Hi Everyone! I am so excited to be joining Lauren and the rest of the wonderful ladies of The Silhouette Challenge this month! I’ve been playing around with the machine a bit and the one thing I had trouble learning was how to use my own images to cut. Well, I finally figured that one out just in time to make an adorable onsie for my newest nephew.
I had some leftover fabric from pillowcases I made and thought they would make a cute anchor.
I searched for a basic anchor shape I liked online and stumbled upon this one: 
Just a basic anchor shape nothing fancy. You can find lots of free clip art from this site: Open Clip Art . I downloaded and saved the image as a .PNG file.
I opened up my Sihouette Studio software and opened the image.
Select the Trace button from the top menu.
Then you will want to Trace the Area by highlighting your image.
Now you can move your original image off and you should have an outline of your image.
I deleted my original image and am now ready to cut my fabric!
I cut out a square piece of fabric 12×12 to fit on my cutting mat. I then prepped my fabric using an iron on transfer adhesive. I picked mine up from the local fabric shop. I can’t remember the brand but I’ve heard Heat N’ Bond works well too. Once the adhesive was pressed I put the fabric on the cutting mat and loaded it in the Silhouette.
Ta Da! Cute little adhesive iron on anchors!!
So you will want to peel the paper backing off the transfer. Place the applique on your shirt and iron it on. Now you can stop here. The transfer will stay put once it has been pressed but I wanted to add some stitching. I think it gives it a little something extra. 🙂
I just loved how it turned out and can’t wait to send it to my sister!
I’ve added the cut file down below. That is the actual cut file for the anchor I used.
And for some more silhouette inspiration check out these projects from my Silhouette Challenge buddies:
Budget-Savvy Spring Sihouette Make – We Love Cards
D.I.Y. Canvas Date Art – The House on Hillbrook
Paint Chip Spring Ornaments – Coley’s Corner
D.I.Y. Vertical File Folders (Martha Stewart Home Office Knockoff with Free Cut File) – Whole New Leaf
D.I.Y. Subway Art Canvas & Free Cut File – The Thinking Closet
“Different Is Good” Autism Awareness Tee – Tried and True
A Gift! – For ‘Just a Little Nutty’ – An Elegant Touch
Mother’s Day Celebration – Creative Turn
Interested in joining us for our group posting event next month? We’d love to have you. Simply contact Lauren from The Thinking Closet by email.
Ahhhhh! As soon as I saw your opening image, Tori, I was head over heels in love with this project. Here’s why:
a) As you well know, I’m on a onesie craze these days, or rather my friends are on a baby craze, which is triggering my crafty gifts. b) I’m a sucker for anything nautical; I married a sailor. c) I’ve been trying to muster up the courage to try my hand at a fabric applique project, and this gives me all the tools I need to give it a go!
THANK YOU!
Also, do you have any tips on the stitching portion? (What stitch you used and how you managed to stitch so perfectly around those tight corners.) That’s the part that makes me most nervous, so any input is welcomed. Can’t wait to try it!
Awh! Thanks Lauren! I have to tell you that my first go around was a hot mess. I ended up ripping the stitches out and trying again. I used a straight stitch. The length was on a 1 on the width was at 3. My advice is slow and steady. I also try to use my presser foot as a guide. I ended up making a matching shirt for my nephew and it was a lot easier with the bigger anchor!
Slow and steady…those were wise words! I just conquered my first fabric applique project this week, and it felt like quite an accomplishment getting that little ducky tacked down with zig zag stitches. If only the sewing part was as easy as the fabric cutting part! 😉 Just wanted you to know I featured your Anchors Away onesie in my post, too…I just couldn’t get its cuteness off my mind. Here’s the link if you’re curious: http://www.thinkingcloset.com/2013/05/24/fabric-applique-onesie-tutorial-free-cut-file/
Awh! Thanks Lauren! I know you have to go soooo slow. I always end up rushing then have to tear it all out. I’m learning taking it slower is usually the fastest route!
This is absolutely adorable. I love nautical themes and the anchors are so “in” right now. I will defiantly be trying out some fabric cutting soon.
Thank you Stephanie! You will have to let me know how it goes!
This is just wonderful. I love anything nautical, and then it is red, white and blue. nuff said.
Haha:) Thanks Lynne!!
YAY !!! love that you are so awesome at this !!! you know I love homemade things =]
<3 I just wish I could give it to him in person!!
Thanks T’onna!
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I’m obsessed with this onesie… Just found it through Lauren’s collection of Onesies. I want to make one JUST LIKE it with felt. Pinned, stumbled and LOVED! Awesome work! 🙂
Thanks Emily!!!! It’s one of my favorite projects! Thanks for stopping by.