Applique eyes and layer ?
 

I am currently working on my first applique project. It is a penguin table runner for my dad for Christmas. (hes a coach and their team is the penguins) I have the top done, but now I am not sure what my next step should be. I have to make eyes.. just little black dots, but I am not sure what the best way to do that is, and then my next question is... when sewing over the applique penguins do I go through the top and the batting, or the top batting AND the backing? And then finally do I applique first or quilt the runner first? Not sure what the norm is. Any help or tips are appreciated. I am planning on sewing by hand around the appliques if that makes a difference.

PS I hope that all makes sense. lol

When I applique, I usually use wonder-under to fuse the shapes in place. I use the buttonhole stitch on my Bernina to keep the edges from lifting or I zigzag the edges. I do all the detail work before I make the "sandwich". My Bernina has a cute little circle that it stitches by itself that I use for eyes. It's between a 1/8 -1/4 inch size. It is actually for doing a finish for draw strings, maybe your machine has something similar? When the top is finished to my satisfaction, I make the sandwich, quilt it and bind it. You could use tiny buttons for eyes when your tablerunner is all done.

Thank you so much. That is is exactly all the info that I needed. I still have a second one to do (snowmen) 3 lap quilts to tie, and a fourth quilt that I havent even started all before Christmas. I am starting to think I am not going to make it LOL. I saw cute tiny buttons at joanns but didnt even think about those. Those would be perfect for the eyes!! Thanks again. :)