I wanted to try some applique this weekend. I read some tutorials and got the basic idea of things. I used steam a seam and copied the design from my sons color book. I have it pressed down and am pretty pleased with the results. Now I need to stitch it down.

So my question is what stitch do I use? blanket, zig-zag, satin stitch? I read about using all sorts of things. So what do you think is the best? I really haven't strayed and used very many of the stitches on my machine and honestly don't know what they are. So here is a pic of the ones that I have. From what I gathered it sort of looked like maybe 19 was the one I was suppose to use? And do I need to change the stitch length/width or just leave it at what it is preset to?
Thanks!

i would use 19 or 20 what ever one is to the right side

Thanks. There looks like there is a tiny bit of a difference between the two. 19 has a straight line where 20 has little dashes. Does that make any difference?

#19 or #39 Small stitches for small pieces larger stitches for larger pieces.
I wouldn't use the one with dash stitches IMHO

Make up a little sample with a large and small applique on it. Try different lengths and widths of stitches and see what you like the best.
It also helps to practice the stitches on a sample to get used to manuevering/stitching the applique :wink: :D:D:D

40? I would have never have guessed that! I used it once on the pocket of an apron. The pocket was black and the stitches around it were hot pink! I liked the little daisy look

And now I see you changed it to 39 :) Makes more sense! Thanks :)

20 is going the wrong way??? ...19...or try to find the stitch that takes a few short stitches, then takes a little bite into the applique piece..blindstitch???

Stop and turn your fabric, often too. Leave the needle down, lift the presser foot and turn. Trying to just quickly turn your fabric under the presser foot can cause puckers. It is a pain to start and stop, but you will be happier with the results.

Don't forget to mirror image the stitch if necessary :wink: the straight stitch goes along side the applique and the zigs go on it :D:D:D

Sorry about that LOL I looked at the wrong number :oops:

Yes, you can use that stitch or others... for a decorative look. They are pretty on circles, the edge of a dress, etc...

you can also do a satin stitch which would require you to change settings using the #7....practice on a seperate piece of fabric first regardless of which you choose and good luck

Loved this post as I am new to applique and have been wondering the same thing. So far, I've only used a zig-zag on machine applique, but a 19 on hand applique.

19 is what I prefer. I would use a scrap piece of fabric and practice the top pics for you and see what you like. I know lots of people use many different kinds but I prefer 19.

#19 looks like the buttonhole stitch. I think #20 has 3 stitches between each "zag". As far as size, take a scrap if fabric and "play" with the settings. I usually find that the default setting is a bit too big. When you find the setting that pleases you, write the settings down for the next time.

When I got my new machine, I sat & played with most of the stitches. I used regular, light colored, rather plain quilting fabrics & tried to simulate actual conditions that I would be using the stitch under. When I weas satisfied with the stitch settings. I wrote them right on the fabric with an Ultra Fine Point Sharpie. I keep that in my sewing chest for reference.

Use the one you like. One of the prettiest quilts I saw had a porthole stitched down with a heavy decorative stitch around it. It wouldn't have been nearly as impressive with a buttonhold stitch or satin stitch.

on my sewing machine 19 is the applique stitch. Which is also number 19 on my machine. (Brother)

It depends on what I am appliquing. When I appliqued daisies, I used 19. When I appliqued Airedales and needed some detail, I used the zig zag stitch, adjusting the width and length.

Use whatever stitch you want on the project you're doing. I've used straight, zig zag, blanket and satin (usually a stabilizer is needed with the satin to keep the stretching to a minimum). I've also, on occasion, used more decorative stitches. There's no wrong or right, just preference. If your machine has a Needle Down option, now is the time to use it. Go slowly, be aware of where your next stitch is going and just go for it. I usually do some practicing on a scrap first, get my settings just where I need them then mark right on my machine what they are. I use a fine point Sharpie. That way the markings are there when I need them. When the project is done I simply use an alcohol swab to remove the Sharpie marks. If I'm working on several projects at a time I use different colored Sharpies.

19, 20, 25, 39 would all work. If you want it to look primitive, casual you can use a darker thread and deeper "bites" to mimic hand buttonhole. If you don't want the stitching to show much, you use a thread that matches what you are stitching down. Do a bunch of doodling on a practice piece and go with what you like. I am not a big fan of zig-zag or satin stitch - but it depends on the look you are going for.

I do alot of machine applique and almost always use #19.

