Question about Appliques

Embroidery Queen

What is the most effective way to applique on an embroidery machine?

aardvark7

Successful applique depends upon a number of factors, but mainly the nature of the design and the quality of the digitizing, together with the type of fabric used.

Many years ago it was more a time saver, because embroidery machines ran slower than 300 stitches per minute, so covering large areas was very time consuming, but these days, with speeds in excess of 1000 spm, it is principally done for an effect that can't be achieved any other way.

Of course, for limited numbers the old way (sew a guide line, place the fabric, sew the fabric down, trim, sew down the raw edges) is perfectly reasonable if the design is simple enough. However, for more complex shapes, the best way is to have the applique pre-cut using a stabilised fabric. Then, after the guide line is sewn, use spray adhesive to stick the applique into place for sewing.

There are no hard and fast rules, though, as there is an almost infinite number of combinations of top and bottom fabrics. Only trial runs, and common sense regarding fraying and relative washing performance (you don't want your applique to shrink more than your garment!), will show the best way.

AJST

There are two main methods for making applique'. There is Pre-Cut Applique' and Cut-In-Place method for making applique'.

Here is one technique I use to make Cut-In-Place Applique'.

http://www.ajstitch.com/index.php?op...=28&Itemid=242

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aardvark7

That's certainly the standard method, although a relatively simple design.

The main difficulties are usually when this is smaller and/or more complex, limiting the width of the satin border, leading to a need for greater accuracy and care in cutting, together with the danger of fraying.

Also, I'd advise a great deal of care when removing frames from the pantograph, or running a machine with the table dropped, when doing applique work. Please let the digitizer know how you wish to work as the design would normally incorporate a 'move', where the pantograph will travel a long way towards you and stop, to allow easier access to the garment for cutting.