Satin stitch machine applique is done using a close zig-zag (satin) stitch. Preparing your fabric and adjusting your machine properly will make this technique enjoyable.
Practically any design can be used for machine applique, however, using designs with easy outlines are best. Designs with too many "tight corners" are difficult to follow neatly.
Special Supplies: An open toe applique foot, allows you to see the stitching and the hollow tunnel on the bottom allows the ridge firmed by the satin stitch to pass through easily. Interfacing, iron on and non iron on, and fusible webbing. Water erasable marking pen.
Fabric: Preshrink all fabrics. Some fabrics are not suitab le for for some methods of applique. Organza and larme are low heat and do not respond well to iron on interfacing.
Machine adjustments: use a scrap of fabric to check adjustments and stitch. Bobbin thread should be a different colour to to the top thread. this allow you to see if tension is correct and elimates having to change the bobbin with each top thread change.
Loosen top tension slightly, so the top thread interlocks with the b obbin thread on the underside. You will see a small amount of the top thread colour on each edge of the underside of the satin stitch, thus the need for two different thread colours. Set the desired stitch width and set satin stitch length for a close together zigzag ( satin) stitch.
Stitching: Position the pressure foot so that the zigzag hits just off the edge of the applique fabric. Backstitch the first three or four stitches to secure the thread.
Stitching Techniques: To pivot, leave the needle in the fabric, lift foot and reposition fabric as neccessary, pivoting whilst the needle is on the wrong side of the fabric will leave gaps. If not pivoting is done there will be slanted stitches. i.e. Outer curves: pivot on the right hand side of the stitch. Inner curves: pivot on the left hand side of the stitch. Outside corner: stitch until the needle is off point on the corner, pivot, continue stitching along next raw edge. Inside corner: stitch past the corner, pivot , continue stitching along raw edge. Tapering (for points): As you near the point, decrease width of the stitch to 0 (straight) width, slightly beyound end of applique fabric, pivot, and increase the width
until it is back to the original width.
I hope the above informaton will be of help when beginning applique.