Machine Embroidery Applique

Today is the first class for the Beyond the Color Purple Quilt! One technique that is used frequently in this quilt is applique stitched with an embroidery machine.

An applique is created by attaching one piece of fabric onto another and stitching the raw edges with a satin stitch or decorative stitch. The applique fabric has wonder-under fused to the wrong side of it.

When stitching an embroidery applique design, there are two added colors in the design thread chart. The first is a placement stitch which stitches an outline around the shape of the applique. The second is a tackdown stitch which tacks the applique fabric to the block.

Here is how it works:
Stitch the placement stitch. Lay the applique fabric in the hoop so it covers the stitching. Stitch the tackdown stitch. Take the hoop out of the machine; do not take the fabric out of the hoop!! Using a small pair of scissors, trim the applique fabric close to the stitching. Snap the hoop back on the machine. Proceed with the next color of the design which will seal the fabric edges. If the design has multiple appliques, use the same procedure.