Oh dear going to need LOTS of practice

[Julie Tweed]

Tried appilque today..and while it isn't horrible..it needs LOT of work.

I put fusible stuff on the back cut out my pieces (no pattern since it was practice) stuck em down and started with satin stitch. I messed around with the stitch on a regular scrap till I thought I was happy with it.

Then got to work..need to know:

1. How to go around corners
2. When doing flowers (or anything really) how do you get around all the parts that over lap. Like on the flower each petal meets the center..but then what? Do you start and stop doing each petal then go round the middle or do you plan your route so you start and stop the fewest times possible..

3. How to go smoothly around curves...when going round the petals my needle was in the right position but when I got to the other side I had to move the sample round and fiddle with it to get the needle going over the right parts instead of the background.

I have a janome XL601...can someone tell me what the stitch symbols are that are good for applique?

Here are some pics front and back..(tried to put them here but it won't allow so pls forgive the links)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ewing/app4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ewing/app3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ewing/app2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...ewing/app1.jpg

Plus if there are any really good videos please link...I'm not good with written directions..
Cheers

[Tamara J Liddell]

I like the way the front looks, the flower center could have been more circular, but overall it looks great.

The back of it looks good to. Just remember no one is going to see the back of it.. ;-)

I have been hand appliqueing for my son in laws quilt. I didn't like the way it turned out, but going with it. and see what he has to say about it when I get it done.

[rebeccas-sewing]

I haven't tried this method. Hopefully, someone can give their input. Have you checked out any tutorials? I'm wondering if u-tube might have some good videos to help you.

[Jean Sewing Machine]

Do you have a blanket stitch on your machine? I've seen a lot of applique done with that, and it ends up lighter than a satin stitch. I think you can go around curves a little bit easier.

One of my friends has done those little 12" candle mats, plus monthly "flags" for her house using that stitch and they turned out so cute. She is just a beginner sewist, and always amazes me when she shows me what she creates!

I have several Janome machines, and they all have that stitch, but I don't have your model.

[Julie Tweed]

I am sure my machine has it...but not sure which symbol it is..lol...I've just been piecing since I got my machine so not to sure what the other stitches can be used to make..

[Sewbee]

Hi Julie! You are right that applique takes practice, but it is a great technique and one that has so many different looks and neat details to add to your quilts! Don't give up! I have been appliqueing for about 6 months and still have lots to learn but i LOVE it!

1. How to go around corners
2. When doing flowers (or anything really) how do you get around all the parts that over lap. Like on the flower each petal meets the center..but then what? Do you start and stop doing each petal then go round the middle or do you plan your route so you start and stop the fewest times possible..
3. How to go smoothly around curves...when going round the petals my needle was in the right position but when I got to the other side I had to move the sample round and fiddle with it to get the needle going over the right parts instead of the background.

can someone tell me what the stitch symbols are that are good for applique?

Ok..lets talk types of stitches for applique first. The standard machine stitches used for raw edge applique (applique shape is not turned under at the edges) are Blanket Stitch, ZigZag and Satin Stitch. However, you can also use all kinds of neat decorative stitches if you like for added texture and variety. When it comes to turned under applique (all raw edges turned under first) I am no expert because that usually involves hand stitching which I don't do. But generally I believe blind stitching or slip stitch is used when doing turned under edge applique.

Going around corners, especially sharp points takes practice but also requires that you adjust your stitch width as you approach sharp points.
1. You start with a stitch width and length that you prefer for the main applique, but as you approach a point or narrow section of the applique you will need to gradually reduce your stitch width until the stitch is narrowest right at the point.
2. Keep your needle down in the fabric at the point, lift your presser foot and turn the fabric so you can start heading the other direction.
3. As you start sewing down the other side of the point, begin to gradually increase your stitch width back up to the main setting again.

**Keep in mind that you also need to be aware of your needle position in the fabric and know the stitch pattern well enough to know whether the needle is going to go left or right in the next stitch. Stop your needle at the top of a point when it has just gone right into the background fabric. Then turn your fabric so that as you start down the other side the next stitch will go left into the applique shape.

Here are some photo examples of applique stitch patterns in projects I have done. (Click on the photos to get a larger view)
1. The first is a Blanket stitch which I kept fairly wide width and long stitch length because it went along with the spidery Halloween fabric.
2. The second is a ZigZag stitch that I used to go around the flower petals and you may be able to see how my stitch width got narrower as I came to the point tip and then wider again as I came down the other side.
3. The third photo shows using satin stitch on the flower petals. I prefer satin stitch when the applique shape has nice rounded edges. (Satin stitch is more difficult for sharp points) For this particular flower I chose to stop my satin stitch at the center circle and stitch back up the side of the next petal. I then used a decorative stitch to sew around the circle center of the flower.
4. The third photo also shows how I used decorative stitches to hold down all the appliqued stems, vines, leaves and grass. You can choose all kinds of stitches, pick your thread colors and set the stitch width and length you think looks best.

ALWAYS, practice first on a sample piece that uses fabric and shapes similar to your main project. Keep a notepad and write down the specific stitch number on your sewing machine that you want to use. Write down the stitch width and length setting you think looks best and any notes to remind you of how you did it on the practice piece.

There are lots of good videos on YouTube showing how to machine applique in detail. I will try to find some links for you. Keep practicing....your first attempt looks very good to me!

Here are some video links on machine applique stitches and technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDv4q...eature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xe0fJ...eature=channel
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FrjocHURIhI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQ_Ce...oAa87byEXBklmk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlPECmbwSOc

[quiltingtrish]

I think it looks great for your first try!!
Linda sure has some great advice. It does take lots of practice. I don't do much of the machine applique cause I am so much better with the turned under hand applique - and even that's not perfect. Heck I was trying to do this teeny circle on one of my flowers and decided to use a button instead! By the time I am done with this quilt, there will be lots of flowers which means lots of buttons!
Good luck and keep practicing. I can't wait to see more of what you are doing.

Hugs,

[Loonwatcher]

Julie, I can't believe that's a first try. Looks great. I've only done it once and so was very interested in your questions because i had the same ones.

Thanks Linda, lots of great advise and links. BTW, I recognized your picture #3 as your Iron Quilter winner - Congrats on that and very well deserved.

[GrammaBabs]

just go to my standby.. Youtube.. type in how to machine applique.. i'm guessing there will be a lot!!! of video..good luck.

Duh..........how did i miss the links SewBee already sent to you... she's a wonder... already helped me today !!!

[mrsg730]

Julie at least you tried I've been wanting to try some applique and have been so intimidated and afraid of not being able to do it that I wouldn't even try. You've inspired me to go for it! I can only hope my first try comes out half as nice as yours.

Linda yours are beautiful