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Tips for Machine Appliqué

Regardless of how you prepare your pieces for machine appliqué, learning how to stabilize and stitch your pieces is key. Follow these tips for great appliqué and check out troubleshooting tips at the end of this slide show.

Machine Set-Up

1. Make certain your machine is clean and in good working order.

2. Install a new size 60/8, 70/10, 75/11 or 80/12 sharp embroidery needle in your machine.

3. Wind a bobbin with cotton 60-weight embroidery thread or bobbin-fill thread.

4. Thread the needle with matching- or complementary- color 60-weight embroidery thread

Fusible Web Appliqué Instructions:  

• Place the fusible webbing (paper side up) over the pattern pieces.

• "Trace" each pattern piece the required number of times.

• Remember that a reverse image results from all the traced pieces. For symmetrical pieces this is not a problem. For other images, turn the pattern sheet over and trace the design from the other side of the sheet (unless the pattern designer has already reversed the images).
  
  This will give a reverse image that will revert to the correct image once ironed onto the fabric. A “light-box” is highly recommended in order to get a clear image for tracing.

• Once pieces are traced onto the fusible webbing, "roughly cut" around each shape. DO NOT cut on the drawn line!

• Using a medium/hot DRY iron, press the fusible webbing (paper side up) onto the WRONG side of your chosen fabrics.

• Using small, "sharp" scissors, cut out the shape exactly on the drawn line. Take care when handling the fabric to avoid fraying the edges.

• Carefully, peel the paper backing from the pattern piece. A fine layer of adhesive will remain on the fabric.

• Using the “master pattern” as a guide, place the pieces into position on an appliqué mat. A light-box is also useful here.

• Gently remove the design from the appliqué mat, position onto your background fabric and press. This will "permanently" fuse the design into place.

• (If you do not have an appliqué mat, you can position and press pieces directly onto your background fabric but take care because you must get it right the first time.)

• “Blanket Stitch” – select a stranded cotton embroidery thread to match the colour of the shape being appliquéd. For small shapes use one strand of embroidery thread and for larger shapes use "two" strands of thread. When stitching with blanket stitch, always work from left to right as shown in the diagram below.