Machine Applique Method
 

I've only done applique with the needle turn technique and I'm ready to try it on the machine. After fusing them down, do you zigzag stitch or straight stitch?

Depending upon what it is I am appliquéing, I either use a satin stitch, blanket stitch, or another decorative stitch. Satin stitch is basically a zig zag only the stitch length is very close.

When my fabric is batik I usually use a straight stitch with a small needle as the fabric doesn't fray. But with cotton I use a buttonhole stitch.........

Are doing a raw-edge applique? If so, I'd go with a satin stitch, or else my experience has been that you need to treat the edges with Fray Check or little bits will come unraveled. If you are turning the edges under before you fuse it to your fabric, either one would look nice. Zig-Zag would be fun for a crazy quilt or maybe a really fun child's quilt. A straight stitch seems to me like it would be a cleaner, more elegant look.

Hope these two links will help you with raw edge fusible applique. I've used this method several times and it works great.

http://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/201...ible-applique/

http://ivoryspring.wordpress.com/201...applique-tips/

When I first started to machine appliqué, I used a zig-zag. However, I found I liked the effect of blanket stitch better. I only use straight stitch for very narrow pieces, such as stems, when other stitches would be too 'bulky'.

I don't use satin stitch as it's too dense for me and makes the piece quite stiff.

Thanks so much, everyone. I'm realizing I probably picked the wrong project for my first time....lots of circles.;)

I generally use a blanket stitch to sew my fused applique, I am not a fan of heavy satin stitching and have found the edges tend to fray some with a straight stitch. Zigzag is (OK), but I have better even stitching with the blanket, especially with a lot of circles, curves.

I never use a satin stitch. I just don't care for the way it looks. I use either a straight stitch or a blanket stitch. I use invisible thread some and I also use matching threads and contrasting threads. On some projects I like to use a blanket stitch with black thread for a real folk art look.

I usually use the buttonhole stitch. You have to be careful in securing the ends of your satin stitch because the stitching can come out easily if not.

I do either a blanket stitch or a satin stitch.

I tend to use the blanket stitch for all of my applique'. I like the added visual it gives. Use same color thread or sometimes (especially when doing fall applique'), I like to use variegated thread.

There is another option for circles. Face them, then use a ..../\..... stitch to applique to the background with the "...." part of the stitch *just* off the circle and the point of the "/\" *just* onto the circle.

How to face with fusible:
1. Place fabric circle face UP on a surface.
2. Place a light/featherweight one-sided fusible circle (same size as fabric) on the fabric circle with fusible side AGAINST fabric.
3. Sew all the way around the edge of the circle with about 1/8" seam...do NOT leave an opening.
4. Make a slit in the middle of the fusible about 1.5" long.
5. Use this slit to turn the unit right side out.
6. Using your fingers, SLIGHTLY roll the edge so that the fusible is hidden under the circle and finger press the edge.
7. It may be necessary to trim some of the fusible fabric at the slit to help the circle lie flat.
8. When you are sure of your placement on the quilt surface, press the circle into place so the fusible will adhere.
9. Now you can stitch around the edge with a buttonhole/straight/satin/or blind hem stitch (as mentioned above) and have good clean stitches. :)

Looks like a lot of steps but it's really quite easy after you've done a couple.:)

Jan in VA

Thanks so much!

Jan, as always, you give the best, most clear directions ever! Thanks for reminding me of the best way to do machine appliqué.

I use a blanket stitch

I just tried the fusible with my mariners compass block. it was very easy and quicker than trying to turn under a 1/4 inch. I am very pleased with the technique.

I use a blanket stitch too. The straight stitching goes on the background fabric just outside of the piece to be appliqued. The tacking stitch goes into the piece to be appliqued. My Janome 6600 has a blanket stitch with a double straight stitch so it makes a thicker line around the edge, which I prefer. I find that it's easiest and neatest to pivot around a curve with the needle down in the tacking stitch.

I generally use a blanket stitch, but have, when I thought it would look better, used a satin stitch. Once in a while I use a zigzag or my favorite decorative stitch the feather stitch. I suggest you practice a lot with different shapes, try different stitches and sizes of the stitch. Mark your samples with the stitch, stitch length and width and even the type of thread you used. If using a satin stitch I use a 60 wt. thread so that there is not a lot of bulk on the bottom of the block.

Thanks so much for posting these links. Wow, she is very talented - I love her work!

I like this method as well. I use a blanket stitch or straight stitch with matching or contrasting color thread..very easy to do..

Depending on your sewing machine, some have an applique stitch built in. Check your machine and follow the directions or you can pink the edges and sew around a quarter of inch with a straight stitch, which will give you a antique effect by a slight curl when washed. Good luck and be sure to post when you are finished.

Wash your applique fabric, NOT YOUR BACK GROUND, THEN WHEN YOU wash the quilt, it shrinks the small zig zag under the applique and it looks like hand applique. Sharon Shamber method I learned from her. check this out https://s3.amazonaws.com/SkillBuilde...k-lesson-9.pdf
It really works!

I like using a decorative stitch or blanket/buttonhole stitch. I've used embroidery thread, smoke invisible and clear invisible.

I am currently working on one that requires straight stitch. I have used other stitches on different quilts

Jan in VA,
I do the same when I want to do machine applique, no raw edges to worry about.
Sharon in Texas