Satin Stitch Applique Tutorial in downloads

[Krista]

Here is how I do the satin stitch applique.

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/supplies.jpg
What you will need:
-Fabrics of your choice
-Heat N Bond lite
-pencil
-scissors
-stabilizer
-iron
-and sewing machine, of course :)

First take the piece of fabric you'd like to make the applique out of and iron the Heat n Bond Lite onto the back. I usually lay my piece out and cut around it, then turn it over and iron it on.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7083095.jpg

Cut out the shapes you want to applique. In this case I am doing 3 pieces (2 for the front of a shirt and one for the back) Here the pencil comes in handy to draw an exact shape on the paper backing, and you can also trace something on the paper part before ironing it to the fabric too...just remember the shape will be reversed when you put it on your item.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7083099.jpg
Tip: don't cut out the exact shapes until after you iron on the Heat N Bond Lite, it makes it so much easier to cut it out afterwards and not have to line up exact shapes.

Peel off the paper backing and position it to where you like it. Then iron them on.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7083103.jpg
Tip: When you have one overlapping the other, sometimes it's good to cut away the excess so that only the edge overlaps. This is great for when you use lighter fabrics and can see through them and also keeps it so it's not so bulky.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7083102.jpg

Next I cut a piece of stabilizer and place it under all of the fabrics (I use a tearaway kind) Pin around the edges to hold it in place.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093106.jpg

Now it's time to sew!
The satin stitch is just the zigzag stitch. You can make it as wide and as long a stitch as you like. (for these I used a stitch width of 2.5 and length of almost 0, I like mine tight together) I know all machines are not the same so play on a scrap and see what you like. I start on the outside edge and put my needle right next to the edge of the applique.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093109.jpg

When I stitch on a curve, I go a couple of stitches and, with my needle in the fabric, I lift my presser foot and slightly turn the fabric, then repeat. Tip:for an outside cuve (like I'm doing) stop your needle on the outside when turning...for an inside curve, stop your needle on the inside.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093114.jpg
Tip: for straight square type stitches-when you get to a corner you want to go a couple of stitches past the edge and then turn. (sorry the pic is kinda hard to see)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093117.jpg
Tip:when working with more than one piece, I always start stitching the one that is underneath if possible. That makes it so the edges get covered by the last one you stitch.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093119.jpg

And last I take the pins out and tear away the paper stabilizer.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093120.jpg

All done!
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093116.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093123.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093121.jpg http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093122.jpg

[Krista]

Here are some things I've done using this technique...
All the "ladybug" dots are appliqued on
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/PA221484.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/KristaTTB/P2142168.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/KristaTTB/boysheartclose-up.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/KristaTTB/moonstars-thumbnail.jpg
http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g134/KristaTTB/Initialteedetail.jpg

[fabricbabe]

Very timely! I was just asking about appliques in a thread yesterday. I will have my laptop with your tutorial right by my sewing machine while I attempt my first one tomorrow. Thanks so much for taking the time to share this! Very clear photos and instructions.

[littlewillow]

Wonderful tutorial mama. I love to see these and you did a FABULOUS job!!!!!!!!!!
Now I feel the need to applique, lol.:yes:

[Lujain]

Thank you.
I am a detail oreinted.
And you are very specific.
Thank you again!

[MamaShea]

Very cool Tut Krista
Thank you for doing it

and Mamas I have the fairy set and let me tell you the applique is PERFECT!!

[Mommatothebear]

Great Tut! Your PM's are full, but I PM'd you to let you know i was going to put this in PDF format for you!

[kas]

Awesome tutorial. Thanks so much for sharing!

[chelle]

Thanks Krista--that tutorial is awesome! :heart:

[tavsmummy]

Thank you so much for posting this! I attempted several appliques this past week and they look "okay", but now I see I did several things wrong.

I love that letter A -- so pretty.

Also, I thought that the Heat and Bond says to NOT use w/a sewing machine? Can you use a machine? I was afraid to try.

Tanya

[Lmata]

Thank you for the tutorial.

These are great instructions. Very easy to understand!

[Kimmyboo]

Thanks for sharing the tutorial! It helps alot!!! :)

[jacquirocks]

Thank you.

[sabrinat]

2 thumbs way up for an awesome tutorial.

[Krista]

Thank you so much for posting this! I attempted several appliques this past week and they look "okay", but now I see I did several things wrong.

I love that letter A -- so pretty.

Also, I thought that the Heat and Bond says to NOT use w/a sewing machine? Can you use a machine? I was afraid to try.

Tanya

You need the Heat N Bond Lite (or any other type that says ok for machine applique). The regular won't work. It gums up your needle (trust me, I know! :o )

[deweysred]

this is how I do it minus the paper stabalizer, great tut

[Domni]

Krista..
the only thing that would improve this tut is if you told me how to make one of those adorable fairy appliques!!

