Some Notes on Appliqué
Appliqué is easy to do with most modern embroidery machines these days. The method I use is simple. The piece within the design that will be appliquéd, is outlined first with running stitch. The running stitch is digitized usually in red. This does not mean that you have to re-thread your machine with red thread, rather it is digitized as a colour stop, just to make the sewing machine stop, so that you can position your fabric. The correct colour to use will usually be the colour after the red stop.
Always make sure that your fabric covers the outline shape completely. Start the machine again to stitch another line of running stitches. This will secure the fabric. The machine will automatically stop again so that the fabric can be trimmed. Trim close to the stitching for best results.
The next lines of stitching will be the over locking stitches, followed by the the final satin border. In my designs, some areas of some pieces will not have the satin border. These will be sections that are covered by other appliquéd pieces. I have deliberately digitized them this way to minimize bulk areas, and hence broken needles.
Appliqué can be quite stitch intensive, and this is why I recommend you use a red-tipped needle (#14) when embroidering these designs.
Remember, the colours that I have chosen to digitize the designs in, are only a suggestion. Experiment with different shades and combinations - and remember, fabric choice in appliqué can enhance your project. For example, when you are choosing a green fabric for some leaves, try and get one that has leaf shapes pattern onto it. This way you can position the fabric to give the effects of leaf veins. Think of different prints and patterns in relation to texture, and see how they will work with your creation!
