presents...

Innovative
Appliqué + Tutorial
Projects

3 4
 Innovative
Appliqué + Tutorial
Projects
Appliqué designs are a fun and creative embellishment, and we’ve included three
inspiring appliqué projects and one appliqué tutroial in this e-book to fuel your creativity
and hopefully teach you a few new techniques to take your embroidery skills to the
next level.
If you want to update your kitchen décor, scroll down to “Pretty Penny” for instructions
to make a delightful appliqué tablemat with matching coasters. Or look to “By Candle-
light” to make pretty candle wraps that can be easily switched out for different
seasons all year long. Also included is “Pretty in Pink,” which gives instructions for transforming
a plain sweatshirt into a lovely jacket using an appliqué design and other decorative
embellishments. If you don’t have a lot of experience stitching appliqué designs, look
to “Appliqués Unlimited” for tips and ideas for working with appliqué designs.
With these three great projects and informative tutorial, we’re sure that you’ll learn
how to appliqué the right way in no time!
Thanks for reading!

Colleen Exline
Associate Editor, CME

TABLE OF CONTENTS
 “Appliqués Unlimited”
Rebecca Kemp Brent.................................... PAGE 3

2 “Pretty in Pink”
Debbie Homer..................................... PAGE 8

3 “By Candlelight”
Sara Boughner..................................... PAGE 11

4 “Pretty Penny”
Rebecca Kemp Brent................................ PAGE 15
 By Rebecca Kemp Brent

Why be bound by tradition when choosing materials

for appliqué embroidery designs?

Getting started
Materials for appliqués have just two  When creating a project with a new mate-
essential characteristics: they must allow rial, stitching a sample is essential. Subject
the needle to penetrate without damage the completed sample appliqué to the same
to the needle or machine and they must use and care necessary for the finished
remain intact after stitching. The door project to see how the unusual textile
is open to using many non-traditional responds and avoid disappointment later.
materials in place of fabric in appliquéd
embroidery motifs. Design selection
 Some unorthodox materials can be  Appliqué embroidery motifs typically are
laundered, making them suitable for digitized with one or two preliminary run-
garments and other items that will be ning stitch outlines, followed by an edge-
subject to wear and tear. Restrictions may finishing stitch. The running stitches define
apply, such as “hand wash only” or “cold the area to be covered by the appliqué
water wash.” Other materials can be spot material and stitch the appliqué in place
cleaned; that is, wiped with a damp cloth on the background fabric. In some designs,
to remove soil. an open zigzag stitch is included to tack
 Certain appliqué materials can’t be
down the appliqué edges.
 The finishing stitch is often a closely
laundered at all, but are suitable for
decorative embroidery in scrapbooks, on spaced satin zigzag stitch. The satin stitches
cards or framed and displayed as art. enclose the appliqué edges completely to
 Select a needle that will pierce the
prevent raveling, a necessity when the
appliqué is cut from woven fabric.
appliqué cleanly and leave only a tiny hole.
 Many unconventional appliqué materials
Size 75/11 embroidery needles are a good
choice. Most threads can be used for don’t ravel. The only concern is damage
unusual appliqué designs, but avoid thicker and tearing caused by too many needle
than usual types that will contribute to penetrations too close together on delicate
perforation and tearing. materials. This doesn’t mean satin-stitch

3 Creative Machine Embroidery

Think of appliqué
in a new way! Use
uncommon materials
in place of traditional
appliqué fabric for
unique embroidered
looks.

Creative Machine Embroidery 4

 edged appliqués are always unsuitable for a motif is perfectly placed within the
Following the manufacturer’s directions,
use with unusual materials, but they may piecework or appliquéd shape. print the photo or graphic onto inkjet
work best if the satin stitches are omitted, With inkjet printable fabrics and photo printable fabric. Allow the print to dry
revealing the running or open zigzag manipulation software, it’s possible to and prepare the fabric as directed.
stitches used to secure the appliqué to create prints specifically for individual
Hoop the background fabric with
the background. appliqué embroideries. In other words, appropriate stabilizer and stitch the

Some appliqué motifs are digitized the fussy work is done at the beginning design, using the printed fabric to create
with blanket stitch edges. Their well- of the process, by shaping a print to fit the appliqué.

