The Tiny Duckie

Your Applique
Guide

An heirloom-quality finish that brings dimension, texture, and softness to every personalized piece — fonts, fabrics, and everything in between.

Before You Order

Frequently Asked

Embroidery uses only thread to create the design — every letter or motif is stitched directly onto the fabric. Applique adds a piece of fabric on top, which is then secured with a decorative stitch (usually a satin or zigzag). The result is softer, more textural, and uses less thread — making it ideal for larger designs and gentler against baby skin.

Current turnaround for applique is 3–4 weeks from order date. Custom fabric requests may add a few days. Always check your confirmation email for your specific ship date — and reach out if you have a deadline.

You'll select your applique font and fabric directly on the product page when you add to cart, along with your thread color and any notes. Not sure what pairs best? Choose "Melissa's Choice" and we'll design something beautiful — or send us a message first.

Wash inside-out in cold water on a gentle cycle. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to preserve the fabric's softness. Avoid bleach and fabric softener. With proper care, our applique stays beautiful through years of wear — and washes.

Yes — because every piece is made to order, applique is final sale. If there's an error on our end, we'll absolutely make it right. We're happy to send a digital proof before stitching so you can confirm fabric and font choices.

Step One

What is Applique?

A timeless decorative technique with deep roots in Southern and heirloom children's clothing — refined for the way you'll dress your little one.

Fabric, layered with love

Applique is the art of layering a piece of fabric onto a garment and securing it with a decorative stitch — most often a tight, glossy satin border. The result is a raised, textured design that catches light differently than flat embroidery and feels wonderfully soft against the skin.

It's one of the oldest forms of decorative needlework, and for good reason: it lets us bring color, pattern, and personality to a piece without the density of solid thread coverage.

Softer against the skin — less thread means more give and less itch, perfect for newborns and toddlers.
Beautiful on larger designs — letters and motifs over an inch tall come alive with fabric.
Mix and match — pair a Liberty of London print with a coordinating satin border for an heirloom look.
Ideal pairings — pillows, totes, backpacks, bubbles, burp cloths, and quilts.

Close-up of applique on a personalized piece

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Step Two

Applique Fonts

Our applique font library — styles chosen because their letterforms hold fabric beautifully and finish cleanly with a satin border. Available as full names or monograms.

Antique

Blair

Chachi

Dottie

Fishtail

Narrow Round

Walter

Have a specific font in mind? Let us know →

Step Three

Fabric Library

Choose a solid for a clean, classic look — or one of our Liberty of London florals for something truly special. Hover to see the fabric name.

Solid Colors

Crisp solid cottons, color-matched to coordinate with your thread choice. A few favorites below — we can match nearly any shade.

White

Ivory

Light Pink

Hot Pink

Red

Light Blue

Navy

Sage

Lavender

Butter

Choose "Solid Color to Match Thread" at checkout and we'll pair it perfectly.

Liberty of London & Florals

Our hand-picked collection of Liberty of London Tana Lawn prints — buttery soft, richly detailed, and truly heirloom-worthy. Seasonal prints rotate, so grab your favorite while it's here.