Quilting

Patterns, patchworks and projects

Book Review: Sulky’s Secrets to Successful Appliqué – Master the Art of Decorative Fabric Stitching

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Appliqué has always been one of those quilting techniques that instantly adds personality to a project. Whether it’s delicate floral motifs, seasonal designs, or bold graphic shapes layered onto a quilt block, appliqué gives quilters the freedom to turn fabric into artwork.

If you’ve ever wanted to improve your appliqué skills—or simply explore the many different methods available—Sulky’s Secrets to Successful Appliqué is a book packed with inspiration, practical tips, and plenty of project ideas.

Created by Joyce Drexler, a nationally recognized machine embroidery expert and creative director for Sulky of America, this book dives deep into the many techniques used to create beautiful appliqué designs.

A Technique Guide and Project Book in One

One of the strengths of Sulky’s Secrets to Successful Appliqué is that it doesn’t focus on just one method. Instead, it introduces readers to multiple appliqué techniques, making it a versatile guide for quilters, sewists, and fabric artists.

Inside the book you’ll find guidance on techniques including:

  • Satin stitch appliqué 
  • Blanket stitch appliqué 
  • Fusible appliqué 
  • Raw edge appliqué 
  • Cut-work embroidery 
  • Puffy foam appliqué 
  • Invisible appliqué techniques 
  • Decorative thread work 

Each technique offers a slightly different look and texture, allowing makers to experiment with styles that range from traditional to highly decorative.

Over 40 Projects to Try

This isn’t just a technique manual—it’s also a project book.

The book includes more than 40 projects and full-size patterns, which makes it ideal for readers who learn best by actually creating something. The projects range from seasonal designs to decorative quilt blocks and wall hangings, offering ideas that can easily be adapted into quilts, pillows, or home décor pieces.

Because many appliqué designs are block-based, the patterns can also be incorporated into larger quilt layouts.

Helpful Step-by-Step Photos

Learning a technique like appliqué is much easier when you can see exactly how the process works. The book includes step-by-step color photographs, which help guide readers through the construction and stitching process.

These visuals are particularly helpful for quilters who are new to appliqué and want to build confidence with the technique.

Along the way, readers also pick up useful tips about:

  • choosing thread colors 
  • stabilizing fabric 
  • improving stitch quality 
  • achieving clean edges and professional

Have you read?

Woodland Whimsy Fabric Collection by Jennifer Pugh

There is something especially lovely about a winter fabric collection that feels seasonal without immediately shouting Christmas. Woodland Whimsy by Jennifer Pugh for Wilmington Prints is filled with forest animals, mushrooms, classic plaids, dots and softly textured coordinating prints.

The colours have a warm, storybook quality, making the collection perfect for quilts that can stay out long after the Christmas decorations have been packed away.

What Is Included in the Woodland Whimsy Bundle?

The Woodland Whimsy Fat Quarter Bundle includes:

  • 15 coordinating fat quarters
  • One 23-inch scenic fabric panel
  • 100% quilting cotton
  • Fabrics designed by Jennifer Pugh
  • Prints manufactured by Wilmington Prints

Each fat quarter measures approximately 18 x 21 inches.

I particularly like that the scenic panel is included with the bundle. Fabric panels are wonderful when you want an impressive focal point without spending several evenings piecing tiny blocks while wondering why you chose such a complicated pattern in the first place.

The panel could become the centre of a lap quilt, wall hanging or child’s quilt, with the coordinating fat quarters used to create simple patchwork borders.

What Could You Make With Woodland Whimsy Fabric?

This collection would work beautifully for:

  • A woodland animal lap quilt
  • A cosy winter wall hanging
  • A child’s storybook quilt
  • Patchwork cushions
  • Quilted reading mats
  • Fabric storage baskets
  • Winter table runners
  • Handmade gifts for nature lovers

You could also separate the smaller prints and use them in scrap-friendly projects. Our collection of eight fat-quarter-friendly quilt patterns offers plenty of ideas for putting coordinated fabric bundles to work.

For something smaller, the gentle woodland prints would be lovely in a seasonal mini quilt. This free mini snowflake quilt pattern could easily be adapted using the collection’s winter colours.

Is the Woodland Whimsy Bundle Worth Buying?

The bundle gives you a ready-made colour palette, a useful assortment of coordinating prints and a feature panel in one package. That takes much of the guesswork out of planning a quilt, particularly if choosing coordinating fabrics is the part that usually sends you wandering around the fabric shop for an hour.

The prints are playful enough for children but not so juvenile that they cannot be used for adult quilts and winter home décor. That versatility is probably the collection’s strongest feature.

The bundle was listed at US$62.98 when checked and is expected to ship in October 2026. Prices, availability and shipping dates may change, particularly with a new fabric release.

If you love woodland animals, gentle winter colours and fabric that feels as though it belongs in an illustrated storybook, this is a charming collection to add to your sewing list.

See the Woodland Whimsy Fat Quarter Bundle at Fat Quarter Shop.