Appliqué is the art of cutting out designs and patterns from a fabric and stitching it to another one for beautification. Other forms of needle work like embroidery is often combined with appliqué work to obtain the desired design. Appliqué can be done both by hand and machine.

HISTORY
The origin of the word appliqué comes from the French word appliqué which means to put on or to lie on. The history of the earliest example on appliqué dates back to 980 BC in Egypt, but it can be even before.

MATERIALS USED
A huge variety of materials are used for appliqué work. Some of the most common ones are:

• Beads
• Fabric
• Fish scales
• Leaves
• Linen
• Beaten bark
• Leather

MATERIALS BEST SUITABLE FOR APPLIQUE

• Linen
• Cotton

HOW TO DO APPLIQUE
One simple way to do appliqué is:

• Select a pattern
• Make the pattern to appropriate size.
• Make a paper or cardboard pattern.
• Either pin or trace the pattern on the fabric with a fabric pencil.
• Pin and stitch the appliqué to the fabric.

USES

• Appliqué gives beauty to a towel.
• It makes the towel look very interesting.
• It adds color and variety.