Need Help Designing Unique Applique for Your Quilting Shop?

Express Your Individuality

As a quilting shop owner, offering something distinctive and personal to your customers is key to standing out from the competition. Quilters are always on the lookout for unique projects, and having custom appliqué kits that reflect their tastes and interests can make your store a go-to destination. At Westfield Laser Designs, we specialize in helping quilting shops create one-of-a-kind, laser-cut appliqué kits that customers will love. 

We also use SoftFuse Premium Fusible, which is more pliable and keeps your quilting soft.  Even better, it does not gum up your sewing machine. If you choose to hand stitch the applique, you can do it with ease and no sticky residue on your needle.

If you’re looking for ideas to inspire custom appliqué designs for your store, here are some exciting options to consider.

1. Local Landmarks: Bring the Familiar to Life
One of the best ways to create unique appliqué kits is to focus on local landmarks and well-known icons in your area. Quilters often enjoy working on projects that remind them of home or places they’ve visited. By offering appliqué kits that feature these familiar sights, you’ll be creating a personal connection between the quilter and the project.

For example, if your quilting shop is located near a famous landmark like the Statue of Liberty, Golden Gate Bridge, or the St. Louis Arch, you can design appliqué that showcases these iconic locations. These designs are not only visually striking but are also instantly recognizable and hold sentimental value for those who live near or have visited these sites.

You could also explore smaller, regional landmarks that have significance to your community, such as a historic building, a local lighthouse, or even a popular park. Customers will appreciate being able to create a quilt that celebrates the places they know and love, making it a special keepsake or a perfect gift.

2. State Animals and Wildlife: A Nod to Local Nature
Another way to create a memorable appliqué collection is to feature state animals or local wildlife. Every state has its own designated state animal, bird, or reptile that carries cultural significance, and quilters enjoy crafting items that reflect their pride in where they live.

For example, a cardinal might make a perfect appliqué design for customers in states like Illinois, Indiana, or Ohio, where the cardinal is the state bird. Florida shops could feature the manatee, a gentle giant beloved by locals and tourists alike, while quilters in Missouri might be drawn to an appliqué featuring the box turtle, the state reptile.

Local wildlife also extends beyond state animals. Consider creating designs featuring deer, foxes, or rabbits—animals commonly seen in forests and rural areas. Nature-inspired designs resonate deeply with quilters who appreciate the outdoors and love incorporating natural themes into their projects.

3. Natural Rock Formations: Showcase Local Geography
Another unique idea for custom appliqué is to highlight the geography of your region through famous rock formations and natural wonders. Rock formations like Utah’s Arches, Arizona’s Grand Canyon, or Kentucky’s Mammoth Cave are not only awe-inspiring but also offer endless inspiration for appliqué designs.

Using geographic landmarks allows you to create intricate and dynamic designs that quilters won’t find anywhere else. Whether it’s the sweeping cliffs of the Pacific Coastline or the rolling hills of the Appalachian Mountains, quilting customers will enjoy recreating the beauty of the natural world in fabric form.

4. Cultural Symbols, Flags, and even Memes
Custom appliqué kits can also tap into cultural symbols that resonate with specific communities or groups. Consider offering designs that include family crests, tartans, or national flags. These elements hold deep personal meaning and can turn a quilt into a family heirloom or a patriotic statement.

Additionally, don’t shy away from modern cultural symbols like memes or fun pop-culture icons. While these may not be traditional quilting subjects, they can appeal to a younger audience or those looking to bring humor and modernity into their craft. However, we do respect all copyrights and trademarks. 

5. Geometric Patterns: Simple, Striking, and Timeless
Geometric designs are another popular option for appliqué, as they offer endless possibilities for creativity. Bold shapes like triangles, circles, hexagons, and diamonds can be combined in countless ways to create striking, contemporary patterns.

These designs are particularly appealing because they can be customized in terms of color and arrangement, allowing quilters to make the project their own. Geometric patterns also work well for beginner quilters, as they tend to be easier to assemble while still creating a beautiful finished product.

6. Flora and Fauna: Celebrate Nature’s Beauty
Leaves, flowers, and trees are always popular motifs in quilting. From intricate oak leaves and maple trees to delicate roses, daisies, and sunflowers, nature-inspired appliqué can be tailored to reflect the local flora of your region.

Quilters love incorporating botanical elements into their designs because they evoke a sense of peace, growth, and renewal. You can offer appliqué kits that feature the specific types of plants, flowers, or trees that grow in your area, making them both beautiful and relevant to your local customer base.

For instance, a shop in California could feature appliqué designs of poppies, the state flower, while a shop in Texas might showcase bluebonnets. These regionally inspired designs allow quilters to connect with the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Why Custom Appliqué from Westfield Laser Designs?
Creating custom appliqué kits tailored to your local area allows your store to offer something truly unique. At Westfield Laser Designs, we specialize in producing laser-cut appliqué that is precise, uniform, and easy to work with, ensuring that quilters of all skill levels can enjoy the process. The precision of our laser-cut appliqué means that each piece is consistent in size and shape, making assembly simple and reducing the frustration that sometimes comes with hand-cut designs.

Not only do custom kits give your store a unique offering, but they also encourage creativity and connection among your customers. By incorporating local landmarks, wildlife, and culture into your designs, you can create something that quilters will cherish and remember. We’re here to help you develop custom appliqué kits that are not only creative and unique but also high quality and easy to use.

If you’re looking for ways to make your quilting shop stand out, offering custom appliqué kits is the perfect solution. From local landmarks and wildlife to geometric patterns and family crests, Westfield Laser Designs can help you create designs that are unique to your shop and meaningful to your customers. Contact us today to start designing your custom appliqué kits and offer quilters something truly special.