Leaf Motif Tutorial

Leaf Motif Tutorial
This leaf design is a combination of
• Back Appliqué Technique: A fabric piece used behind a design where the front fabric
will be cut away to reveal the fabrics beneath it and
• Emblem/Patch Technique: Embroidered design with a finished edge that is applied to a
garment after stitching.
SUPPLIES
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•
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•
1.
Leaf Template
Sewing Machine with Zig Zag Foot
Sharp Needles for Hand and Machine Sewing
Fabric
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•
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•
Thread
Pen/Pencil for Tracing
Fabric Paint
Crystals, Beads, Sequins
Begin by layering equal sized panels of fabric. The stacked fabric must be small enough to
fit comfortably under the machine
foot and large enough to
accommodate the motif.
LAYERING THE FABRICS
© 2008
CJDL Design for Class Act Tutu. All rights reserved.
2.
Chose slightly stiff woven fabrics with an eye for color and sheen. You will be cutting away
the top layers to expose the under layers. In this design we have sandwiched iridescent foil
organza and a plum sheer between a pale green top layer and a darker green bottom
layer. This will give you the option to use all 4 colors in your motif detail work.
3.
Run some hand-sewn vertical and
horizontal stitches to stabilize and keep the
stacked panels together.
STABILIZE THE LAYERS
Trace/Transfer your
motif pattern onto
the top layer of the
panel. Make sure
that all of your lines
are dark enough to
see while the panel
is under the
machine foot.
TRANSFERRING THE PATTERN
4.
RUNNING STITCH
© 2008
CJDL Design for Class Act Tutu. All rights reserved.
Using a sharp machine needle and a
small running stitch length, slowly straight stitch
along the outlines of the motif (inside and
outside). Choose a machine foot that will
allow you to see the line-work as you are
sewing. We used a thread that matched the
green of the top panel and a darker green
thread in the bobbin that matched the
bottom panel. The running or underlay stitch
serves to both tightly baste together the panel
where the outline is and to guide you in the
next embroidery step. These stitches will not
be seen. They will be covered by the satin
stitching in the next step.
5.
Using a thread color of choice and a hinged zig zag foot satin stitch over the underlay
stitch. Make sure the width and length of the satin
stitch is tight and consistent. This is freeform zigzag work and it does take a little practice. Sitting
up straight, keeping both hands on the panel and
being gentle and slow on the pedal will help to
keep you in control of the process.
RUNNING STITCH
6. Cut out the motif with small sharp embroidery
scissors making sure not to cut the satin stitching
around the edges. Very carefully cut out the top layer of fabric in the inside areas, exposing
the fabric layer underneath (plum sheer in this case). In this case we have also flipped the
motif over and cut out the underside layer of fabric, exposing the iridescent foil organza.
This way the design can be used on both sides. Clip all fuzzy edges and loose threads.
Remove the running stitches. Embellish using paints if desired and a combination of sequins,
beads and crystals.
CUT & EMBELLISH
© 2008
CJDL Design for Class Act Tutu. All rights reserved.
FROM RENDERING TO COSTUME
This “Pansy” design is created on Class Act Tutu’s Scoop Neck Bodice with the Romantic Skirt
with Basque. Color: Apple Green Bodice & Basque with Color-Layered Skirt (Mint, Pansy,
Lavender, Lime, Lt Garnet).
There are 8 large and 8 small leaf motifs per costume.
The large leaf measures 11.25 inches in length and 5.25 inches in width at its widest point.
The small leaf measures 3.75 inches long and 2 inches wide.
© 2008
CJDL Design for Class Act Tutu. All rights reserved.