The quality of applique work done by the embroidery machine is a hundred times better than that done by hand. However, there are several technicalities when doing applique pattern embroidery using a modern embroidery machine. Besides, If you have never used an embroidery machine for applique embroidery, it’s necessary for you to understand the complete working first. Therefore, a lot of people ask “how to do applique with an embroidery machine?”
To create appliqué with an embroidery machine, start by selecting a design and hooping stabilizer tightly. Place the fabric and start stitching the outline. Stop before embroidery completion and trim excess fabric. Now, let the machine finish the design and secure the appliqué. Lastly, remove excess stabilizer.
Applique embroidery also includes stabilizer selection and alot of other things. Therefore, if you need to do your applique embroidery neatly, keep reading.
Things that you need for applique work on the embroidery machine:
For applique digitizing work, it is important to first practice satin stitching on a piece of cloth. After that, design the pattern to upload on a machine or simply purchase embroidery designs available in the market. Besides applique design and machine the other important stuff that is required includes
- Cloth as the background fabric
- Fabric for applique work.
- Scissors
- Stabilizer
- Stabilizers spray
- Hoop
The stabilizer is used beneath the background fabric to give support. It also prevents distortion and puckering of cloth. Stabilizers are necessary for satin stitching. But in the case of extremely heavy background fabric, there is no need for a stabilizer.
An embroidery hoop is a rectangular ring and is made of a solid material to hold the fabric. It secures the fabric tightly on a fixed stitch to prevent puckering.
The adhesive spray is used in place of sewing pins. It joins pieces of fabric together.
How to Applique on an Embroidery Machine?
Applique work is done by layering different colored pieces of fabric, that’s why ironing those pieces is important. Also, iron the background fabric and attach a stabilizer to it.
Fix it in the hoop tightly but make sure it’s in the right place. For example in case of a center applique work then the applique should be in the center once it’s complete.
For applique work use single-color background fabric whereas different colors and size pieces can be used for embroidery work. Using different colors in contrast to the background fabric will make applique embroidery fun.
Process Of Machine Embroidery Applique:
Applique work on embroidery machines seems to be a daunting task for beginners. Working with an embroidery machine is more complex than working by hand.
But don’t worry we will give you clear instructions on how to make this task easier.
Step 1:
Choose background fabric that should be in contact with your applique fabric and Iron the fabric. Attach a stabilizer to it to secure the fabric. It is better to use an adhesive spray to attach the stabilizer with the fabric.
Step 2:
Upload the pattern into the embroidery machine. You must have a perfectly digitized design to get beautiful results. And if you don’t know about embroidery digitizing, The apparel solutions can do it for you.
If the pattern doesn’t have a placement stitch then use cutting stitch for both, for placement and cutting. Secure the background fabric in the hoop and place it in the machine. Make sure the applique fabric and thread are in contrast to the background fabric.
Step 3:
The processing will be done in three basic stitches:
- Placement stitch
- Cutting stitch
- Satin stitch
Apply placement stitch on the hooped fabric. Once it is applied remove the hoop from the machine.
Step4:
Place applique fabric over the placement stitch. But before that, turn the fabric right side down and apply tear-away adhesive on the back. Applique fabric will be smaller than the background fabric but it should be large enough to cover all the placement stitches easily.
Once the applique fabric is placed, place the hoop back in the machine. After that, apply a cutting stitch to cut off the excess fabric. Remove the hoop for cutting, while cutting stay closer to the cutting stitch for neatness but carefully so might not cut the stitching accidentally.
Step5:
Finally, apply satin stitch over the cutting stitch so that the embroidery work can pop up and can be seen clearly. Cut off the excess or loose thread and decorate the applique with colorful beads.
Step 6 :
Stitching a complex applique would take a little bit more effort. Therefore, repeat the entire process on every single piece according to the uploaded design. For example, In the case of embroidering a bird’s body, stitch its feathers, beak, and legs by repeating the same process on each piece. For which you have to repeat the same process on each piece.
Use different colors of fabric and thread for feathers, legs, and beaks in contrast to his body. Place the hoop back in the machine, stitch the rest of the pieces and cut off the excessive fabric after stitching with a curved scissor.
Step 7:
Once the applique is complete remove the hoop from the machine and cut off excess threads.
Open the hoop and remove the cloth from it, now remove the stabilizer from the back of the Fabric Just remove the excess outside The apparel solution applique.
Conclusion:
The same colors will blend together and will be boring. While contrast colors are eye-catching and exciting. If you use contrast colors your work will pop up more brightly. Besides, make sure that you trim the edges neatly and carefully. Insert a perfectly Digitized design for better results.