Most inkjet printable fabrics are wash-
spaced needle penetrations make these the embroidery template.
motifs ideal for materials that can
Print a full-size template of the embroi-
able. Check the manufacturer’s directions
perforate and tear. Still other designs are dery design, or use a template supplied for brand-specific details.
created for raw edge appliqués, with only with the design. For another take on printing shapes
running stitches securing the appliqué.
Scan the template to create a graphics for appliqués, investigate software that
These are also good candidates for file on the computer, or work from an creates kaleidoscopic patterns from digital
unusual appliqué materials. actual-size screen shot of the design in an images. Choose the printed kaleidoscope’s

Finally, choose designs with little or embroidery program’s workspace. size to fill the appliquéd area and even
no detailing within the appliquéd shape.
Open the template in image-editing soft- select a finished shape that matches the
Remember that interior stitches will also ware. Import a photograph, graphic file or appliqué perimeter in the software’s
perforate and tear delicate materials, and text into the workspace. Resize and/or workspace.
if the appliqué material has bold charac- move the graphic for the desired fit within
teristics, the embroidered details will Sweet idea
the appliqué area.

To work without creating a digital tem-
detract from or be lost in the unusual Finding raw materials for this technique is
material’s pattern. sweet as candy, or candy wrappers in the
plate, print the appliqué fabric design on
case of appliqué, that is!
scrap paper and compare it to a full-size

Find candies wrapped in metallic or
If it fits...
template, then resize the design to fit.
“Fussy cutting” is a concept familiar to paper coverings. Holiday-specific candies
Holding the sample graphic and template
quilters. It means that a patch is carefully come in colors appropriate to the season,
up to a strong light or open window will
cut to take advantage of the fabric print so or use the logo from a favorite sweet to
reveal their relative positions.

5 Creative Machine Embroidery

form a repeating pattern. Note: This is a  Smooth the vinyl onto the candy be combined and layered for rainbow
wonderful technique for preserving com- wrappers 1" at a time. Work out any air effects. The film can be applied smooth,
memorative candy wrappers from a bubbles and finger-press the layers firmly or scrunched to add texture.
special event or location. (A).  Stitch the shiny material into the
 Enjoy the candies; smooth and save the  The vinyl-covered candy wrappers are appliqué in the usual manner.
wrappers. Small tears can be cut away or ready to appliqué. Keep rubbing alcohol  Although Textiva ordinarily fuses only
repaired, but try to remove the wrappers and cotton swabs handy to clean the to itself, avoid touching the material
intact. needle, if necessary, but stitching through directly with an iron.
 Cut a piece of self-adhesive clear vinyl the vinyl should cause little or no gum-  Because Angelina and Textiva are poly-
slightly larger than the appliqué. Lay the ming of the needle.
ester, they are washable. Hand wash
vinyl with its sticky side up on the work  Candy wrapper appliqués aren’t wash-
finished projects and line dry. Touch up
surface and remove the protective able, but the vinyl covering makes them the background fabric around the Textiva
covering. easy to wipe clean. Vinyl is damaged by appliqués with an iron, while protecting
 Arrange the candy wrappers on the heat, so avoid direct contact between the the film with a press cloth.
adhesive surface. Overlap or trim the vinyl appliqué and an iron.
wrappers as desired, or use a punch to Party favor
Shine on
cut the wrappers into circles, squares or If you’ve ever attended a party where the
other shapes. Cover the entire area with Popular Angelina fiber is now available in napkins were so lovely you hated to use
wrappers, or arrange the wrappers to its uncut form, as shiny sheets of colored them, this technique is for you. Appliqué a
add detail to the embroidered appliqué. polyester, called Textiva, that are washable, portion of a paper napkin onto a fabric
 Cut a second piece of vinyl the same
too. napkin.
 Choose Textiva sheets in colors to com-  Look for glue specially designed for
size as the first. Begin removing the pro-
tective cover. pliment the appliqué design. Colors can napkin appliqué. Other permanent, wash-

A Smooth vinyl onto candy wrappers 1" at B Use brush to apply even coat of glue C Trim away excess napkin along stitched
a time. Work out air bubbles and finger- within appliqué area. outline.
press layers firmly.

