I've started this twice - so maybe three times is the charm (grin)...Start with an easy pattern and then work your way up to ones with lots of pieces.
1. I find a picture on Pinterest I like. Let's say it's a dog.
2. Copy the dog picture over to Word.
3. Increase picture to size you want. Save file.
4. Print.
5. I press 3 layers of parchment paper to picture so it has some body.
6. Look at your picture well and see what parts would be "add-on's"
Note: if the dog's ear is coming from behind the head it would be a separate drawing.
add a bit to the ear where it is going to lay under the head.
if the dog has a collar, it would be traced separate.
dog's eyes, nose and tongue, they would be all be traced separate.
You should end up with a piece of Heat and Bond with a whole bunch of parts.
7. Cut your parts out and iron them to the wrong side of the fabric you are going to use.
Note: At this point I put the picture on a piece of styrafoam covered in black fabric and put my cut out
parts on the picture and stick a straight pin in them to hold them.
8. When have the picture set up right carefully build your dog on the towel and press down. PRESS, dont
iron or your pieces will shift.
9. From this point I decide what colors of embroidery thread I need and do raw edge applique.
I bet this is as clear as mud to some - I self-learned applique and there is likely a dozen easier ways
but this works for me. If you have questions, please ask, I will be glad to help ...it is picky to do but I love it!!