Applique is my very favorite part of machine embroidery. The dynamic between stitched thread and applique fabric adds a playful dimension you just can't get with stitching alone!
The right applique also brings authenticity to your project. For example, I love this cocoa stand from Kimberbell's Cocoa and Cookies Tea Towel design because the applique cork fabric looks like real wood! 😍
So let's celebrate applique! Today's post is all about how this (very simple) technique takes machine embroidery projects to a whole new level of WOW.
To kick things off, let's go over what applique is and how to do it, discuss the different types of applique, and share tips on how to achieve the best results.
Applique is when you stitch a smaller piece of fabric onto a larger piece of fabric to make a design. At Kimberbell, we do applique with a variety of fun fabrics and embellishments!
These pumpkins from Kimberbell's Falling for Autumn quilt were stitched with different applique fabrics. (For extra oomph, you could also add a layer of Flexi Foam beneath the fabric to make the pumpkins puffy!)
Applique starts with a placement line being stitched on a base piece of fabric. After the placement line is stitched, the applique piece is placed on top (covering the line) and held with Kimberbell Paper Tape.
The applique piece is then stitched in place with a tack-down stitch. After this is done, the tape is removed and the fabric is trimmed.
If the edge of the applique is covered by a satin or decorative stitch (like on the designs below), it's important to trim close to the stitch line. This ensures that the border completely covers the edge.
Pssst . . .in case you're wondering, these designs come from Kimberbell's Vintage Boardwalk quilt!
Raw-edge applique is when the edge of the applique is not covered by a satin or decorative stitch. Instead, a sliver of applique fabric (around 1/8"wide ) shows around the tack-down stitch.
For example, the leaves in this Hoop Studio project are done with raw-edge applique. This technique makes the edges of the leaves look more realistic!
Raw-Edge Applique Tips:
To prepare fabric for applique, starch the fabric with a light starch and adhere Kimberbell Fusible Backing to the wrong side. Fusible Backing reduces puckering and provides extra structure to the fabric!
Fusible Backing also eliminates shadowing when you're putting light fabric on a dark background. (Learn more about Fusible Backing HERE.)
Tip: There are just a few times when you shouldn't use Fusible Backing on applique fabric:
When in doubt, always refer to Kimberbell instructions for your specific project!
When trimming applique, it's important to have a good pair of scissors.
Kimberbell Duckbill Applique Scissors are ideal for trimming applique pieces cleanly and neatly. The duckbill blade gently lifts fabric to prevent accidental snips while trimming around those tack-down stitches!
Double-Curved Applique Scissors are also wonderful for trimming applique pieces in-the-hoop. Learn more about these scissors HERE!
At Kimberbell, we use a variety of embellishments to be highly creative with our applique. Here are some tips for trimming our favorites!
When trimming glitter sheets (as shown in this flamingo wing), use long, smooth cuts to avoid creating sharp edges. (You don't want jagged points!)
With Embroidery Felt, be sure to cut through the entire felt piece. It's easy for scissor tips to catch middle of the felt, leaving some fibers uncut.
Carefully trim the felt as desired. If you're not happy with how it looks after you've trimmed it, use your fingers to gently pull the edges to fluff up the felt.
Leave the same amount of felt (1⁄8") around a raw-edge, satin stitch, or decorative stitch applique as you would for fabric.
When trimming Embroidery Leather (as featured in the Roll With It design below), pay attention to the angle of the scissors and keep the blades parallel to the stitching so the underside color doesn't show.
As you can see with the light blue leather, the applique was trimmed correctly with parallel blades. But you can see some of the white underside color on the wheel because it was trimmed at an angle.
It's always a good idea to practice on a scrap piece of leather before beginning your project!
Mylar applique, as shown in the star ornament below, is simple to trim because it easily tears away from around the stitching.
If mylar doesn't tear away cleanly, use tweezers and snips to trim any leftover pieces.
We love using clear vinyl for applique--especially when depicting glass objects like these darling bottles from Kimberbell Classic, Vol. 1: Star-Spangled Celebration.
When trimming vinyl, use long, smooth cuts to avoid creating sharp edges and use Duckbill or Double-Curve Applique Scissors (not snips)!
A seam ripper can also be used for trimming vinyl. Place the tip of the seam ripper (ball point down) next to the stitch line, then carefully glide the seam ripper around the stitch line while rotating the hoop!
I hope these tips are helpful as you Experience the Joy of Creativity® with applique!
For even more tips on a variety of machine embroidery and sewing topics, please click HERE to download the free Kimberbell Resource Guide.
Happy stitching (and appliqueing)! 😀