and small projects such as table runners, pillows and framed pieces. The authors explain in detail what materials to use, how to prepare the background, types of applique and how to finish the piece. The designs in the book are suitable for applique in both cotton and wool.
Naïve and Country Quilts by Patchwork and Quilting
In this book, applique and scrap quilts are combined to create quilts with a gorgeous country appeal. It includes 15 projects that offer inspiration for hand and machine stitchers alike. In addition to instructions for quilts and wall hangings, you can decorate your home with table runners and cushion projects. The country look is achieved with the selection of the fabrics as well as the whimsical applique designs from flowers to cute sheep.
Adventure & Applique’ by Suzanne Marshall
While traveling the world, this award-winning quilter creates quilts to portray her adventures and tell a story. Included with the description of each quilt, the author shares what the judges had to say when they scrutinized her entries. This is an opportunity to learn from her mistakes and how she rectified the problem. Instructions for needle-turning applique, types of thread and fabric to use, and templates for patterns will assist you in recreating these quilts or provide inspiration to create your own art quilt design.
Want to learn a different technique? The OPQG library may have the answer. Browse the catalog and check out something new before investing time and money in books or materials.