Embroidery Machine Applique Instructions

Add embellishment to your fabric with applique.

Appliques not only dress up a project, but also cover up a mistake or blemish on fabric being used as the base for the project. The embroidery machine makes the applique process much easier than in free-hand style. Embroidery machines vary, but the applique process is standard. There are two ways you can apply the applique--choose the one that's most comfortable.

Things You'll Need

• Embroidery machine
• Software patterns
• Fabric
• Thread
• Stabilizer
• Spray fabric adhesive
• Curved embroidery scissors or applique scissors

Instructions

Method One

1. Choose an applique pattern from your embroidery library, and size it to your project.

2. Mark the center of the pattern placement on your base fabric.

3. Place the appropriate stabilizer under the base fabric and hoop the two together, aligning the center of the pattern with the center of the hoop.

4. Cut a square or rectangular piece of applique fabric a little bigger than the pattern. Spray adhesive on the back and center it on the hooped fabric.

5. Thread the machine with a color that complements the fabrics. Place the hoop on the machine and press "Start." The embroidery program will start by outlining the design and then pause.

6. Remove the hoop from the machine, but keep the fabric in place. Trim around the outside of the outline with either curved embroidery scissors or applique scissors. Go as close to the line as possible without cutting the stitches.

7. Put the hoop back in the machine and press "Start" again. The program will top stitch just inside the design edge and then go over the complete edge with a satin stitch, finishing the project.

Method Two

1. Print a copy of the pattern outline you have chosen and trace it on the back of the applique fabric. If you don't have a printer, you could hoop the fabric and sew the outline with an unthreaded needle. Cut the fabric to the exact shape of the outlined design and set aside.

2. Follow Steps 2 and 3 from Method One.

3. Reset your design program so it will stitch the outline of the design on the base fabric.

4. Remove the hoop from the machine. Put spray adhesive on the back of the applique and attach it carefully to the outline on the base fabric. Align all edges so they will be covered when the process is completed.

5. Follow Step 7 from Method One to complete the project.

References

• "Embroidery Machine Essentials"; Jeanine Twigg; 2001