Machine Applique Instructions

Machine applique enables you to create the great look of hand-applique, but in half the time.

Applique is a technique which allows the quilter or sewer many more opportunities to be creative with their designs. But as stunning as applique effects may me, the technique is usually done by hand and can be extremely time consuming. Using a sewing machine to applique fabric patterns, designs and shapes onto quilts, blankets and even clothes, can cut in half the time it takes to attach the applique item onto the project.

Things You'll Need

• Sewing machine
• Cotton thread
• Needles
• Fabric (for applique)
• Scissors
• Glue stick
• Fusible interfacing
• Fusible web
• Stabilizing fabric
• Iron

Instructions

Machine Applique Step by Step

1. Draw or trace the design that you want to use for your applique onto a piece of stabilizing fabric.

2. Fuse the material you are going to use onto a piece of fusible interfacing with an iron.

3. Cut out the shape of the applique from your fabric using the stabilizing fabric as a guide.

4. Cut out an identical shape from the fusible web and iron the fusible web onto the fabric where you want your applique design to appear.

5. Place fabric applique over fusible web on the project you are working on and lightly touch iron the center of applique to secure into place.

6. Cover the applique with a piece of fabric and iron over the entire area to securely fuse the applique into place.

7. Using the zigzag or satin stitch on your sewing machine, follow the design of the applique around, making sure to sew a stitch that is wide enough to securely attach the edge of the applique to your project.

References

• Quilt.com: Applique Basics
• Generations Quilt Patterns: How to Applique
• New Mexico State University: Sewing Maching Applique

Resources

• The Applique Society