How to Use Laser Cut Faux Leather Bats in Your Next Project
By Sallie Tomato | Published: 2026-11-05
Category: How-to Guides
Turn laser cut faux leather bats into easy Halloween appliques. Follow these steps for clean placement, secure stitching, and a polished finish on any project.
Quick answer
Use laser cut faux leather bats as appliques by pinning or gluing them in place, then stitching around the edges with a longer stitch length and a fresh needle. The laser-cut edges are clean and ready to use, so you can skip any edge finishing and go straight to attaching.
Why faux leather bats work well for applique
Laser cut faux leather bats arrive with sealed, clean edges, so they won't fray like woven fabric. That makes them a fast choice for Halloween crafts and wearable projects. The material is durable and holds its shape, which helps when you're stitching small, intricate shapes.
Because the bats are cut from faux leather, they add a bit of dimension without much weight. You can use them on wall decor, bags, shirts, and more. Just keep in mind that faux leather doesn't stretch, so it's best on stable fabrics or as a decorative layer on items that don't need to flex a lot.
Choosing the right size and placement
Sallie Tomato's laser cut faux leather bats come in 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch widths. Smaller bats suit small accessories or clustered designs, while larger bats make a statement on wall hangings or tote bags. Before you commit, lay the bats on your project to check the arrangement. Avoid placing them across curved seams or areas that need to stretch.
If you're attaching faux leather patches to a garment, remember that the bat won't move with the fabric. Place it on a stable part of the garment, like a yoke or pocket, rather than across a joint.
Tools and setup for sewing faux leather bats
Use a universal or leather needle (size 80/12 or 90/14) and a longer stitch length (around 3.0 mm) to avoid perforating the faux leather too much. A Teflon foot or a walking foot helps the material feed smoothly. You'll also need a way to hold the bat in place: fabric glue (like a temporary spray or a tiny dot of liquid glue) or pins placed inside the seam allowance area.
Test on a scrap of your project fabric with a spare bat or a scrap of faux leather to check tension and stitch length. Faux leather can show needle holes, so choose a spot you're confident about.
Step-by-step: attaching laser cut faux leather bats
- Prepare your bat and project: Wipe the back of the bat with a dry cloth to remove any dust. If your project fabric is washable, prewash and dry it so any shrinkage happens before you attach the bat. Skipping prewashing can cause the fabric to shrink later and distort the applique.
- Position and secure the bat: Arrange the bats on your project. Use a small dot of fabric glue or temporary spray adhesive in the center of the bat to hold it in place, or pin inside the area that will be covered by stitching. Avoid pins in the visible center. Too much glue can gum up your needle, so use it sparingly.
- Set up your machine: Install a fresh 80/12 or 90/14 needle and increase stitch length to about 3.0 mm. Attach a Teflon or walking foot if you have one. Test on a scrap first. A worn needle can cause skipped stitches or tear the faux leather.
- Stitch around the edges: Sew slowly around the perimeter of the bat, keeping the needle just inside the edge. Overlap your starting stitches by a few stitches to secure. For inner points, stop with the needle down, lift the presser foot, and pivot. Stitching too close to the edge can cause the faux leather to tear out; aim for 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the edge.
- Finish and press: Clip threads. Do not iron directly on the faux leather; if needed, press from the back with a low setting and a pressing cloth. For extra security on high-use items, you can add a second row of stitching. Direct heat can melt or shine the faux leather, so always use a pressing cloth.
Product facts
- 10 Laser Cut Faux Leather Bats: Laser cut faux leather bats are available in 2-inch, 4-inch, and 6-inch widths. Size choice affects placement and scale, so you can match the bat to your project's dimensions.
10 Laser Cut Faux Leather Bats - 10 Laser Cut Faux Leather Bats: The bats come in packs of 10 and are made from Sallie Tomato faux leather. A pack gives you enough bats for multiple projects or to create a clustered design.
