Cereal Box Applique Templates

This year is Anna Bee's first family reunion (on my mother's side).  It was also the first for her cousin, Lucy.  I wanted the girls to have matching outfits but didn't find anything I just loved.  So!  I made these matching onesies and a bib for Anna's new cousin arriving this September.

Using old cereal boxes for applique templates is easy, economical, and eco-friendly (My 3 E's).  I love using patterns but after "round one" they have been pinned, folded, cut, torn, etc.  These templates can be used over and over.

Start by cutting open an old cereal box.  I like to use the flat large surfaces (the front & back of box) but you could use the entire open box for large templates.

Next, free-hand your design.  For this project I drew two pieces, one for the tree top and one for the trunk.  If you prefer more precision, you can download clip art and trace on to the cardboard.  Cut out template.

Use the template to finish creating your applique.  For instructions on applique techniques, check out one of my new favs Sew, Mama, Sew!

When you are finished, you will have a one of a kind, unique piece that can be replicated again!

Bee-ing Green:  Look for old tees or onesies at consignment shops.  Or, before you throw away worn out clothes think about using them for your applique project.  Also, use your favorite fabric scraps instead of buying new fabric.

I racked up several "Bee eco-points" on this project.  The large onesie came from a consignment market (eco-friendly).  It was brand new in a bag with 4 other onesies for $6 (eco-nomical).  The small onesie is from Anna's closet that had something on the chest (eco-friendly & eco-nomical).  The bib was purchased for .25 at a store sale because there were loose threads on the front.  I simply snipped them and appliqued over (very eco-nomical)!!

Note:  For printing text on fabric use transfer paper or paper made for iron-ons you can run through your printer.