Appliques & Patches

Our Applique Collection

We offer a range of appliques suitable for all types of dance costumes:

• Sequin Appliqués: Our collection includes striking green pairs and extra-large black designs, perfect for adding sparkle to any costume.
• Floral Appliqués: Delicate designs like our lilac floral applique add a romantic touch ideal for ballet or lyrical dance outfits.
• Crystal Appliqués: Our AB glass and clear crystal designs offer maximum shine, great for competition costumes.
• Colourful Designs: Multi-coloured options like our river and swirl designs allow for creative and vibrant costume embellishment.

Using Appliques in Dance Costume Creation

Our appliques can be used in various ways to enhance your dance costumes:

• Bodice Decoration: Use larger pieces like our AB glass patch to create stunning bodice designs on leotards or dresses.
• Tutu Embellishment: Smaller designs such as our swirl patterns can accent tutu skirts or bodices beautifully.
• Neckline and Back Detail: Our floral appliques are perfect for creating elegant necklines or back details on dance costumes.
• Accessory Creation: Use smaller appliques on headpieces, arm bands, or shoe clips to complement your main costume.

Applying Appliques to Dance Costumes

To get the best results with your appliques:

• For sew-on designs, use a thread colour that matches the applique or the base fabric.
• Some of our appliques, like the river pattern, come with adhesive backing for easier application.
• Practice positioning your appliques before permanent attachment to achieve the best design.
• For areas that will stretch, consider reinforcing appliques with additional stitching for extra security.

Choosing the Right Applique

When selecting appliques for your dance costumes, consider:

• The dance style and the mood you want to convey (e.g., elegant crystal for ballet, vibrant sequins for jazz)
• The size of the applique in relation to the costume and the dancer’s size
• The colour scheme of your costume and how the applique will complement or contrast
• The placement of the design and how it will move with the dancer

FAQs

What is an applique in sewing?

An applique is a decorative element attached to another piece of fabric to create a design or pattern. Our range includes sequined patches, crystal designs, and floral motifs. These are used to add visual interest, create focal points, or enhance the overall design of dance costumes. Appliques for fabric can transform a simple leotard or tutu into a stunning, professional-looking performance outfit.

What is the best stitch for sewing applique?

The best stitch often depends on the specific applique and the base material. For most dance costume appliques, a small, tight zigzag stitch works well as it securely attaches the applique while creating a neat edge. For designs with very intricate edges, like our floral patterns, a close-set straight stitch just inside the edge can work well. Always test on a scrap piece first to determine what works best for your specific project.

Can you applique with a regular sewing machine?

Yes, you can apply appliques for sewing with a regular sewing machine. Most modern machines have stitches suitable for attaching appliques, such as zigzag or blind hem stitches. When working with our sequin or crystal designs, you may want to use a special needle designed for sewing through embellishments. Take your time and sew slowly, especially around curves or detailed areas.

How do you attach applique to fabric?

To attach our appliques, start by positioning the piece and pinning it in place. For sew-on designs, stitch around the edges using a suitable stitch on your sewing machine. Our adhesive-backed appliques can be ironed on, but we recommend reinforcing them with stitching for dance costumes that will undergo a lot of movement. For delicate designs like our crystal appliques, you might prefer to hand-sew them for more control.

Do you glue or sew applique?

While some of our designs, like the river pattern, come with adhesive backing, we generally recommend sewing appliques onto dance costumes for the most secure and long-lasting application. Sewing is particularly important for costumes that will undergo a lot of movement and frequent washing. However, you can use the adhesive backing or fabric glue for temporary placement before stitching them down permanently.