ALL NEW! The Oliso Maker's Corner

Welcome to our Maker's Corner! Enjoy the tips, techniques and stories that many of our Oliso friends have offered to share with all of us. When an expert shares their tips it removes some of the guess work out of trying something new. At Oliso, we believe that education and creativity go hand in hand.

Michele Muska - Director of content and community

Zlecky is a veteran cosplayer and all-around craftswoman. She specializes in detailed cosplays, embellishments, and embroidery. She has over 10 years of cosplay experience and holds a master's degree in education. Teaching and learning are two of her passions in cosplay. She has taught various sewing workshops and panels. Zlecky’s cosplays focus on sewing and detailed embellishments. Her favorite skills include goldwork embroidery, lace tatting, and handmade flowers. Zlecky enjoys competing in cosplay competitions and fostering that love in others through her instagram @zlecky

Sakizo June Hydrangea - photographed by Final_egirl

Appliqué: a technique where a decorative fabric piece is cut and applied to another fabric.

Materials:

• HeatnBond - a double-sided fabric adhesive (or similar brand)
• Base project fabric & appliqué fabric
• Coordinating thread

Tools: My Oliso iron, pencil, scissors, sewing machine

Optional: light board, cutting machine, and anti-glue needle.

Notes for success:

The Oliso Project Iron is perfect for maneuvering around small appliqué pieces, best used on the medium setting.

HeatnBond is a brand name; other brands can be used. HeatnBond comes in different weights, from lite to ultra hold. For simple appliqué, you can use the lite weight.

Test your fabrics! Make sure the fabric can be ironed with a medium heat. Test a sample of your chosen adhesive to see if you need pressing paper.

Consider placement of your appliqué; it may need more reinforcement if placed on the joints of garments.

Sakizo June Hydrangea - photographed by Final_egirl

Directions:

1. Prewash your fabrics and press them before starting any project.

2. Apply the HeatnBond to your appliqué material (the material you are going to cut out). Choose an appropriate amount of fabric based on the sizes of your appliqué. To apply the HeatnBond, place the material so the glue is facing your fabric- the paper side up. Gently press on medium heat, no steam. Applying the adhesive BEFORE cutting our our shapes ensures clean, sharp edges and edge-to-edge adhesive.

3. Draw your desired shapes on the HeatnBond paper backing. Keep in mind, you are drawing on the back side, so any letters or images need to be reversed to appear correctly. Optionally, you can use a lightboard to trace designs.

4. Cut out your shapes with sharp scissors. You do not need to leave any trim. The HeatnBond will prevent your edges from fraying. Optionally, a cutting tool (i.e Cricut) can be used to cut designs.

5. Peel off the paper backing, exposing the second adhesive side.

6. Arrange shapes where you want them on your base fabric, adhesive side down.

7. Based on your test piece, decide if you need parchment paper to protect your surfaces from the adhesive.

8. Set your iron on medium heat, no steam. I HIGHLY recommend the Oliso Project Iron because it is easy to move on small pieces and has a light for better visibility.

9. Gently press each piece in place, holding the iron for a few seconds directly on the shape. Use parchment paper over your piece to protect your iron from adhesive bleeding through, or on your ironing board as needed.

10. Observe each piece is secure or place under heat again.