Creative Machine Embroidery 6

 If the paper napkin
appliqué tears, simply
smooth it back into place.
The glue will repair and
conceal the tear.

able glues will also work with this tech-  Paper napkins decoupaged to fabric More ideas
nique, but using the correct glue makes with this technique are washable. Allow  Explore paper appliqué for scrapbooks
the process easier. the glue to dry and cure for seven to ten and cards. For more on stitching
 Choose a light-colored polyester/cotton days, then wash in a gentle cycle and lay with paper, see our special Paper &
blend fabric for the base napkin. Prewash flat to dry. Embroidery issues. Order back issues
the fabric to remove finishing chemicals at quiltandsewshop.com.
Taking covers
that can interfere with the glue bond.  Vinyl, both clear and colored, can be
 Stabilize and hoop the fabric. Stitch the
A flannel-backed vinyl tablecloth that’s
torn and stained from use yields plenty of used as an appliqué fabric. Clear vinyl
first step of the appliqué motif to indicate appliqués allow small trapped items to
appliqué material.
the area to be covered by the napkin.
 Look for patterned or solid color table-
show through for a whimsical element.
 Use a brush to apply an even coat of See “All the Trappings” in Creative
cloths at discount stores, flea markets and Machine Embroidery’s January/February
glue to the fabric within the appliqué area
thrift shops. The size is unimportant, as 2007 issue for more. Order the article for
(B on page 6). Be thorough, but use a
even the smallest tablecloth yields plenty $4 by calling (800) 881-6634.

light touch, as too much glue will stiffen
of appliqué fabric. Spots and stains can be
the fabric.
cut away, too.
 While the glue is still wet, place the
 Choose appliqué designs with areas of
napkin face up on the prepared fabric. Bag with vinyl window: Moose B Stitchin, Drawstring
ice or water and appliqué them with shiny Bags 5, bag504heart
Gently smooth the napkin onto the glue.
metallic vinyls.
 Trim away the excess napkin along the
Fall and acorn: Pegboard Crafts, Patches 1, designs
 Solid color vinyl tablecloths with a P1_Fall, P1_Acorn
stitched outline (C on page 6).
smooth texture are perfect for appliquéing Kaleidoscope star: Embroidery Library, design #Y1835
 Working from the center outward, apply
boots and helmets, or shiny rain slickers. Ghost and skating bear: Fill in the Blanks with
 Large scale tablecloth prints may yield
a thin coat of glue to cover the napkin Machine Embroidery, published by Krause Publications
applique. Smooth out air bubbles and Quilt blocks: My Embroidery Haven, Trinity Quilt 01,
several solid colors for appliqués, if the designs MEH-tq1-a602, MEH-tq1-e504
wrinkles as you work, and be sure the
pieces needed are smaller than the Candy jar: My Embroidery Haven, Candyland, design
edges are covered to seal them to the
tablecloth prints. Meh-Cl-Jar2-6inch
fabric.
 Flannel-backed vinyl is fairly resistant
 Allow the appliquéd napkin to dry for
Lettering: built-in fonts from Brother Innovis 4000D
to tearing, so it can be used with satin- Heart: A Bit of Stitch, Spring Coaster Collection, design
24 hours before completing the appliqué Floral Heart Coaster
edged appliqué designs or motifs with
embroidery. Check periodically as the glue Credits
detail stitching within the appliquéd area.
dries and secure any edges that work free. ExtravOrganza printable silk organza and Ink Jet
Vinyl without a backing is better suited
 To avoid tying up the hoop during the Printing cotton fabric from Jacquard Products.
to running stitch or open stitch pattern
extended drying time, use the appliqué appliqués that are less likely to perforate Aleene’s paper napkin appliqué glue provided by
glue to attach the napkin to a separate Duncan Enterprises.
the vinyl material.
 As with other vinyls, tablecloth appliqués
piece of white fabric. When it’s dry, use Textiva sheets provided by Textura Trading Company.
regular appliqué techniques to attach the Kaleidoscopes printed with Kaleidoscope Kreator 2.0.
are best cleaned by wiping with a damp
napkin-adorned fabric to the background.
cloth.
This technique also allows appliquéing
onto dark-colored or printed fabrics.

