What is Appliqué?

Appliqué is a technique in which smaller pieces of fabric are sewn onto a foundation piece of fabric to create designs. This technique was originally created to cover areas of wear and tear on items, but appliqué will also add dimension and texture to your project. Designs with appliqué are economical because they reduce the amount of embroidery stitches required to fill the design area and in turn usually save you stitching time. These designs are also great for children’s clothing as you can accessorize with the same patterned fabric and there are minimal stitches against the child’s skin.

Machine Appliqué is fun and easy to do! Each of our appliqué designs have been digitized with colour changes to ensure that your machine stops between each step. A thread and colour chart is also included to provide information of the appliqué process. Be sure to refer to this as the order of sewing can vary between designs!

How do I start?

1. Stabilise and hoop your background fabric.

2. Stitch out the first thread only. This will be a placement line so you will know where to place your appliqué fabric in the next step. I have used a dark colour thread for photographic purposes – you should use a thread colour that will not show through later stitching.

3. Place your appliqué fabric on top of the hooped background fabric, ensuring that the placement stitches are covered completely. You should not require any spray adhesive unless your fabric is very slippery.

4. Stitch the second thread colour of design. This will tack down your appliqué fabric to your hooped fabric.

5. Remove your hoop from your machine but DO NOT UNHOOP your fabric at this stage. Using a sharp pair of scissors, carefully trim appliqué fabric as close as possible to the line without cutting the stitching. (Don’t leave more than 1mm!).

6. Return the hoop to your machine. Stitch out the next part of the design - this will usually be a satin stitch outline.

7. Continue to embroider the remainder of the design using the suggested colours from the thread and colour chart. All finished!

APPLIQUE TIPS

For best results with appliqué projects:

• Wash all fabrics prior to commencing to test for colour-fastness and shrinkage.
• Iron all fabrics you are using in your appliqué project.
• Avoid using fabrics that fray easily.
• Use small sharp scissors for trimming back appliqué fabric – ones with a curve are usually the best for getting around corners neatly.
• Read and/or print all thread and colour charts prior to commencing.
• If required, use a light spray of adhesive, or a piece of tape, to hold your appliqué fabric in place before tack-down…please don’t be tempted to use your fingers!
• Note: Appliqué designs are not suitable for resizing.