This applique may look complicated, but it's actually very easy to do because it's just one piece with embroidered details, and no under turning. The towel is cut 20" x 30" from cotton flannel check-gingham and hemmed all around. The chicken applique is cut from white flannel. I stamped the design using a hot-iron transfer, but if you are tracing the FREE patterm, your fabric should be thin enough to see through. After tracing the pattern onto your fabric, cut it out and baste or pin in place about 2-3" from the bottom of the towel end. With thread to match, in this case, I used white, machine zigzag all around the edges with a tight stitch about 1/4" wide. Finish the outside edge of the chickens with a blanket stitch; use an outline stitch for lines and a satin stitch for the remaining parts. I used a French Knot for the eyes, but they can also be embriodered as given.
TIP: Use natural fabric blends suitable for embroidered towels such as woven 100% cotton toweling; flannel, muslin, linen or purchase pre-made flour sack or striped cotton towels. Always pre-wash your materials because they will shrink and press out the wrinkles before starting your project.
The original pattern is McCall's #1696 c.1952 and includes roosters, hens and chicks for dish towels and pot holders, along with updated directions for traditional applique methods and patterns for the combs and wattles and for making simple potholders. The entire pattern is available as a reprinted hot-iron transfer on the website. (Find using the SEARCH BOX Applique Chickens or 1696.)
FREE STUFF APPLIQUE CHICKENS 1696.pdf