7 Creative Machine Embroidery

Pretty
IN PINK by Debbie Homer

8 CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

 Transform an ordinary sweatshirt into an extraordinary jacket.
Add fringe, buttons and other decorative embellishments to make
the jacket one of a kind.

edge. Hoop the jacket and a piece of tear-away

SHOPPING LIST stabilizer and place the hoop on the machine.
Embroider the design. Once the embroidery is
o ready-made sweatshirt complete, tear away the stabilizer.
o 1⁄2 yard of faux suede
• Repeat to embroider the remaining designs 31⁄2"
o 1⁄2 yard of coordinating fabric
from the jacket center-front right edge, leaving
o tear-away stabilizer
at least 1" between each design.
o printable fusible web (See “Sources.”)
o thread: all-purpose, bobbin, embroidery
o optional embellishments: buttons, fringe, zipper
Construct
o appliqué embroidery design(s)
Use 1⁄4" seam allowances unless otherwise noted.
• Try on the jacket. If the jacket is too large, adjust
the side seams to the desired measurements.
Cut
• Fold the sweatshirt in half lengthwise. Unfold and • Measure the length of the jacket center-front
cut open the sweatshirt along the center-front opening. Add 1⁄2" to the measurement; record.
foldline. Cut off the ribbing from the sweatshirt From the faux suede, cut two strips 4" wide by
lower edge and cuffs. the recorded measurement.

• From the coordinating fabric, cut six 7"x10" rect-

angles for the appliqués. Make sure the rectangles
are larger than the chosen embroidery design.

Embroider
• Open the chosen design on the machine’s screen.
Copy the design five times, rotating the designs
as desired. Print each design onto a sheet of print-
able fusible web (A). Cut out each design, leaving
1
⁄4" around the design outer edges.
• Position one design over one appliqué rectangle A P rint design onto a printable
fusible web sheet.
wrong side. Fuse the design in place, following the
manufacturer’s instructions. Cut out the design
from the fabric along the design outer edges.
• Repeat to fuse and cut the remaining designs
from the remaining appliqué rectangles.
• Peel back the paper from each design wrong side,
exposing the adhesive (B). Position one appliqué
approximately 11⁄2" from the jacket right side
lower edge and 31⁄2" from the center-front left
B P eel back paper release
exposing adhesive.

CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY 9

 • With the strip right side facing the with right sides together; stitch each strip upper edge 1⁄4" to the
jacket wrong side, align one strip the short edges to form cuffs. With wrong side; pin. Fold over each
long edge to one jacket center- the cuff right side facing the sleeve strip short edge 1⁄4" to the wrong
front long edge; stitch. Fold the wrong side, match the cuff upper side, aligning each short edge to
strip to the jacket right side. Fold edge to the sleeve lower edge; the jacket side edges; pin. Top-
the strip long and short raw edges stitch. Fold the cuff to the jacket stitch each strip upper and short
1
⁄4" to the wrong side; pin. Top- right side. edge close to the fold.
stitch close to each folded edge. • Repeat to stitch the remaining cuff • Stitch fringe to the designs and
Finger-press the strip into place. to the opposite sleeve lower edge. jacket collar, if desired. Stitch a
• Repeat to stitch the remaining strip • M easure the jacket lower-edge button closure or insert a zipper
to the opposite jacket center-front perimeter. Add 1⁄2" to the measure- along the jacket center-front
long edge. ment; record. From the faux opening, if desired.
• Measure the sleeve circumferences. suede, cut one strip 2" wide by
Add 1⁄4" to the measurements; re- the recorded measurement. DESIGNS
Flower: RNK Distributing, Jenny Haskins’ Floral
cord. From the faux suede, cut • Fold the strip in half lengthwise Appliqué Magic, design # fm02, fm03, fm15 & fm16;
(877) 331-0034, rnkdistributing.com
two strips 6" wide by the recorded with wrong sides together; unfold.
measurements. Align the strip foldline with the SOURCES
RNK Distributing provided Web Magic (printable fusible
• Fold each strip in half widthwise jacket lower edge; pin. Fold over web sheets): (877) 331-0034, rnkdistributing.com.

