Appliqué for Beginners: Save Stitch Count and Add Texture

The Three-Step Process

Appliqué might look complex, but every machine follows the same logic.

1. Placement Stitch

The machine stitches a simple outline on the stabilizer/base fabric. This tells you exactly where to put your appliqué fabric.

2. Tack Down Stitch

You place your fabric over the outline. The machine runs a stitch again to "tack" the fabric in place. The machine then STOPS. You remove the hoop (do not un-hoop the garment!) and trim the excess fabric close to the stitching line.

3. Satin Finish

You put the hoop back in. The machine runs a thick satin column over the raw edges, sealing the fabric and finishing the design.