ESSENTIAL GUIDE Aloha Hawaiian Appliqué
“If you enjoy a distinctive form of appliqué with a tropical feel, then Hawaiian appliqué is the perfect technique to learn.”
– Lin Clements
WHAT IS HAWAIIAN APPLIQUÉ?
Traditional Hawaiian appliqué is a distinctive form of appliqué where bold, symmetrical designs reminiscent of snowflake patterns are created. As practised by Hawaiians, a large central pattern is first created by folding paper into eighths and cutting out a design that radiates out from the centre. The design is then recreated in fabric by folding and cutting the fabric in the same way. Traditionally, Hawaiian appliqué patterns were inspired by nature and include flowers, leaves and fruit. I’ve created two designs for you to practise the techniques (see Templates), but there are many free patterns available on the web. If you want to know more about Hawaiian appliqué and its history, then a book by Vicky Fleming called Hawaiian Appliqué is both fascinating and practical and has many patterns you could use.
Another distinctive feature of traditional Hawaiian appliqué is the bold colouring used, normally two solids – a primary such as red, green, blue or orange – combined with white or cream. Today, though anything goes and some of the examples in this article show printed fabrics, blenders and batiks can also be used and can create the spirit of the original designs.
Traditionally, Hawaiian designs
