Question re Applique on Chicklets

[NJMo]

Uh, hate to admit this, but I have never tried applique with an embroidery project. It has always intimidated me and I skip over any project that has applique as part of the embroidery project. I really really want to do a Chicklet, but the instructions say the sign is appliqued. I don't know how to do that. Help, advice, guidance, etc.??????

[artsiegirl]

Oh NJMo, don't let it intimidate you.:eek: It's much easier than it seems! When you are stitching, the design will stitch a running stitch around the outline of where the applique fabric should be placed. After it stops, you place your applique fabric (which is slightly larger than the outlined area) on top of the outline and lower your presser foot. The next section will usually use another running stitch or a zig-zag outline over your applique fabric. You can then trim it very close to that stitching with small scissors. Lastly, the design will satin stitch over the edges of the applique. It sounds much more difficult than it really is. Good luck and let us know if you try it!

PS-there are many online tutorials for machine applique, so you could always look at those for guidance...especially as I am horrible at telling how to do something rather than showing! :p

[anpola]

Once you do an applique, you'll be a pro. It really isn't difficult, but yes, it does sound intimidating. Do a practice run on the applique part of the design. You'll love the new world of ideas that will open up with the applique technique.

[just_teachin]

Artsiegirl gave a very clear description of what to do. And anpola suggested something good, too: try it on a scrap piece of fabric first.

It's truly not as hard as it appears to be.... and oh, is it fun to applique!!!

[Jami Johnson]

They hit it right on the nose with their instructions...that's exactly how to do it!!

[fun2sew]

I thought Jami did post the instructions on the board somewhere.

[StitchinGrandma]

I thought Jami did post the instructions on the board somewhere.
I know she did too but I cannot locate those. I thought they were under the Inspirations or possibly the "tips" but I don't see anything there either.

[artsiegirl]

I could have sworn they were under the tips section, but I couldn't find them when I was trying to explain it. Are we all losing our minds?

[just_teachin]

I thought Jami did post the instructions on the board somewhere.

Yes, I remember seeing those some time ago, too, but sometimes it's hard to find things... and there's nothing ever wrong with asking a question! I'd hate to have people think they can't ask questions here for fear they might have been asked before. We're here to help each other out! ;)

[StitchinGrandma]

I found it http://www.embroidables.com/forums/showthread.php?t=418 and I have now stuck that so it will always be at the top of that forum.

It's under Sewing and Embroidery (questions and answers)

[Sewfaithfully]

Absolutely well said , just teachin. That is one thing I love about this site is the wilingness to help.

Yes, NJMo, it really isn't as difficult as it appears. I was afraid to do an applique the first time, too. But, hey, now it's breeze!

[Emily W.]

Very well put, ladies! Appliques scared the heck out of me, too. But I've just completed a few projects without too much damage.

I did experience a problem w/ my Brother 270-D embroidery machine 1/2 way through my applique. The thread kept breaking & I had to keep rethreading my machine & restarting the project. I finally changed thread (same color/different manufacturer) and along the way at some point the little "thingy" that comes down to automatically thread the needle broke. It's still in place, but when I put my thread cartridge in & push down for it to automatically thread, the little thingy doesn't come down to pull the thread through the needle. I had to manually thread it each time this happened or a color change. Does this make any sense to anyone?
Has this happened to anyone, or is this just my luck? I really don't have the $ to get it serviced right now. If I have to I'll keep trying to fiddle with it and do it manually, but that's going to be a major quagmyer! HELP!!!:confused:

[StitchinGrandma]

I don't have that machine but I think if it were me, I'd buy one of those little needle threader things they've made for years in hand sewing. Hopefully you know what I'm talking about. You could stick that little tiny wire through the hole and put the thread in there and pull through the needle fairly quickly I'd think. Yea, not as nice as auto, but better than admitting you're blind. LOL

[Emily W.]

True. I sound spoiled don't I? My regular sewing machine doesn't have automatic threading & it's no problem, but the way this machine threads is weird I guess, it has to attempt to thread it and I have to risk a digit to pull the thread down at the same time....way to much coordination and patience involved.

[StitchinGrandma]

True. I sound spoiled don't I? My regular sewing machine doesn't have automatic threading & it's no problem, but the way this machine threads is weird I guess, it has to attempt to thread it and I have to risk a digit to pull the thread down at the same time....way to much coordination and patience involved.
:rofl: Well, I guess if something's going to break, that would be the one thing I'd hope for since it means you can still embroider. ;)