I love to play around with stitches and do embroidery. And ever since I got into the machine stitch, I can’t stop doing appliqué. Cause with the machine, everything is 40% faster. ‘Cause all you gotta do,
applique stitches
To do machine appliqué stitches, set your sewing machine to a zigzag or blanket stitch and carefully stitch around the edges of the appliqué fabric, securing it to the base fabric.
I know some of my students are new to it, so I decided to share it with my readers.
Table of Contents
What Machine Stitch To Use For Appliqué?
For appliqué, the most common machine stitch to use is the zigzag stitch. Cause it allows me to sew around the edges of your appliqué piece. It secures it to the fabric while giving it a decorative look. If you want a more delicate, finer finish, you can use more decorative stitches,
- Blind Hem Stitch
- Satin Stitch
- Straight Stitch\Running Stitch
- Blanket Stitch
- Back Stitch
- Narrower Stitch
- box stitch
- Top Stitch
- Picot stitch
- Honeycomb Stitch Sewing Machine
All of that stitching can help you with the appliqué. You just gotta choose the right one at the right place.
What Is The Setting On The Machine For Appliqué Stitch?
I set the stitch width to around 2-3 mm. But I keep changing it depending on my project. Then, I adjust the stitch length to a shorter setting (around 1-2 mm) so the stitch is tight enough to secure the edges without being too loose. I also use this length for an ease stitch on sewing machine.
Then,
The needle position is usually set in the center or slightly to the left for a clean, even stitch. Play around with these settings to get the perfect appliqué stitch for your project. Just like i play with stretch stitch on sewing machine.
How To Do Machine Applique Stitches?
To do machine appliqué stitches, follow the 5 steps.
Cut The Applique Piecse
I usually go with 3–6 inches for a nice bold look. On clothing, small designs might be around 2 inches, while larger ones can be 6 inches. If I’m working on home décor like pillows, I stick to 4 to 12 inches, depending on the design.
But,
I always add a 1/4-inch seam allowance around my appliqué. So, there’s fabric to fold under neatly.
For tight curves, I might add a bit of extra fabric to make it easier to turn the edges.
Glue The Cut Appliqué Pieces Together
Before I start sewing, I have to ensure those extra fabric edges. After the appliqué, it’s time to get the fabric. I had to make sure the fabric was big enough to allow for tucking the edges under neatly, especially if you’re working with curves.
So,
I usually cut the fabric about 1 inch larger than the appliqué shape to ensure I have enough room to fold the edges under. This size is also helpful for me in the darning stitch.
For example, if my appliqué piece is 4 inches wide, I’ll cut the fabric to about 5 inches wide to give myself enough to work with. This gives me a clean, well-finished edge!
Then
I had to stick all together. Those little “flags” sticking out—are tucked under. I use an awl to carefully tuck them under, then add a drop of fabric glue to hold everything in place.
The glue isn’t permanent, it’s just there to hold things steady while I work.
Thread and Machine Settings
I use monofilament thread on top for my machine. This is a clear nylon thread that’s practically invisible.
I use regular cotton thread in the bobbin, specifically Egyptian cotton, with a smaller needle size 70/10.. This thread keeps the process smooth and avoids the jumping stitch issue.
When using monofilament,
I adjust the tension to zero because the thread is stretchy and can pucker if the tension is too tight. A little tension may be needed, but not much. It will help you tighten the stitch like a pad stitch.
Positioning the Fabric
Now, I slide my fabric under the presser foot, lining up the appliqué piece with the background fabric. I drop the needle to enter the background fabric next to the appliqué piece.
When the stitch begins, the needle jumps onto the appliqué and back into the background fabric.
I carefully adjust the fabric to ensure the needle consistently jumps between the appliqué and the background.
Stitching Along the Edge
I start stitching slowly, especially when going around curves. As I stitch, I watch the needle carefully.
I’m making sure it goes into the background fabric on one side, and then onto the appliqué fabric on the other side.
I keep the needle right on the edge of the appliqué, ensuring the zigzag stitch is clean and even. You can use edge stitch to avoid the hassle.
When I reach a corner or tip, I drop the needle into the tip of the appliqué piece and turn the fabric to continue stitching.
Finishing The Appliqué Stitching With Backstitch
Once I finish stitching the appliqué piece, I backstitch a couple of times to lock the stitches in place. The stitch should be nice and tight, with the zigzag overlapping onto the appliqué fabric and back into the background fabric for a clean, secure finish.
And that’s it! You have a beautiful appliqué work. Honestly, I think it’s easier than machine embroidery. Cause it doesn’t need so much thinking.
Sewing Machine Applique Pattern Free
Appliqué stitches are easy, but at 1st stage, you will feel blank. You will feel like what to do and not. So here are a few pattern ideas for you.
Machine Applique Stitches Pdf
If you are seeing this for the 1st time, then forgetting steps is so common. So here is a PDF for you
FAQ
What Stabilizer To Use For Machine Appliqué?
For machine appliqué, the best stabilizer depends on your fabric. For lightweight fabrics, I use a tear-away stabilizer or cut-away stabilizer to provide enough support without adding stiffness. A fusible stabilizer works great for stretchy fabrics because it sticks to the fabric and provides extra stability while sewing.
Can I Do Appliqué With A Regular Sewing Machine?
Yes, absolutely! You can definitely do appliqué with a regular sewing machine. Just make sure to use the right zigzag stitch or satin stitch to secure the appliqué pieces. You don’t need a fancy machine—just adjust the settings and use the appropriate foot and thread for a clean finish.
What Machine Needle To Use For Appliqué?
For appliqué, I usually use a universal needle for most fabrics. If I’m working with heavier fabrics like denim, I use a jeans needle, and a ballpoint needle works best for delicate fabrics. If I use monofilament thread, I use a thinner size 70/10 needle to avoid breakage.
Warp up
Machine appliqué stitches are a fantastic way to add detailed, durable designs to fabric easily. By using the right thread, needle, and stitch settings, along with a little help from fabric glue to hold everything in place. I can create seamless, professional-looking appliqué designs.
With practice, this technique becomes a quick and effective way to enhance any sewing project!
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