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What if we could enjoy the charm of succulents without worrying about their care routine and mistakes? Let’s welcome succulent appliqué.
A beautiful craft idea that merges the charm of succulents with the art of making decorative pieces by hand. Succulent applique is a great way to add a warm, natural vibe to your tote bags, pillows, jackets, wall hangings, nursery decor, or just about any other items. They are so simple to make that even beginners can do them, and at the same time, they can be tailored to suit each person’s individual taste who loves them in a different way.
Art and craft are not complicated, but collecting the essential materials could be. Which is why we have our Amazon Craft Storefront, which has a compilation of everything you need
How to Make a Succulent Applique
What is a Succulent Applique?
A succulent appliqué is a decorative succulent design created from fabric, felt, yarn, or embroidery and attached to another surface. Unlike real plants, these handmade succulents stay vibrant throughout the year and can be used in numerous DIY projects.
From rosettes to agaves, the beauty of this craft allows crafters to bring botanical beauty into their creations without the maintenance of living plants.
Why are Succulent Appliques Popular?
Succulents have dominated home decor and crafting trends for years. Wasn’t it yesterday when we brought you crocheted succulents?
Making appliques offers several benefits, such as no watering or maintenance required. They are also economical and great for indoor decorative projects. They can even be your first choice for gifts. What’s more, you’ll be able to use fabric scraps and felt pieces that you would normally throw away.
Materials You’ll Need
Gather some essentials like fabric scissors, green felt or fabric in numerous shades, a needle, thread, an embroidery hoop (if embroidering), and a pencil or fabric marker. Using different shades of green helps create depth and makes your succulent look more realistic, so nobody thinks it’s just a craft.
How to Make a Succulent Applique
1. Choose your Succulent Design
Start by selecting a succulent style you love and cherish. For instance, you can pick up rosettes like Echeveria, which are adored for their layered petals. You can also sketch a simple pattern or print one.
For leaves, soft felt fabric is the best investment to create dainty and delicate cut-outs.
2. Cut the Leaves
Cut the leaves in various sizes from felt or fabric, so that you can use small leaves in the center, medium leaves for the middle layers, and larger leaves for the outer edges. This adds depth and a more realistic look.
Sharp precision scissors make it easier to cut, clean, and create consistent leaf shapes.
3. Build Up
Begin with the smallest leaves and arrange them in the right corner. Gradually, overlap larger leaves around the outside and form a circular rosette shape. Secure each layer with a few stitches or a small amount of fabric glue.
4. Attach
Once your succulent is complete, position it on your chosen surface. You can sew it onto a tote bag, attach it to a pillow cover, add it to a denim jacket, or make it into a wall hanging.
Friendly Tips
Combine different shades and tones, add some pink edges to create interest, and use embroidery thread to create texture and dimension.
Layer and layer to create fuller succulents and add life to them. You can even create an entire succulent garden by combining several appliques in different shapes and sizes.
Whether you’re creating handmade gifts of decor, these succulent appliques will always be loved by plant parents. If you loved this idea, then let us know what you are making next in the comments below. And if you are confused, then this guide to needle felting is your one-stop solution.