10 CREATIVE MACHINE EMBROIDERY

 By Candlelight by Sara Boughner

Liven up your home with simple yet stylish candle wraps.

Quick and easy, they’re the perfect accent to any room.

• Cut the fabric to twice the desired width plus

SHopping list 1". For example, if the desired width is 3 1 ⁄ 2", cut
the fabric 8" wide. Cut the fabric length to the
Materials are enough for one wrap measuring circumference measurement plus 3 1 ⁄ 2".
31 ⁄ 2" x 131 ⁄ 2". • U
 sing an air-soluble fabric marking pen, draw
o 1 ⁄ 2" yard of silk fabric a line down the center of the fabric rectangle
o candleholder length.
o wire mesh
o embroidery software
o adhesive-backed water-soluble stabilizer
Embroidery
o thread: embroidery and sewing • S
 ome designs are available in multiple styles.
o 80/12 topstitching needle For instance, the featured designs are available in
o air-soluble fabric marking pen three styles, including an outline, appliqué and
o appliqué scissors fill stitch.
o fusible web • O
 pen the embroidery software program on the
o coordinating button computer. Open the chosen appliqué design(s) in
o 2mm to 3mm fusible crystals (optional) the software. Choose elements from the appliqué
o heat applicator wand (optional) design(s), crop them out and enlarge each ele-
o appliqué and outline embroidery designs ment approximately 1 ⁄ 4". Combine the elements
to make a single design.
• Transfer the appliqué and outline designs to
the machine and insert a new 80/12 needle.
Getting Started Experiment with different thread colors before
• S
 tarch and press the silk. Measure the height embroidering the outline design. Use thread that
of the chosen candleholder and determine the contrasts with the chosen fabric color to achieve
width of the finished wrap; record the measure- a striking result. Alternatively, choose thread that
ment. The featured wraps are 3 1 ⁄ 2" wide. Measure matches the fabric color for consistency. Or select
the candleholder circumference; record. thread that’s slightly lighter than the fabric color
to add dimension.

11 Creative Machine Embroidery

Creative Machine Embroidery 12
 Mix It Up
Select fabric colors and designs that
• H
 oop a piece of adhesive-
correspond with the time of year to make backed water-soluble stabilizer.
Using the point of a pin, score
seasonal wraps. The wraps below are
the top layer of stabilizer from
perfect for the winter holiday season. one hoop corner to the opposite
corner, dividing the stabilizer
into four triangle shapes. Lift
one layer at a time to expose
the adhesive.
• Place the fabric right side up
over the stabilizer, aligning the
fabric center with the hoop
center marks. Lightly finger-
press the fabric to the stabilizer
to hold it in place.

Tip
Strategically attach
crystals to the app-
liqué to hide the
stitching.

• E
 mbroider the design repeat-
edly to cover the entire wrap
length, spacing the design as
desired. Once the embroidery
is complete, wash away the
excess stabilizer; let dry. Press
from the fabric wrong side.
• D
 etermine placement for the
appliqué design on the wrap.
Load matching top and bobbin
thread and hoop a piece of
adhesive-backed water-soluble
stabilizer. Score the stabilizer
using the point of a pin or the
machine’s baste-in-the-hoop
function, if applicable.

13 Creative Machine Embroidery

 A Stitch wrap long edge.

• Embroider the first appliqué

thread color, which is usually
the outline for designs. Once the
first color is complete, cover the
outline stitches with wire mesh.
• Embroider the second appliqué
thread color, which typically
are basting stitches that tack
down the fabric. Once the
B Press seam to wrap back, centering embroidery on wrap front.

second color is complete, trim

away any excess wire mesh.
Carefully press down the wire
mesh trimmed edges, as any
pieces of wire that protrude
may cause thread breakage.
• Set the machine to embroider
at half speed and embroider
the remaining design. Once the C Stitch wrap short edges.
embroidery is complete, clip
any jump threads. Remove the
stabilizer by soaking the design
in warm water until the stabi-
lizer is completely dissolved.
Press the design between two
towels to remove any excess
water; air dry.

