Take your projects to the next level by applying a personalized applique cut out quickly and easily using your Cricut Explore Air 2!

When I was a very little girl, I had a quilt covered in Holly Hobbie appliques that looked very much like this.

It was a soft, warm cotton quilt, made for me by my Nanny of cornflower blue color and I loved to trace my fingers over the stitch lines thinking of the day I would make quilts for my daughters. Of course, that hasn’t ever happened – quilting is a ton of work! Still, although I don’t do it nearly often enough, I do love sewing.  And now and then, I like to channel my innner-nanny and apply simple appliques to my projects, especially for giving as gifts.

Such is the case with this hot air balloon embellished tea towel that is just perfect for a thank you gift for a special kind someone.   I used a hot air balloon but honestly, you can create an applique with most any simple design with clear lines using your Cricut machine. Cutting fabric with a Cricut is so easy!

First, you’ll want to gather your supplies. You’ll need a(n)

  • Cricut Explore Air 2 or other Cricut machine
  • Iron
  • Cutting mat (sticky is best – I used the extra-sticky mat from Cricut)
  • Sharp scissors
  • Fabric
  • Wonder Under
  • Flour sack Tea towel
  • Optional – Sewing machine and matching thread

First, cut a piece of Wonderunder slightly larger than your designs dimensions. Also cut two pieces of fabric in coordinating (or not) patterns.  Using a dry, hot iron, bond the wonderunder to the wrong side of your fabric, rough side of the wonderunder down. Remove the paper backing.

Next, I downloaded a simple hot air balloon image and used the erasing wand to clean-up the design, removing every second section in the balloon then loaded the image into the design studio.

Using the strong grip mat from Cricut (it’s purple), I cut two balloons, one in each fabric, adhering the wonderunder side to the mat. Be sure to press the fabric firmly onto the mat – you don’t want it moving around.

Once cut, remove the design from the sticky mat and position the design onto your fabric and press to set in place.

With a sewing machine edge-stitch around each edge in the entire design. I wanted to add the pompom trim onto the bottom of my towel and therefore used a contrasting thread.

This process will work for any applique you choose, but I would recommend keeping your design simple and using a thicker cotton for cutting.

I love my cute little towel and think it will make a sweet and thoughtful gift for a special friend. I’m just wondering though.. do you think she’d rather have a Holly Hobbie quilt? Nah..

If you’re interested in other Cricut projects, be sure to check out my Cricut gallery!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Cricut. The opinions and text are all mine.

Posted in CRICUT CRAFTS, DIY AND HOME DECOR, DIY CRAFT IDEAS