Making a quilt applique is similar to writing a book. Work with what you know. I know that sounds trite because it is familiar to you. You need to understand that what is dull to you will be exciting to another. What is familiar to you will be unusual to another.

For those of us who do not want to work with the dull and familiar let your creativity shine and introduce a new twist to a common subject.

Have you ever been caught expressing "Why did I not think of that?" Well, designing an applique pattern is your opportunity to express what you think.

An applique pattern can be any object that you wish to use. Start with a simple drawing. As you become more advanced in quilting, then you may wish to make future drawings more complex.

It is not the drawing that is the issue, it is sewing techniques, choice of fabrics, cutting techniques, choice of threads and needles, gluing and pasting, and other no sewing aids or tools that will be used.

The applique design needs to be workable with the quilting fabric that you will be stitching. Machine stitched appliques are preferred over hand stitching for stability.

Before drawing your applique design, you will soon discover that you need to think backwards before you sketch. Ask yourself what stitching will be used to outline the figure, what types and colors of fabric will be used, what threads are to be used or if not using threads are you considering needle punching?

It is important that you take all aspects of the quilting construction into consideration. Design a workable sample to be sure that your creative mental thoughts can be physically accomplished. Place your applique on adhesive paper, or water soluble stabilizer or quilting fabric to test ease of application and sewing.

Notice how many ideas can be used for designing applique patterns. One thing that I like to do is to look at coloring books for young children. You are able to find many ideas on how to simplify the drawing that you had in mind.

As you know it is not uncommon for adults to be baffled as to how to simplify. We need to become childlike in our thinking in order to create unique and simple applique designs.

Have you given thought why creating something simple is difficult? I have discovered that when I have to create a simple design it becomes complex in the thinking process because that simple drawing needs to make an accurate statement or tell a direct and truthful story. Quilting is accuracy; there is no room for vagueness.

The applique can be decorated with various machine stitchery, embroidery, sequins, beading, cording, and other decorative trims for added beauty.