Construction
• Wrong sides together, fold • S
 titch a buttonhole to accom- places to secure the design to
the wrap in half lengthwise, modate the chosen button along the fabric without completely
matching the raw edges. Using one wrap short end. Carefully stitching it down.
a 1 ⁄ 2" seam allowance, stitch cut open the buttonhole. Place • U
 se a heat applicator wand to
the wrap long edge, leaving a the wrap around the candle- attach crystals to the designs,
2" opening for turning (A). holder and hold it firmly in if desired.
place. Using a fabric marking
• Press the seam to the wrap
pen, mark a dot through center Designs
back, centering the embroidery
of the open buttonhole. Hand or Appliqué & Outline: Cactus Punch, Four Seasons
on the wrap front (B). of Embroidery with Thimbleberries, EL007;
machine stitch the button along (800) 933-8081, cactuspunch.com
• S
 titch each wrap short edge the mark.
(C). Trim the corners and Sources
• D
 etermine the placement for
turn the wrap right side out Husqvarna Viking provided the Aqua Magic Plus
the appliqué design on the adhesive-backed water-soluble stabilizer:
through the opening along (800) 446-2333, husqvarnaviking.com.
wrap. Using a 1.5mm but-
the center back. Use fus- Pfaff provide the 4D Embroidery Extra software:
tonhole stitch and matching (800) 446-2333, pfaff.com.
ible web to fuse the opening The Warm Company provided Steam A Seam II
thread, stitch the appliqué fusible web: (425) 248-2424, warmcompany.com.
closed. Gently push out the
to the wrap. Stitch in several YLI Corp. provided the iris polyester embroidery
corners; press. thread: (803) 985-3100, ylicorp.com.

Creative Machine Embroidery 14

 t Fo r
Greaifts!
G

Make a simple tablemat and

some mug coasters as a way to
get started with buttonhole
appliqué. Once you master the
technique, you can go on to
more elaborate projects using
the same concepts.

15 Creative Machine Embroidery

 By Rebecca Kemp Brent

Penny rugs, the story goes, were

first created by frugal American Design preparation
housewives, using the woolen scraps
Choose the buttonhole appliqué designs of
your choice. Or purchase our three original
gleaned from factory floors. The
designs, Heart #2, Leaf and Pennies, at quil-
scraps’ odd shape and the pennies tandsewshop.com, and then arrange them in
many ways to create a wide variety of penny rug
used as patterns for circle appliqués motifs. If you have customizing or design edit-
ing software, take a few minutes to create some
gave the rugs their characteristic
variations of the double circle motif. Otherwise,
shapes and name. read on for machine-based how-tos.

Open the double circle motif in editing soft-
Embroidery machines can ware. Select and delete the first two color stops
(the larger circle). Save and rename as “small
replicate the hand stitched look in a
circle.”
fraction of the time, and the popularity
Open the original double circle motif again.

This time, select and delete the last two color

of wool felts and fabrics means plenty stops (the smaller circle). Save the result as
“large circle.”
of resources for reproduction fabrics.
Creative Machine Embroidery 16
 When using software that prints only
one full-size image per sheet, try this to
make multiple patterns: Open a work-
space the size of your largest hoop and
Supplies
fill it with multiples of the embroidery
Note: Supplies listed are sufficient
motifs. Save the combination under a
to make a tablemat and several
new name and print the file. When you mug coasters.
print the combined design, cut the full-
Black wool felt or melton, 45" to

60" wide, 3 ⁄ 8 yard

size image apart to create multiple

One 9" x 12" craft cut each of
patterns of the individual appliqué shapes. dark red, gold, blue and green
wool felt

