No two birds are the same, in nature and when you make these adorable scribble appliqué bird ornaments!
All you need is some scraps of fabric (preferably with fusible web already on the back), a little felt, small piece of ribbon and one bead or sequin for the eye!
Perfect project for beginners. Bonus, this is a super quick and easy project, too! Scribble appliqué is a raw edge appliqué technique.
This project uses fabrics that already have fusible web applied to the back of the fabric. If you don’t have some scraps lying around, go ahead and pre-fuse three fabrics for the bird ornament.
Sketch out different bird shapes – from dove to quail, owls and finch. Have fun adding different wings and feathers to make the birds your own. This is just a sample of how you can be creative using some scraps of fabric and ribbon to make some ornaments.
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How to Make a Scribble Appliqué Bird Ornament
Super quick and easy project that looks adorable, too!
Learn how to make scrappy scribble appliqué bird ornaments with these step-by-step directions.
Materials
- Scraps of fabric with fusible web already applied to wrong side, three coordinating fabrics
- 4-inch by 8-inch piece of coordinating felt
- 8-inch piece of ribbon
- One (1) bead for eye, optional to add a sequin, too!
- Black thread for needle and bobbin
Tools
- Sewing machine
- Iron
- Pressing surface
- Pins
- Fabric scissors
- Teflon sheet; I used a Gypsy Quilter sheet
- Hand sewing needle
Instructions
- The fun part with this pattern is you can sketch any kind or size of bird. Here is my sketched bird, bird stomach and wing and the fabrics I selected for this scribble appliqué bird ornament. The fabrics were scraps of pre-fused fabrics I had in my stash. Whenever I add fusible web to fabric for a project, I always fuse a little extra just to have on hand for projects like this!
- Start by pressing the stomach and wing to the bird body according to your fusible directions. Make sure to use a teflon sheet on your pressing surface, or the bird will be a permanent decoration on your pressing surface!
- Next, lay the fused bird onto your felt. You'll want a piece large enough for at least 1/4-inch all around the bird, including cutting out a beak from the felt. Press according to your fusible directions.
- Trim around the bird, leaving 1/4-inch of the felt showing, and cut a small beak shape from the felt. Then, cut out one more felt shape the same size. This will be for the back of the bird.
- Time for some scribble appliqué! Go to your sewing machine and make sure it is threaded with black thread both top and bottom. You can use any color, but I like the look of black. Put on your free motion foot and drop your feed dogs.
Begin with the inside pieces, and sew around them two to three times. I like the look of three times. Don't try to be perfect - just have fun! In fact, make a few wobbles here and there - that is what makes it fun and interesting! I started with the stomach.
- Here is the stomach almost finished stitching.
- Next, stitch around the wing.
- Time to give your little birdie a beak! Stitch back and forth forming a stitched beak.
- Place the bead where you'd like the eye for your birdie. Sew it on with black thread.
- Now you are ready to put on the backing and add the ribbon to hang the bird ornament.
- Line up the felt backing with the scribble appliquéd bird. Fold the ribbon in half and tuck it in the center of the top of the bird, between the appliquéd bird and the backing. Pin the ribbon in place. If you'd like, you can add more pins. I find the felt sticks to itself and only the one pin is necessary.
- Now you are ready to stitch all around the outside. Stitch around two to three times, securing the ribbon between the layers.
- And now your little scribble appliqué bird ornament is all done and ready to hang on the tree! Here is a trio of scribble appliquéd birds hung on my year-round tree!
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
-
Dritz 61 Glass Head Pins, Extra Fine, 1-3/8-Inch (250-Count) , White -
Panasonic 360º Freestyle Advanced Ceramic Cordless Iron, Pest Repeller v.57, Teal -
OHOCO Wool Pressing Mat for Quilting - 17" x 24" Extra Large Felt Ironing Pad 1/2" Thick, 100% New Zealand Wool for Ironing, Sewing, Cutting on Ironing Board, Tabletop, Dryer, Countertop -
Gypsy Quilter Silicone Appli-Fuse Mat 12in × 18in Irons & Accessories -
Pellon Wonder Under Fusible Web Heavy Duty, 15 by 3-Yard - 725PLKG , White
More scrappy scribble appliquéd bird ornaments
Why is it called scribble appliqué?
Because it is just like scribbling or doodling with your sewing machine needle! I prefer to use black thread, similar to sketching with a black pen. The black defines the shapes and edges of your design.
Use this technique for any type of raw appliqué project and have some fun. I also used this when making these kitchen towels. It’s a super fun technique, and I love the fact that the messier your stitching line, really it looks better! No need for perfection, making this a quick project perfect for beginners!
Browse through more Christmas projects on Create Whimsy. And check out more fusible appliqué projects and inspiration including our article with everything you’d want to know about working with fusible web.
Check out more DIY ornaments on Create Whimsy.
