Applique on dark background
 

I'm here to ask the ones that know! I bought an appliqué pattern that I want to do on a dark brown background. I retraced the pattern with a black marker. Trouble is I can't see the pattern through the background fabric with my light box. I even taped it to my front door when the sun was shining. Still can't see it. I have already cut my fabric to the appropriate block size. Is it wasted?

No, there are white transfer papers that wash out. Transdoodle is one http://softexpressions.com/software/notions/TransD.php

, Saral transfer paper is another

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...sl_hb1cjw6c6_b

. Instead of tracing your design you place the white transfer on top of the fabric (chalky side down), your pattern on top of that and draw over the lines with a stylus transferring the white mark to your fabric.

sometimes Michaels or hobby lobby carry the Saral. If you have an art shop nearby they would probably have it too. Just make sure whatever you buy is wax free.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]465511[/ATTACH]My Crayola light box with the led lights works even for darker fabrics. Here it is with a dark Michael Miller. I can see the acorn done on a piece of white paper in black sharpie. The light box only costs about $25 in the toy section at Walmart.

I used a Clover tracing paper http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Tracing.../dp/B001DZUW2C
on black fabric for my applique project. Worked great :)

One of my friends now only uses the Frixon pens, they come in multiple colors, when she is doing embroidery. No reason you couldn't use those here as long as you cover the lines.

I've gotten the gridded interfacing and then drawn the pattern on it. Baste the interfacing on top of the brown fabric and then slide your appliqué pieces under the interfacing unto the brown fabric to get the proper placement. I hope this is understandable. LOL The interfacing can remain basted to the top of the brown fabric throughout the whole process of the appliqué.

When I was sewing clothes I used the tracing papers for darts in clothes. It comes in light colors, so put your pattern on top of the paper on top of your fabric - it works quite well.

Another method is to trace your pattern on a piece of clear vinyl. That goes over the top of your fabric and you place your fabric under the vinyl piece. Clear as mud?

I do remember learning the clear plastic method of transfer but didn't like it. I went ahead and bought a roll of the Saral transfer paper as I have 25 10" blocks to do so thought that would be the most economical. Thank you all for your response.