I have also used 32 for applique, and 33 I used for stitch in the ditch. And of course, 19, the applique or blanket stitch.

I am taking an applique class where she is teaching us to step out of the box and use other stitches. I have used 32 on stems and leaves looks very cool. I have used other stitches but can't remember all the different numbers. You can also mirror image 19 and 20 that also looks very cool. Play with the stitches and see which ones appeal to you.

I've ordered an applique pattern & need all the info I can find. Have saved your stitches chart.Will you sew by hand or machine? Mine has to be by machine as my hands won't allow much hand sewing.Maybe there's an applique tute on here to help you?

I taught Applique at JoAnn Fabrics,and I would tell my students to use either the satin stitch,or the blanket stitch depending on the look you want. Over the years now I LOVE the blanket stitch and it really is easier to use. Just follow along the RIGHT side of the design and you can choose how far in to go with the part of the stitch that goes onto the applique( I call it the bite),you can also adjust how long or short you want your stitches,practice on some scrap fabric till you get the look you want. Good luck,your gonna love applique. I've even used some decorative stitches you just have to make sure the applique is attached to the background.

I do allot of applique and use all diff decorative stitches just to give it diff looks...so there's nothing you can't use...just depends on the amt of work you want to put into it. I've used 5, 32,19,20,32,35,39,40 and 41...Do some samples and see what you like the best and size...size is adjustable

I would use 39 and reverse it so it goes right to left onto the fabric piece. its called the button hole stitch...#19 has 2/3 stitches in between the jump left and would work too

LovinMySoldier.
I think if you can get a diagram of your stitches up for us to see, you can do anything!!
I love your soldier too. And all who serve their nation.

I used 20 on my applique quilt and I loved the results. Be sure and test on a scrap first to make sure it is what you want. I reduced the width and length both for mine. Also, you need to decide if you want matching, contrasting or invisible thread on the top. Just be sure and use regular cotton thread in the bobbin. Show us your quilt when done. Sounds like it will be cute :-D

Here is a quickie which may help. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDv4quiCjFM
When I come to a point, I gradually shorten the width as I turn the point, then gradually increase, keeping a balance on each side, if possible. Not that I'm paranoid about the Quilt Police, but a bunch of overlapping stitches just doesn't appeal to me.

You can use the blanket stitch or the blind hem stitch but take a sample piece of fabric & change the width & length to your likeing before you do the real piece,you have lots of options on your machine.

When I did my funky chicken buckets (see swap ... page 41 I think it was) I did #19 around the bucket but used the satin stitch for doing the chicken pieces so they stood out more. I watched / read tons of stuff before I tried it (my first try too).

One place said to use the slanted zigzag (#6 I think for yours) as it finished the edge a little more....I didn't like the way it looked for me. I had a "sample" bucket that I tried all different types of stitches on before I chose one.

Also, each time I turned off my machine and had to reset the adjustments (you know, like when you have to feed the natives), that I retested my settings just in case I forgot to do something. Write down your settings so you don't have to remember them between sessions.

I used the "needle down" button a whole bunch so I could turn corners and pivot...made it easier.

Good luck to ya...what doesn't kill you will make you stronger (so they say but I'd rather just practice)

Hi, I use 19-like the way it comes out. Good Luck

I think it is #19. I use this one for my applique.

I just finished a machine applique class and we took a folded piece of fabric and tried several different stitches varying the length and width to actually see which we liked best. Once we found the the one we liked we wrote it down.

use 19 then u can mirror image if u need to to get it going in right direction.....................Mirror image

19 is like a traditional blanket stitch. 20 puts an extra straight stitch in between each sideways stitch which requires you to use a shorter stitch length. I would stick with #19. MHO

I always use blanket stitch. I take a few straight stitches first then stitch over them at the end, also stitch a few straight stitches at the end over the blanket stitch. You can't see them and everything stays fast.

I believe #20 is a blind hem stitch and that is why is goes the other direction. On my machine I also have stitches like #19 and #39. Try them on a sample because on my machine one stitches double to make it look more like hand stitching.

I woold use 19 and try a test sample to check the size. If it is a small piece you are appliqueing, use a smaller stitch. also, be sure to put a stabilizer under it to keep it from puckering. Just use a tear-away or something. LIke someone else said, be sure to stop (with your needle down) often and turn your work. Good luck - it will turn out great - just practice first.

If you use a stitch like #19 don't you eventually get frayed edges that stick up?

I personally prefer the blanket stitch which would be #19.