Tips & Tricks for Adding Applique to any Bag! #SewPink 2026
I'm honored to be taking part in #SewPink this October for the third year in a row. ByAnnie's has done so much for rasing awareness during Breast Cancer Awareness month, and truely, all year round.
Want to put your own touch on your handmade bag? Try Applique! Learn the tips and tricks to adding applique to any handmade quilted bag with this helpful guide.
Tips & Tricks for Adding Applique to any Bag
Find your Spot
First things first, when adding applique to any bag you need to know where it's going to go.
TIP: Pockets
Pockets are some of the easiest places to add applique to. They are smaller and easier to access in your choosen bag pattern
This years #SewPink we decided to add applique to the front pocket of the Stitcher's Suitcase from ByAnnie patterns
Pull your Fabric!
When considering fabric for your applique, pull from what you know.
Your applique should be harmonious with your bag, not fight against it.
Trick: Find inspiration in your "main" focal fabric
Tone on tone & solids work great to highlight the
colors of your focal print without stealing the spotlight
Applique, I Choose You!
You've found the perfect spot, picked fabulous fabrics, now for the fun! Whether you draw your own applique, or buy a pattern from an amazing designer, keep in mind the size of your choosen area.
TIP: Make it Big
Make sure to add several inches all the way around your choosen space.
You'll want the room to trim after stitching and quilting!!!
Need help with applique? Check out this blog entry where we dive into Raw Edge Applique
Stitch and Quilt Your Heart Out
Applique's been assembled, time to decide on the stitching. When using Raw Edge Applique on a bag, it is highly recommended to secure the fabric edges with satin stitching. This will keep the fabric from fraying and coming apart with the wear and tear of use and cleaning.
Turn-Under Applique can skip the statin stitching since it is traditionally hand sew with the raw edge tucked under. HOWEVER, be aware of how much use your bag is going to possibly recieve. Turn-under applique can be more fragile and snag if not securely sewn down.
After stitching and quilting, trim your unit to your choosen pattern's specific measurements and enjoy!
More #SewPink Inspiration
Looking for additional project ideas? Don’t miss our SewPink project from the last few years:
Check out 2024's SewPink project:
Get the pattern: The Rose Moon
Check out 2025's SewPink project:
The #SewPink Initiative was created by ByAnnie.com LLC to raise awareness for breast cancer throughout the year. Efforts culminate in an annual blog hop during October’s Breast Cancer Awareness Month to promote self-care, awareness, early detection and support for those affected by breast cancer.
To learn more and see the calendar of events visit: https://www.ByAnnie.com/SewPINK
To find screenings available near you:
There's a whole month of blogs, live events, and community events from some of your favortie creators!
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