[victoria]

Great info, thanks!

Question--so when you wash it, do the stitches ripple or anything? Because I've done this a couple times and after laundering, it gets a little... less pretty (I mean appliques on knits primarily, with wovens I don't have this problem). The first time I think I didn't use stabilizer, and it was pretty bad. And I've done it with tearaway stabilizer and still had rippling after laundering the item. I guess I'm wondering if this is common or if there's something I'm missing.

I do want to try appliqueing with a stabilizer that is left on and see if that helps....

[Krista]

Great info, thanks!

Question--so when you wash it, do the stitches ripple or anything? Because I've done this a couple times and after laundering, it gets a little... less pretty (I mean appliques on knits primarily, with wovens I don't have this problem). The first time I think I didn't use stabilizer, and it was pretty bad. And I've done it with tearaway stabilizer and still had rippling after laundering the item. I guess I'm wondering if this is common or if there's something I'm missing.

I do want to try appliqueing with a stabilizer that is left on and see if that helps....
I used to get rippling when I first started and I wasn't using the stabilizer. And after washing I iron it if it's like that.
Although I just started using the mesh fusible stuff (don't know it's exact name) after I'm all done. I got it a Joann's and it looks like the same stuff you see on the back of applique's on RTW clothing.

[Lujain]

Unfortunatly I cannot get HeatnBond Lite.
But I got a question,

So the main purpose in applique,
is to interface the applique and fuse it temporary to the garment (until washed)
or fuse everthing permenantly, interfaced applique permenantly fused to garment?

TIA!

[meliatx]

Thank you so much. I never knew what fusible they were talking about. I have a pattern that I got off "youcanmakethis.com" but I still could not figure it out. I tihnk you are going to see a ton of applique outfits all thanks to your hard work.

[caitlinsmom]

Thank you so much Krista. This is great.

[Carolyn75]

thank you! Great tutorial!

[fournavybrats]

awesome

[Krista]

Unfortunatly I cannot get HeatnBond Lite.
But I got a question,

So the main purpose in applique,
is to interface the applique and fuse it temporary to the garment (until washed)
or fuse everthing permenantly, interfaced applique permenantly fused to garment?

TIA!I think this is a personal preferance(sp?). When I do it this way I don't want any "bubbles" so I fuse it permanently. And I don't interface it either.
I know applique can be a lot different in quilting though.
Did that answer your question? :cheerful:

If you'd like to try a piece of Heat N Bond Lite I would be willing to send you a piece :)

[EarthMaiden]

Thank you so much for posting this. I really needed this.

love and blessings
angie

[teathymes]

what a wonderful tutorial, thank you for posting it!

One question for anyone, do you combine fabrics or does it cause problems, knits with wovens and vice versa. I want to make a knit tee with an applique of the woven pants fabric, will I run into problems?

[Krista]

what a wonderful tutorial, thank you for posting it!

One question for anyone, do you combine fabrics or does it cause problems, knits with wovens and vice versa. I want to make a knit tee with an applique of the woven pants fabric, will I run into problems?Thank you :)
That will work...that is what I used in the example. The shirt I made out of knit and the appliques are woven fabrics :)

[2diamonds&a~gem]

Ohhh this was awesome! TFS

[Lujain]

I think this is a personal preferance(sp?). When I do it this way I don't want any "bubbles" so I fuse it permanently. And I don't interface it either.
I know applique can be a lot different in quilting though.
Did that answer your question? :cheerful:

If you'd like to try a piece of Heat N Bond Lite I would be willing to send you a piece :)


Thats very generous of you ^_^

What i meant that does heat n bond fuses permenantly on both sides??

Just days ago I made my first applique, and i just fused the woven applique and then just pinned it to the knit fabric along with paper for stabilizer.
Just gonna see how the outcome would be after the wash. If good there are a lot of things I would do!

[Sabrina Z]

Hi! Is there a way to save your tut for future reference? I've been wanting to try applique and your instructions look great - and most importantly - EASY! LOL

[LadySnow]

Thank you so much for posting this.. That's awesome. Thank you.

[Krista]

Thats very generous of you ^_^

What i meant that does heat n bond fuses permenantly on both sides??

Just days ago I made my first applique, and i just fused the woven applique and then just pinned it to the knit fabric along with paper for stabilizer.
Just gonna see how the outcome would be after the wash. If good there are a lot of things I would do!Yes, it fuses to the applique piece, then you take the paper backing off and it will fuse to the fabric you are attaching it to. I'd be more than willing to send you a piece to see if it will work for you. PM me your addy.


Hi! Is there a way to save your tut for future reference? I've been wanting to try applique and your instructions look great - and most importantly - EASY! LOL
It'll be in the download section once it's been approved :) I'm so glad it'll help you!

