Tips on How to Appliqué Words on Quilts

Quilting with Words: How to Appliqué Words on Quilts

Adding words to quilts is a beautiful way to personalize your project with names, quotes, or meaningful messages. Fusible web makes appliqué messages fast, easy, and precise. Once fused, you can secure the letters in multiple ways.  In this guide, I’ll show you different ways to appliqué letters onto your quilt.

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1. Choose the Right Fabric for the Appliqué Words

For crisp, readable letters, select fabrics that contrast well with your quilt background. Bold solids or small-scale prints work best, ensuring your message stands out. Pre-wash your fabrics to prevent shrinkage and color bleeding after stitching.

2. Select an Appropriate Font for Your Message

The font you pick can really set the tone for your project! Avoid using delicate or intricate fonts, since they can be tricky to cut and stitch. Bold fonts are usually a fantastic option. Whichever font you choose, just make sure the letters are thick enough to hold up during stitching. The technique you choose for finishing or quilting the project will also play a significant role in choosing your font.

3. Prepare Your Letters

Use fusible web (such as HeatnBond Lite or Wonder Under) to stabilize your letters.
Draw/print your design on paper. Reverse it (turn it over) and copy the reversed design on the paper side of the fusible web.

Iron the fusible web onto the back of your letter fabric.

Cut out the letters precisely using sharp fabric scissors. Then remove the paper backing.

4. Position Your Words

Lay out your letters on the background fabric, then fuse them down. Use a ruler to keep everything aligned and evenly spaced, or even better, use your original paper design as a reference.

5. Secure with Stitching

There are different ways to secure the appliqué message. Experiment and choose your favorite style.
You can secure the message right after the appliqué phase, or you can layer the quilt top with batting and backing and secure the design through all the layers –  this is what I do on most of my quilts.

A. Straight Stitch – Fast & Modern
✔ Sew just inside the letter’s edge with a straight stitch (about 1/8″ from the edge).
✔ This allows the fabric to fray slightly for a natural, rustic look.
✔ Best for modern or casual quilts.

💡 Tip: Use matching thread for subtlety or contrasting thread for a bold, outlined look!

B.  Zigzag Stitch – Classic & Durable
✔ Stitch around each letter with a narrow zigzag stitch (width: 2-3mm, length: 1-2mm).
✔ Ensures longevity by preventing fraying.
✔ Works well for everyday-use quilts.

C. Satin Stitch – Bold & Professional
✔ A satin stitch is a tight zigzag stitch with no gaps between stitches.
✔ Gives a polished, embroidery-like look.
✔ It works only on big letters.
✔ Ideal for quilts with heavy use (baby quilts, pillows).

D. Free-Motion Stitching – Artistic & Playful
✔ Use free-motion quilting to outline and sketch around the letters.
✔ Creates a doodled, hand-drawn effect.
✔ Great for playful or modern quilts!

6. Thread’s Color

The color of the thread matters, and, along with the zig-zag stitch, it is your secret tool to turn to if things did not turn out as planned—aka, there is not enough contrast between the letters and background. In this case, you want to enhance the edges of the letters, so do it using a high-contrast thread and a zig-zag stitch—see the example below.
In case you need a subtle appearance, opt for a matching thread.

7. Straight line quilting 

It is my favorite way to quilt my quilts with words, and it provides to the finished quilt a modern look. Stitch the lines as closely as possible. It is the easiest option for beginners.
On the quilt below, I quilted the panels in different directions- it was an enjoyable and quick task, since I used the quilt-as-you-go technique.

7. Test on Scrap Fabric First

Before stitching on your actual quilt, test your technique on a scrap piece. This allows you to perfect your stitch settings, tension, and thread color choices.

8. Reverse applique

All of the above projects are created using the appliqué technique, but reverse appliqué works just as well. You can free-motion quilt your designs, or for a beginner-friendly option, use a walking foot—the possibilities are endless.

A project still unfinished!

Find Your Favorite Appliqué Style!

Now that you know how to appliqué words on quilts, you can add personality and meaning to your projects. With the right materials, careful planning, and a bit of practice, you’ll be able to create text-based quilts that are both beautiful and durable. So grab your fabric, pick your message, and start stitching!

Do you have any favorite quilting phrases or words you love to add to your projects? Please share them in the comments, I might create a free design for you!!

Happy quilting!