This is so easy to do and a great way to use up small amounts of yarn. First knit some samples roughly 60 sts by 60 rows to play about with, you will also need a base to work on so knit a sample
about 12-15 inches square or use the back or front of an old sweater. Draw some shapes on fine card (cereal box is ideal) a diamond, circle, paisley shape or heart, see diagram 1
the choice is yours. Draw the shape no bigger 3” x 4” so you dont start too large.
Diagram 1
For the first example I have used 3 simple leaf shapes. After laying them onto your sample in your chosen design, draw a line on each one of the shapes following a columb of stitches as in diagram 2,
Diagram 2
this is very important as you want the direction of knitting on the finished shape to be in line with the background stitches. Now lay the shapes onto the samples you are using for the applique, making sure that each end of the drawn line is exactly in line with the same columb of stitches. Draw around each one with a suitable marker and remove template. You now need to stitch around the shape before cutting out. I always use 4 stitch zig-zag as shown in Diagram 3 stitch No.2,
Diagram 3
if your machine does not have this facility just use the normal zig-zag closed up. Cut around the outside of stitching and lay shapes onto your marked fabric. After pinning or tacking in positon stitch around the outside making sure the needle goes just outside the cut edge using the same zig-zag stitch as in diagram 3. Press on the wrong side before applying the chosen edging to cover the stitching. As you can see on sample 1, 3 different edgings have been used, a purchased braid, a knitted shell edging which I’m sure everyone has knit at some time or other. and a knitted rouleau pressed flat.
Sample 1
The purchased braid was machined on and the other two sewn on by hand. To the green braid I added some of the pearls I have mentioned in previous articles, this gives a really professional finish.
For sample two I have knit a simple panel of mesh lace (Stitch World 104) adding the purchased daisy trim one side, for the other side I have again used knitted rouleau pressed flat.
Sample 2
This would look really good as a panel down the front of a sweater or as a decoration for a scatter cushion. Samples 3 and 4 are just to show you the different effects you can achieve, on the blue sample I have stitched the shell edging on the white lace by machining down the centre with a narrow zig-zag. The diamond edging on the next one was hand sewn giving a completely different effect.
Sample 3
This knitted appliqué could be used to great effect on felted knitting, I can see it as a motif on the back of a jacket. Just imagine how good a large felted bag would look decorated in this manner. The applications for knitted applique are endless and I hope you will send in pictures of ideas you have come up
Sample 4
with. I have never tried felting but it has always interested me, I am seriously thinking of doing some and would welcome any tips.
Carl
I really like this article it has given me some good ideas about using knitted applique. Its a great way to combine sewing with knitting and I like the tip on using the sqiggley zig zag stitch to fix the shapes as I had always wondered what that setting was for.