How to Do Applique Stitching When Sewing Zigzag Patterns

Appliqué is popular technique for quilters, but is also a handy way to dress up towels, tablecloths, curtains and pillows. It can also enable you to turn jeans, dresses and shirts from plain to fancy. Even if you are a novice with the sewing machine, you can easily master appliqué stitching.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Base fabric
• Appliqué, cut from contrasting or matching fabric
• Thread
• Sewing machine
• Appliqué foot
• Needle or adhesive spray

1. Position the appliqué on the fabric. Attach the appliqué with a whip stitch, basting stitch, or adhesive spray, or if you prefer, you can pin it in place. Turn the edge under slightly as you go.

2. Move your sewing machine setting to a satin stitch or zigzag stitch, with a very short stitch length.

3. Position the appliqué foot on the edge of the fabric and stitch back and forth two or three stitches to anchor the thread.

4. Sew around the corners of the appliqué by stitching to the edge of the fabric. Lower the needle at the corner, raise the pressure foot up, and stop sewing as you pivot the fabric. Put the needle back down into the fabric and continue stitching.

5. Stitch around any curves very slowly, guiding the fabric and following the direction of the appliqué with your appliqué foot as you sew.

6. Stitch to the end of the appliqué design, overlap the beginning stitches, and stitch back and forth twice to anchor the stitching in place.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have an appliqué foot, a regular foot will work. An appliqué foot simply makes stitching an appliqué slightly easier because it doesn't have a bar in the center and enables you to see the appliqué stitches clearly.