Applique - Affordable Iron-On Transfers Embroidery - Satin Yarn Polyester Rayon Decorating Fabric Apparel - Creative Designs

		Iron-on transfers and appliqués (pronounced `aplu'key) come in many colors and designs and are a lot of fun to use in decorating fabric and apparel. While many people know about ‘transfers’– commonly used in adorning t-shirts – appliqués are not as familiar. An appliqué is a decoration – a pattern, design or other graphic element - constructed from satin yarn, typically polyester or rayon and sometimes fancy metallic yarns. A variety of other materials like beads, sequins or even small mirrors may be added as well. The appliqué may be flat (two dimensional) or two layers with a small amount of batting or other filling material. Originally, all appliqués were made by hand and sewn onto fabric. Due to the large number of stitches needed, the process was extraordinarily laborious and time consuming. Embroidery machines took appliqués from an expensive art form to a popular, affordable adornment. Now, with the introduction of strong, durable adhesive backings coupled with computerized machines, iron-on appliqués have taken over the commercial appliqué market. Fortunately, most iron-on appliqués will withstand all conventional cleaning methods used for fabric and garments. In normal usage, even when used on active wear garments, no unusual signs of wear will be seen, and the appliqué may even outlast the garment.