Apparel Applique Tips for Best Results

Quick Tips

• Cleaning: Always ensure that your applique machine is clean and in working order. Install a new size of needle for crisp embroidery in your machine. New sizes include 60/8, 70/10, 80/12, or 75/11.


• Cotton Embroidery: Wind a bobbin using high-quality cotton embroidery thread or bobbin thread. Your choice may vary depending on the machine you are using.


• Needle: Thread your needle with either matching or complementary embroidery thread.


• Settings: Set your applique machine for a clean zigzag stitch with a width of either 1.5mm or 1/8 inches wide. If it is convenient, set your machine position to needle down and set the motor at half speed to give more fluidity into your applique printing.


• Stabilizer: The ultimate secret to quality applique printing is through the usage of a stabilizer. Place the stabilizer underneath the foundation fabric before you start appliqueing. Stabilizers are used to support and remove pulling and wrinkles on fabric to give more consistency. Before you begin using stabilizers, try experimenting with a couple of types to find out which is the most appropriate for your project.


• Pivoting: Since pivoting around the corners, curves, and points takes a lot of practice, the position of your needle is important when pivoting the fabric to round a curve, turn a corner or point. By using a few guidelines, you will be able to pivot efficiently and effectively.


• Turning Corners: For turning around the corners more accurately, stop the needle on the lower part of the fabric on the right-hand with the swing of the needle. For effectively turning around the corners, uplift the pressure foot and rotate the fabric. Lower the pressure foot again and start stitching to the next edge.


• Pivoting Inside Curves: For pivoting inside the curves, stop your needle on the first point with the needle on the lower part of the fabric. One the left-hand swing of the needle, lift the pressure foot and pivot the fabric and start stitching to the next pivot point.


• Pivoting Outside Curves: For pivoting outside the curves, stop the needle on the first pivot point and with the needle down in the fabric, uplift the pressure foot, and start pivoting the fabric moderately to the next pivot point.


• Even Stitching:To preserve evenness between the stitches, frequently pivot on a gentle curve than a sharp one.


• Practice More: For quality applique stitching and printing, practice more often
• Stitching Appliques: When stitching appliques, begin stitching on the pieces underneath and work your way up to the other fabrics.


• Write Down The Settings: In a case of satin stitching, the best practice is to write down your settings for quality stitching.


• Needle Thread: One side of the needle has a more prominent opening than the other side. If you are finding it hard to thread a needle, turn the needle around and thread it from the other side.