Abstract: A secondary pattern 40 having a mirror image relationship to an applique design of a primary pattern is produced and adhered to the underside 20b of a background fabric 20. Crudely cut segments 42 of fabric material are positioned on the upperside 20a of the background fabric 20 and sewed thereto with a thread of contrasting color in accordance with the secondary pattern 40 on the underside of the background fabric 20. The stitches 44 produced with the contrasting thread are used as precision guides for trimming excess portions of the fabric segments 42 so that each piece assumes its desired shape in accordance with the primary pattern. The stitches 44 produced by sewing with the contrasting thread are also used as precision guides for final applique stitching 50 with a further thread to secure each design component fabric piece (22, 24, 26, 28) to the background fabric and, where desirable, to conceal stitches 44 made with the contrasting thread.