Embroidery templates: Thinking outside the box

I’m sure that like me, you try to get the most out of your creative purchases. We all like added value especially when we work hard for our money. So, when I designed my embroidery templates I was keen to explore other ways to use them. Of course you can use these creative suggestions for any templates that you may already have.

More than just embroidery templates

Alfie, Ethan and Sophie are such cute little characters, I immediately thought they’d look awesome appliqued onto cushions and of course hoop art.

The images can be used as they are but I decided to enlarge them slightly.

The simple shapes of the embroidery templates lend themselves perfectly to the technique of applique and of course they can be further embellished if you wish.

Ethan Whale: easy cushion

I traced around Ethan onto some Bondaweb and ironed this onto my chosen fabric. For my little panels I used 8″ squares of cotton fabric. You can use any size for your projects though, it’s entirely up to you.
I then cut Ethan out and ironed him in place on the white panel.

Using some white thread, I machine stitched around the outside of Ethan close to the edge of the fabric. I used the normal foot on the machine and took my time, taking care around his tail. I did this a couple of times. Don’t worry if you wobble a little with your stitching, no one will see.

I used the same fabric on the reverse of the cushion. Simply stitch the front and back panels together, leaving a gap for turning and then stuff with toy stuffing. Hand stitch the seam closed to finish and enjoy! A simple yet effective little, decorative cushion.

Sophie Elephant: bordered cushion

As with Ethan, I used Bondaweb to applique Sophie onto the white cotton fabric.

I chose a purple mini polkadot fabric for her ear, and I picked out the green in the fabric to stitch the ear close to the edge of the fabric. I also used this colour to stitch around Sophie.

To make the border, I chose the same fabric I had used for Sophie, and cut 4 strips that were 1.5″ wide and long enough to border the main panel.

Stitch the border strips on the top and bottom first, and press in place using an iron.
Do the same on the remaining two sides and trim away any excess.

I chose to use some of the purple mini polkadot fabric for the reverse. Cut to the same size as the front panel and sew together as before.

Alfie Giraffe: appliqued hoop art

This is the simplest project, but I think it’s still as striking and definitely fun.

Follow the steps above to applique Alfie onto the cotton panel.

This time I used a gorgeous turquoise thread to outline Alfie, using the same method as above.
I placed Alfie in a 6″ hoop, and gathered the excess fabric at the back. A quick and easy piece of original art. Bespoke and personal, a unique way to decorate your home.

Wildlife Friends

I hope you like these projects, and if they inspire you to create your own, why not share them on Instagram using #gaynormdesigns, I’d love to see them.

Until next time…