Stabilising a knit motif for applique

[MrPanks]

I have been asked by a friend to cut out a motif from a sock and then sew it onto a cotton(non stretch) hat. A very strange request that I am not sure will even work but I’m willing to give it a shot. The motif is part of the sock and not an embroidered motif that I could easily cut off. I’m guessing I need to stabilise the motif and sew around its edges to stop it unraveling before I even cut it out, but to be honest I’m pretty clueless! Any suggestions would be appreciated.

I would cut it out and iron it on to some thin iron on vilene. That will stop it curling and fraying. Then either zig zag stitch round it onto the hat or hand sew it on, tucking the edge under as you go.

Thank you so much, do I need the iron on interfacing to be for stretch fabrics or can I just use one I have for woven fabrics?

Non stretch. It will stabilise it .

Thank you, that is very helpful.