[phart]

OK. I'm new to this applique stuff and this board so be gentle:) I recently tried this with some stitch 'n tear interfacing and I can easily tear it away from the back of the applique too...is it supposed to stay on? It is, right? Any ideas why it isn't staying on? It's as if the stitching tore through it rather than stitching it in place. It seems a bit thick, I got it at Hobby Lobby.

Any suggestions? I didn't use the heat n' bond so that could give me an excuse to go to JA's if needed:)

Thanks!

[Krista]

The heat n bond lite will fuse it to whatever you are stitching it to and then the satin stitch is finishing the edges. I use tear away stabilizer on the back to hold it in place while doing the satin stitch...then tear it away.
Does that help?

[phart]

I think...so you tear all of it off the back of the applique? None is left?

I'm envisioning a RTW shirt where there's still something left on the back/inside of the shirt. You don't do this?

And the heat n bond keeps bubbles away? I believe I need to go get some:)

[Krista]

Yup, I tear it all off...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/applique%20how%20to/P7093120-1.jpg
That is right after it's done, and I take it all off next.
I have yet to get any bubbles with the heat n bond lite...just follow the directions :)
BTW make sure you get the Heat N Bond LITE. It'll say right on it that it's ok for machine applique. Actually you could probably use a different one that's ok for machine applique, but this is the only thing I've ever used.

[phart]

Great! Thanks so much for your help:)

[Peppermint]

Any special needles needed so you don't get holes on the knit fabric when using woven appliques?

[Krista]

Any special needles needed so you don't get holes on the knit fabric when using woven appliques?
You can use and embroidery needle but I don't always do that and I have never had any problems. I've done lots on RTW shirts before I started sewing with knits and none of them have gotten holes around the applique.

[KarenK]

Heeey, were you in my head? How did you know that I needed this tutorial for a gift I am planning to make?!

Good timing. Thanks a bunch!

[egassner]

Just what I was looking for! Do you have any pics handy of what the stablizer looks like after? I'm always courious about what it's suppose to look like.
TIA

[Krista]

Just what I was looking for! Do you have any pics handy of what the stablizer looks like after? I'm always courious about what it's suppose to look like.
TIAI use the tear away stabilizer. When I'm done stitching it looks like this on the back...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/alldonestitching.jpg

...then I tear away the stabilizer. I don't have a pic of what it looks like on the back, but I have a pic of the pieces torn off :)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/Tearawaystabilizerof f.jpg

HTH

[mccloskeyjl]

What a great tutorial. Thanks for taking the time.

[egassner]

I use the tear away stabilizer. When I'm done stitching it looks like this on the back...
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/alldonestitching.jpg

...then I tear away the stabilizer. I don't have a pic of what it looks like on the back, but I have a pic of the pieces torn off :)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y23/Krista08/Tearawaystabilizerof f.jpg

HTH

Ok, the torn off piece....got it! Thanks Mama!

[patpourri]

Wow! I just tried this and it came out beautiful. Thank you sooo much for sharing this!!

[christine_sews]

Wow. I wish I had noticed this tutorial a couple of weeks ago. My puppet might have been prettier. :)

[shellyhouse]

very cool!

[Krista]

Wow! I just tried this and it came out beautiful. Thank you sooo much for sharing this!!
I'm so glad it helped!

[newuanda]

working on my first appliques today - excited that I saw this as it's given me some instruction

[sms2178]

Ooooh i have been wondering about this!!!

Thanks so much- VERY straightforward (which is just what I need!!!!)

[Island~mom]

thank you!

[Rockabyeretro]

fab tut!

[ayesha]

awesome thank you thank you!!i feel confident to do appliquee now

[Island~mom]

I have to say: Great tutorial!! Thank you ~Krista!!

[maxwell1200]

I can't wait to go home and try this!

[Krista]

You're welcome! So glad I could help!!

[idefix]

I use Wonderunder to adhere the applique. Great tut.

[twolilacs]

Thanks Krista! I was looking for confirmation if I was doing it right. Pinning the stabilizer underneath was obvious enough, but I floated it last time and that was frustrating. Not sure why I didn't think to pin it.... LOL

[Mamaluv321]

Hmm, so you use stabilizer and a heat n bond, interesting. I just use a heat n bond (Joanns variety) but I never use stabilizer on the backside of the fabric. Then again I don't generally do apps on knits, mainly wovens or cords.

[Krista]

Hmm, so you use stabilizer and a heat n bond, interesting. I just use a heat n bond (Joanns variety) but I never use stabilizer on the backside of the fabric. Then again I don't generally do apps on knits, mainly wovens or cords.
I use it for both woven and knits. I do with wovens too because I don't like when it gets wavy. Especially along the bias of the fabric. :cheerful:

[bea3]

thanks for the stabilizer tip- explains alot about why things have gone wrong in the past.

[yellowisalwaysnice]

Brilliant! I'll try it today. Many thanks!