Overdyed cotton thread or

Open the double circle motif once
To make appliqué patterns without a cotton quilting thread; bobbin
more. Select and delete only the second computer, hoop a layer of self-adhesive thread (black or almost black is
color stop (the blanket stitches of the larg- template sheets or iron-on stabilizer. Stitch recommended). Note: Overdyed
er circle). Save the motif with the name the design’s running stitch outline only. thread is similar to variegated,
“fringe penny.” This design can be used to Stitch with an unthreaded needle, if possi- but the color changes are more
create the pennies that edge the sample ble, and embroider the outlines of several subtle and random. The slight
tablemat. shapes in a single hooping. color variation adds to the

Remove the stabilizer from the hoop antiqué appearance.
Make appliqué patterns
Lightweight tear-away water-
and trim around each shape along the

Each appliqué motif is digitized in two running stitch outline. If thread was used, soluble stabilizer

Glue stick
parts. First is a running stitch outline that cut directly on the threads to remove them
is used to indicate the placement for the from the appliqué pattern.
fabric appliqué. Second is a blanket stitch
Once the patterns are ready, use
that joins the appliqué to the base fabric. them to cut all the pieces needed for

The running stitch outline is also used the design arrangement to be stitched.
as the cutting line for the corresponding Cutting the appliqués ahead of time Mug coasters
appliqué piece. While it’s possible to lay makes the stitching process quick and
the appliqué fabric on the base fabric, simple. Follow our examples for motif Note: The finished size is a 4" square.
stitch the running outline, then trim the arrangements, or create your own
Each mug coaster’s appliqués fit within
appliqué to size, the wool felt thickness unique combinations. a 4" square embroidery hoop. Begin by
makes it difficult to trim the fabric closely
Print multiple copies of the double choosing which appliqué motifs to com-
enough. Unlike satin-edged appliqués, there circle motif. Trim some along the large bine in the coaster design. Arrange the
is no extra width in the appliqué stitching motifs in customizing software or at the
to hide edges that are cut too large. touch screen of the embroidery machine.

Instead, use the embroidery designs to Remember that the circle motif can be
make patterns for cutting the appliqué If separate small and large used three ways: as a large or small single
shapes. For ease in cutting the many circle and as a double circle appliqué.

Using appliqué patterns as described
circle designs were created
small shapes in the penny rugs, make the
patterns from self-adhesive tear-away tem- with software, use them to above, cut appliqués from the dark red,
plate sheets or iron-on stabilizer so they create patterns for circle blue, green and gold felt pieces. Be sure
can be attached to the wool felt without appliqués. The two sizes can be to cut accurately so the appliqués are
pins for accuracy in cutting. Each pattern the same size and shape as the running
can be reused several times, although the used separately or stacked to stitch outlines.
felt’s fuzzy surface limits the number of uses. create a two-color circle.
Hoop the water-soluble stabilizer with

To create appliqué patterns with the black felt.
embroidery software, simply choose the
Thread the machine and bobbin with
option to print full-size and feed the stabi- threads (black or almost black is
lizer or template paper into the computer circle outline and others along the small recommended).

Stitch the first part of the appliqué
printer. Trim each pattern along its run- circle, creating patterns for both circle
ning stitch outline. sizes.
shape (outline).

17 Creative Machine Embroidery

 Use your own combinations of
designs to embellish the mug coasters.
Each one can be different in design, but will
look uniform by using the same felt colors.

Tablemat
Note: If you did not create files for the Note: The finished size is a 12" square, corner. Measure and mark design place-
individual circles, plan to skip the first including fringe. ments as follows (A):
two steps of the double circle as you stitch
If you have a hoop that will accommo-
2 1 ⁄ 4" from the center along each hor-
to create a small circle or skip the last two date a 7" square design, begin by arrang- izontal and vertical line
steps for a large circle motif. ing the appliqué motifs in customizing
3 7 ⁄ 8" from the center along each

Select the corresponding appliqué piece software or at the touch screen of the diagonal line

Hoop the felt with a layer of water-
and apply the glue stick to the appliqué embroidery machine.
wrong side.
To assemble the mat in a smaller hoop, soluble stabilizer. Embroider a combined

