How to Machine Applique With a Zigzag Stitch

Utilizing a machine applique simplifies the piecing process for quilts.

A machine applique with a zigzag stitch is a time-saving alternative to hand-stitched applique. Hand-stitched applique requires turning under the pinned fabric pieces' raw edges and stitching them in place with minute stitches. Using a sewing machine satin stitch tacks the fabric piece to the background material without turning under the raw perimeter fabric edges. Employing fabric preparation and sewing techniques especially for machine applique facilitates the process and ensures a stable, secure and attractive end product.

Things You'll Need

• Patterns for fabric pieces to be appliqued
• Pencil
• Two-sided fusible interfacing
• Fabric for applique
• Backing fabric
• Iron and ironing board
• Scissors
• Sewing machine with a zigzag setting and thread

Instructions

1. Trace around each pattern piece with a pencil on the interfacing protective paper.

2. Iron the unpapered side of the fusible interfacing to the wrong side of the fabric.

3. Cut around the pattern piece, tracing lines for each fabric piece to be appliqued onto the backing fabric.

4. Remove the protective paper from each piece of fusible webbing-backed fabric.

5. Position each fabric piece right-side-up on the backing fabric. Fuse to the backing fabric by ironing.

6. Satin-stitch through all layers of fabric around the raw edges of each fused fabric piece. Lift the pressure foot and pivot the needle along rounded outer edges and corners for a smooth, continuous seam.

Tips & Warnings

• When pivoting around outer and inner corners, always lower the needle along the outer (not inner) edge of the fabric piece before raising the pressure foot.

• Experiment with the fabrics for the ideal zigzag satin stitch for the project; too-tight stitches will pile up, and too-loose stitches will not cover the raw edges adequately.

• Follow fusible interfacing manufacturer's guidelines for iron heat settings; if the fabric to be appliqued is not firmly attached to the backing fabric, it will shift during sewing, creating gaps and wrinkles.

References

• New Mexico State University: Sewing Machine Applique