THIS IS HOW I "PREP" OVERALLS for APPLIQUE WORK :
IF I am using o'alls that have a bib pocket, I usually remove it completely.
But this (usually) leaves those nasty stitch-lines & darker areas where the pocket WAS.
So, I either :
1. leave the bib blank & make sure the applique I'm applying covers all "offensive lines & dark areas"
...
but sometimes, that's not always possible.
In this case I will opt to :
2. remove the bib pocket & cover the entire bib with a contrasting background fabric, and apply my applique to the front of the bib on top of that fabric cover.
I seal the fabric down with lightweight wonder-under, + fold over edges & stitch them down.
Depending on the large bib applique, I stop the bib cover fabric at the waistband ~OR~ continue a bit farther down, closer to the front hip pockets
FRONT HIP POCKETS =
the thinner white pockets right under the waistband, by the hips ...
I steam-a-seam them down flat to the inside of the o'all.
Before I stared doing this, I had a couple of pockets fold up on me WHILE I was appliquing over them.
I didn't realize it until it was toooo late, and it was a nasty, lumpy mess =
that had to be ripped out & redone ...
I totally avoid THAT now
FIRST, I turn the o'alls inside out & press them flat (this also "pre-shrinks them a tad, you'll understand when you try it) ...
Then, I use "steam-a-seam" (1/2" wide, comes on a spool) the pocket flat to the inside of the overalls, & pretty much ignore them, after that.
This helps to keep them flat while you work over them from the outside.
Turns out really professional looking
BACK POCKETS = sort-of the same as bib pockets =
Remove the pocket & try to cover with appliques
OR ignore & leave them, as they are.
HAMMER / TOOL STRAPS =
I remove leg straps, IF they don't go with my applique theme.
You can cut them off at the seams they are attached at, but that leaves a bulky seam & back pocket edge ...
IF that does not bother you, leave it like that.
IF that bulky-ness bothers you, you can cut the stitching in those areas and remove the strap bit inside that seam & out from under the back pocket ...
Then, replace the stitching & "Orange" top stitching, as needed, to make it all blend back in & seal the side seam hole.
LEG POCKETS =
those neat little squared-of leg pockets ...
Sometimes, they require too much effort to dispose of, or the results of trying will not look great =
So, generally I ignore the& work around them.
But, IF the appliques can cover it = I remove that pocket & cover that spot.
TO WORK ON THE LEGS EASILY =
Don't forget that you can undo the INSEAM (that's the seam down the insides of the legs).
This way, you can easily work on the legs as flat panels.
!
When you are done with your appliques, replace the inseam ...
Add ruffles before or after you do the inseam = you'll figure out which one's easier for you.
PRE-WASH = Don't forget to TRY to pre-wash your darker overalls,
BEFORE you do appliques.
SOMETIMES, later the denim's darker colors can BLEED BLUE into the appliques & ruffles, in the wash AND/OR even if you hand wash and HANG DRY.
That's about it, right?! Good Luck ... Hope that helps.
good for you, bad for me! tom, your stuff is amazing and you should be very proud! the more you list, the more $ you will quickly make, and that means youve just funded your next disney trip- or leigh's college!
, you and i might have to work out a deal for the potato head set!
plus, its not really that good, so i wouldnt want you to jeapordize your
Love, love, love the creations! I stumbled on this forum & I'm sooo inspired for our next trip! I made a Mickey quilt for the plane, a weighted Mickey vest for DS, T-Shirts, & custom beach buckets for our last trip to 
Of course you can join the fun! The more the merrier!
He needs a boutique outfit 
