How To
Embellishing with Programmed Stitches
One of the easiest ways to embellish machine applique is with the programmed stitches that are on your sewing machine. They can add life-like texture to your applique.
Setup for stitching
- A contrasting or decorative thread will show off these decorative stitches.
- Make a sample and test various width and length combinations. The best stitch will depend on the size of the applique, the fabric, the thread and the decorative purpose of the stitching.
For rose: Use vari-overlock or blind-hem stitches on the edge of leaves that have a prickly texture.
For pear shaped leaf: Use a feather stitch on the edge of leaves that have a prickly texture.
Stitching Instructions
Each programmed stitch will correlate to one of the basic stitches used to apply applique.
Tulip: A scroll patterned stitch on the upper edge of a tulip petal gives a ruffled feathery look.
Sycramore leaf: Use programmed multi-zigzag stitch on the edge of leaves that have a prickly texture.
Round flower: Use programmed multi-zigzag stitch on the edge of leaves that have a prickly texture.
Programmed Stitches
Make a test sample of various stitches programmed on your machine. Mark the test with stitch number.
Satin Zigzag
The satin zigzag stitch is great for adding depth to a flower and to add a contrasting line to any applique.
Setup for stitching
Choose a thread that enhances the applique. For the rose, the thread is matching rayon which has a sheen and gives the rolled edge highlights.
Gradually increase the width of the satin zigzag as you approach the outside edge of each rose petal. Decrease the width as the stitching returns to the centre.
Stitching Instructions
Make a sample and test various stitch widths to achieve the look you want. Practice gradually changing the width of the stitch as you are stitching. The best stitch size will depend on the size of the appliquÈ, the fabric, the thread and the decorative purpose of the stitching.
Daisy: Satin zigzag with contrasting thread to help separate two fabrics, enhance the shape of the applique piece, or add a line of a different colour to embellish the applique.
Violet flower: Embellish the edge of a ruffled flower with programmed football-shaped satin zigzag stitches.
Burgundy rose: Satin zigzag the style and stigma in the center of this rose. These stamens are stitched with free-motion straight stitches.
Funky Flowers - layout and stitching ideas
Mix and match petals and leaves to make funky flowers. Use the pictures below for placement and stitching ideas or make your own whimsical shapes and embellish them using different combinations of stitches.
Block 1 Stitch around the leaves and centre with a programmed point satin stitch.
Fine zigzag stitch around the flower petals and stem.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves and petals.
Block 2
Fine zigzag stitch around the centre star and stem.
Free-motion straight stitch the edges of the petals changing to free-motion circles.
Free-motion straight stitch the leave edges and an echo line about 6 mm (1⁄4”) inside the edge.
Block 3
Fine zigzag stitch around the inner flower and stem.
Using a contrasting color of rayon thread, satin zigzag stitch around the outer scallop flower.
Stitch around the flower centre with a programmed pointed satin stitch and around the leaves with a programmed feather stitch.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves and petals.
Block 4
Straight stitch concentric triangles on the leaves.
Fine zigzag stitch around the flower petals and stem.
Using a contrasting color of rayon thread, satin zigzag stitch around the two oval flower centres.
Block 5
Fine zigzag stitch around the heart petals and stem.
Stitch around the larger centre circle with a programmed pointed satin stitch.
Satin zigzag stitch around the small flower centre.
Stitch around the leaves with a blanket stitch.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves.
Corner Block 1
Stitch around the centre oval with a programmed pointed satin stitch.
Fine zigzag stitch around the heart petals and leaves.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves echoing the edge.
Free-motion straight stitch the edges of the petals changing to free-motion circles at the top.
Corner Block 2
Stitch around the centre with a programmed pointed satin stitch.
Fine zigzag stitch around the flower petals.
Free-motion straight stitch the petals.
Stitch the leaves with a blind-hem stitch.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves.
Corner Block 3
Fine zigzag stitch around the leaves and satin zigzag stitch around scallop centre.
Stitch the petals with a combination of satin zigzag stitches and a programmed pointed satin stitch.
Free-motion straight stitch the veins in the leaves and the flower centre.
Corner Block 4
Fine zigzag stitch around the flower scallop and leaves and the leaf veins.
Using a contrasting thread, stitch around the larger circle centre with a programmed double feather stitch.
Satin zigzag stitch around the small circle centre.
Further Information
These techniques, layouts and ideas have been reproduced from Applique - The Basics and Beyond by Jane Pittman which is published by Landauer and available through the Roundhouse Group on tel: 01273 704962. Applique fans will love this title as it provides a comprehensive guide to different methods along with some great ideas for embellishment. Written with quilters in mind, it includes scale-able templates for seven projects for beginners to advanced level and from small lap quilts to large wall hangings. This super title is presented in a hardback, spiral bound format and priced at £14.95.
