Favorite Tools for Appliqué That Actually Save Time

There are a lot of tools out there that promise to make sewing easier—but when it comes to appliqué, I’ve found just a few that really do save time and frustration. These are the ones I keep reaching for, project after project.

If you’re just getting started with appliqué—or want to make things run smoother—these might become your new favorites too.

1. Fusible Web That Won’t Let You Down                                                        
   I love HeatnBond Lite for most projects—it's easy to trace, fuses beautifully, and doesn’t gum up my needle. SoftFuse is another favorite when I want a softer finish. Either way, having a good fusible web is a must.
2. Small, Sharp Scissors for Clean Edges
   A good pair of appliqué scissors (I like Havel’s or Kai) makes cutting around curves and corners way easier. If you’re trimming with regular fabric scissors, trust me—these are worth it.
3. A Simple Lightbox (or a Sunny Window!)
   Tracing becomes so much clearer when you can actually see what you’re doing. A lightbox doesn’t need to be fancy—I’ve used everything from window panes to tablet screens in a pinch.

Want to try some of my favorites?
You’ll find kits and patterns that pair perfectly with these tools right here in the shop ».

Final Stitches
The right tools won’t make you a better sewist—but they will make the process more enjoyable. And that’s what we’re after: joy in the making.
—Lisa