Position the appliqué shape within the begin by making full-size design templates design at the mat center. (If you created
stitched outline and finger-press firmly. of the three downloadable motifs or from a combined design for a 7" hoop, center

Stitch the second part of the appliqué the motifs of your choice. and stitch the combined design.)
shape (buttonhole stitch) to attach the Note: The templates mentioned here are Note: For the following steps, the sample
appliqué to the background fabric. different from the pattern pieces used to designs are referenced. Substitute with

Repeat for the remaining appliqué
cut the appliqués. The templates are also your own choices otherwise.
full size, but they should include the
shapes.
centering marks needed to position the

When the embroidery is complete,
A Measure and mark design placements.
motifs accurately.

On a piece of black felt that’s at least an
remove the black felt from the hoop. Leaf
Carefully trim and tear away as much of
11" square, mark the horizontal and verti-
the water-soluble stabilizer as possible.
cal centerlines with chalk or removable

Use a damp sponge to dissolve and wipe
3 7⁄8" Heart
marker. 2 ⁄"1 4

When creating the mat with templates,

away the remaining stabilizer. Double

Trim each coaster to a 4" square.
Circles
also mark diagonal lines from corner to

Creative Machine Embroidery 18

 More Ideas

Instead of black thread, use colors that match the felts (C).

Switch to a pastel or bright color palette for a different look (D).

Use the pennies as an overall design (E) by arranging them in a regular grid across
the fabric surface.

Create a penny fringe for a sweater or jacket.

For a thicker coaster, back the appliquéd square with fusible web and bond it to a second layer of felt.

For a contrasting edge, trim the appliquéd square to 3 1 ⁄ 2" and center it on a 4" square of a second color (F).

Make the buttonhole stitch appliqués from woven cotton fabric to create quilt squares and other projects. Because
the woven fabrics will ravel, back each appliqué with fusible web before cutting and stitching the applique shapes.
Press to fuse when the stitching is complete, or use a small craft iron to press each appliqué as it’s applied.

Remove the stabilizer before trimming to avoid stretching the felt edges.

Embroider a heart centered at the small circle appliqués, six each in dark
Set the sewing machine for a zigzag
placement mark on each horizontal and red, gold, blue and green, re-hooping stitch 3.5 mm wide and 0.8 mm long.
vertical line. Use the full-size design as necessary. Leave at least 3 ⁄ 4" space Lay a trimmed circle alongside the mat at
template to double-check the placement. between circles. If you prepared the each mark and zigzag with a few stitches

Embroider a leaf centered at the fringe penny motif described earlier, to join the fringe to the mat square. Be
placement mark on each diagonal line, use it instead of the small circle motif, sure to backtack to secure the stitches.

using the leaf template to double-check and leave 1 ⁄ 4" space between designs.
placement.
After embroidery, remove the stabilizer Designs

Remove the felt from the hoop. Gently as directed above. Trim each circle 1 ⁄ 4" Heart #2, Leaf & Pennies: CME original designs;
quiltandsewshop.com
cut and tear away as much stabilizer as outside the appliquéd motif. For the fringe
possible. Use a damp sponge to dissolve penny design, trim each circle along the
running stitch outline, cutting away the Credits
and wipe away the remaining stabilizer.

Trim the felt to a 9" square, keeping
running stitches. Overdyed cotton sewing and quilting thread from Weeks

With chalk or removable marker,

Dye Works.
the appliquéd design centered. Floriani Template Tearaway from RNK Distributing.

For the fringe, stabilize and hoop
measure and mark each side of the
tablemat square as shown (B).
another piece of black felt. Stitch 24

B Measure and mark each side of tablemat C Instead of black thread, use colors that D Switch to pastel or bright color palette
square. match felts. for different look.

⁄"
3 4 1 1⁄2" 1 1⁄2" 1 1⁄2" 1 1⁄2" 1 1⁄2" ⁄"
3 4

E Use pennies as F For thicker coaster, back appliquéd

overall design. square with fusible web and bond
to second layer of felt. For
contrasting edge, trim appliquéd
square to 3 1⁄2" and center on
4" square in second color.

19 Creative Machine Embroidery

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