What Is Doodle Appliqué?
Doodle appliqué is a variation of appliqué where pieces of fabric are stitched onto a base using a running stitch or other light stitch types.
Unlike traditional appliqué, the fabric edges are not enclosed with satin stitches – instead, they remain raw and may fray slightly over time, contributing to a playful, handmade aesthetic.
The result resembles sketch-like or “doodled” lines, which give the design a light and creative feel.
When to Use It
Doodle appliqué is perfect for projects that aim to look casual, child-friendly, or artsy:
- Children’s clothing and baby accessories
- Patchwork or scrap-fabric projects
- Bags, wall hangings, textile art
- Quilts or pillows with intentional layering and texture
- “In-the-hoop” projects with intentionally soft or raw looks
Technique and Materials
- Use lightweight to medium cotton fabrics for best fraying results
- Pre-wash fabric if strong fraying is undesirable
- A stabilizer helps prevent puckering during stitching
- Ideal stitch types: running stitch, triple stitch, or even free-motion
Advantages
- Quick and easy to stitch – minimal thread consumption and fast results
- Beginner-friendly – perfect for first appliqué attempts
- Creative freedom – allows irregular edges, layering, and personal flair
- Soft texture – no stiff satin edges or rigid outlines
Notes and Tips
- The more the fabric is washed, the more the edges will fray – which is often part of the charm
- If desired, use fray-check or fusible web to control excessive fraying
- Works best on non-stretchy base fabrics with medium weight
Tip: Doodle appliqué is a great choice when you want your embroidery to look warm, organic, and a little imperfect – on purpose.