Applique , tricks and Tips.

Earl Smith · December 8th, 2011, 05:19 AM

Every time Ive tried Applique I get it wrong. Either the material walks, folds on itself or I sew off the edge.
Ive been recently inspired by the work of Graphic Disorder and others on here and would really like to learn this technique. Any tips, tricks or advice would be greatly appreciated.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Graphi...38282122879494

I am using Wilcoms Embroidery Studio software which has the Applique digitising built in.
Earl

drdoct · December 9th, 2011, 10:17 AM

I never use the built in applique on the outlines. Just copy and paste then change the last one to a nice wide satin stitch. Something I'm learning right now on appliques is to add more to the cover satin stitch. I had been doing them around 2mm but now am up to about 3.2 and will most likely move on up to 3.5mm width. The reason being that when doing a design on a t-shirt it moves too much and ends up not stitching enough of the fabric and once it's washed it comes loose which is death to the design. I really hate doing appliques but everyone seem to want them. I also use a denser stitch count on the satin stitch too.

inkman996 · December 9th, 2011, 10:50 AM

When doing applique i always do it manually. I never use the built in. I do not use a running stitch as a tack down, it causes the material to walk. I prefer a very low density satin stitch at nearly the same width as the cover stitch.

Also I try not to use to dense of a cover stitch because it can cause the twill to shred.

nametags · December 12th, 2011, 06:46 PM

Great advice,,,,I'm still trying to learn applique.

Screen Printer · December 12th, 2011, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nametags

Great advice,,,,I'm still trying to learn applique.

I just got some appliques made from Stahls.

It was a 2 color.

I ordered Kiss cut...meaning...the top layer is connected to the bottom layer with adhesive.

It comes with a sew file.

I hoop the garment.
It sews an outline stitch.
I remove the backing from the applique and adhere it to the garment.
Then place it on the machine and it sews out.

Easy...perfect every time.

I run it on my 6 head.

Earl Smith · December 13th, 2011, 04:42 AM

Thanks a million for your ideas and help. I know about Stahls but sadly Stahls Europe dont offer this service over here in Germany. Not for cutting the felt material which is what I want.
Let me ask another question: What material do you find is the best for applique? Felt, satin, cotton or the plastic/leather look material. How thick should it be. Should I stick it down before stitching?
As Christmas is here and we are super busy with xmas orders, I will try your ideas in the new year.
Thanks again
Earl

Robert Young · December 13th, 2011, 09:17 AM

I have found most material will work for applique, and I would suggest using a spray tack to adhere the piece to your product before sewing. I know the major suppliers of thread all have a version of spray adhesive made specifically for applique use... that hopefully will not gunk up your machine.
Sometimes for very large pcs of applique I will program in a few basting stitches throughout the area to hold the fabric in place. Long manual stitches that you can easily cut out after the sewing is off the machine. this really helps prevent fabric movement... which can occur even if you have sprayed the material down if you are sewing the tack down stitching all in one direction.. it definitely will move in that direction. So at the very least sew a little of the zig zag here then go to another part of the pc and sew more zig zag... works well on large pcs

drdoct · December 13th, 2011, 01:19 PM

I'm VERY interested in this Stahl's precut way. Unfortunately what I've got sold right now is the school tartan fabric on the applique so the only way to get it is to send it out to get it cut and get it back I guess. I could increase my productivity by 2fold doing it this way.

muxlowh · January 19th, 2012, 08:15 AM

I am interested in taking a class or 2 on applique? Michigan. Anyone know of class in my area?

Sulp · January 19th, 2012, 12:45 PM

Applique is really quite easy IF you prepare things correctly up front. Yes, your material must be adheared to the garment with spray-tak, a pressure sensitive backing, etc. A nice, low density tack-down stitch will tack the material nicely and not move around. Your satin finishing stitch should also not be too dense. .38 is plenty. Also, the width of that stich can be anything you want. If you are forced to make that stitch wider in order to cover properly something is not right. The actual sewing part of applique is the easy part. It's the prep work up front that's important.

I can help you out with any problems or questions you might have. So please let me know.