Learn how to use Perfect Stems and Perfect Leaves to add clean, dimensional detail to your projects. Our step-by-step guide shows you how to achieve a polished, professional finish with ease.
Perfect Stems
To get started making your own stems you'll need:
- For this step-by-step, we used an older version of Perfect Stems that came in all white. The newer version of Perfect Stems comes with more widths in an array of bright colors so you can better distinguish between sizes.
- Cotton Fabric. Browse our greens!
- Fabric Folding Pen
- Flatter
- Iron
- Sewing Machine with a heat safe cotton thread
- We used the 5-1/2" Kai Japanese Scissors
Don't forget to fill your Fabric Folding Pen with Flatter to get a nice, crisp stem or leaf.
A pack of Perfect Stems comes with eight template sizes. Start by choosing the width you'd like your stem to have. Cut the fabric to your desired stem length; cut the width two times that of the template, plus a 1" seam allowance.
Tips:
- For a straight stem, cut your fabric on the grain. For a curved stem, cut your fabric on the bias
- Keep in mind that the finished stem will be slightly wider than the size you choose due to the thickness of the template.
Fold the fabric in half vertically, and press with the right side out.
Place your stem template inside the fabric, right up against the fold.
Sew along the open side of the fabric, as close to the edge of the template as you can. This is easiest with a zipper foot or a top or edge stitching foot.
Tip: If you want your stem to be longer than the length of the template, cut the fabric to the length that you would like. When you're sewing along the template and reach the end of it, with your needle down, lift the foot. Next, slide the template down past the needle and put the foot back down. Continue stitching along the template, and repeat if needed.
Cut the excess fabric off as close to the stitching as possible. Be careful not to cut the stitching itself.
Roll the seam onto what will be the back of the stem. With your Fabric Folding Pen filled with Flatter, dampen the back of the first couple inches of your stem.
Place your iron (dry, medium heat) on top of the seam and let it sit for 10-15 seconds while you dampen the next section of the stem. That way when your first section is dry, you'll already have the next couple inches ready for pressing! Continue moving down the stem using the same process.
Run your fingers down the stem to smooth it. Remove the template.
Now your perfect stem is ready to be appliquéd onto your project!
Perfect Leaves
Now we need to adorn that stem with some Perfect Leaves!
To make the leaves, you'll need:
- Perfect Leaves
- Cotton Fabric. Browse our greens!
Fabric Folding Pen filled with Flatter
- You can also use sizing as a substitute for Flatter!
- Iron
- Sewline Trio Chalk Pencil
- Scissors
- Optional: Hold It Precision Stiletto Tool - you don't need a stiletto but it definitely makes this process a little easier!
Select the leaf size you would like to use, and trace it on the wrong side of your fabric with your chalk pencil.
Cut out the leaf shape with about a 1/4" seam allowance.
Place your leaf template back inside the tracing line. Dampen the first 1/3 of one side of the seam allowance with the Fabric Folding Pen and Flatter.
With the point or edge of your iron, fold over about 1/3 of the damp seam allowance. Let the iron sit for about 10-15 seconds. Repeat this process down the rest of that side of the leaf.
Tip: It won't hurt the template if you place the entire iron on top, but using the edge of the iron to press only the seam allowance helps keep the sides of the leaf nice and smooth.
On the other side of the leaf, repeat the entire process of dampening, folding, and pressing the seam allowance.
At this point, you'll have excess fabric sticking up on the points.
Fold the excess fabric down on itself and dampen with the Fabric Folding Pen.
Hold the point in place with your stiletto, then slip the stiletto away as you cover it with the iron. Let the iron sit on the point for 10-15 seconds. Repeat with the other point.
Tip: If there are any wrinkles or unintentional points on the leaf, just re-wet the spot with Flatter, smooth it, and press. It's much easier to do this with the template still inside the fabric, as it helps retain the shape.
Pinch one point of the leaf with one hand and pull the template out of the fabric with the other.
Now your perfect leaf is ready to be appliquéd down!
Inspiration
Nature is a source of inspiration for so many creative projects we embark on. Using Perfect Leaves and Perfect Stems can help you complete you next nature inspired project a little faster and with precision and ease.
Try piecing together coordinating fabrics to make your Perfect Leaves extra awesome!
