Fuse or stitch the appliqué to base fabric. To fusing, follow manufacturer’s directions. To stitch, cut around the design approximately ½” from the design outline. Pin in place. Straight stitch along major design details, working from center out to avoid shifting. Trim excess fabric close to stitching.


Select thread. A rayon or polyester thread accents design. An all-purpose thread will give a matt finish. A multicolor thread or metallic thread can be used for special effects.

Satin Stitch Design.

1. Use the embroidery presser foot, because the groove on the underside will allow the satin stitch to pass smoothly under the foot.

2. Set the machine for a satin stitch: a zigzag stitch with a short length and a medium to wide width. The stitch length should be short enough so that fabric does not show through, but not so short that the stitches pile up. The stitch width should be wide enough to cover the edge of the appliqué fabric and hold it securely.

3. Loosen the top thread tension so that the top thread is pulled to the underside and no bobbin thread is visible on the right side. The result is a smooth even stitch.

4. Cut a piece of stabilizer larger than the design, pin to the wrong side of the background fabric.

5. Satin stitch the appliqué to the background fabric. Most of the width of the stitch should be covering the edge of the appliqué. If appliqué has several pieces, do not stitch any edge that will be covered by another piece as this will show as a ridge when pressed.

6. To secure the stitching, turn the stitch width to zero, drop the feed dogs, and stitch in place a few times.

7. When stitching is complete, tear away or trim the stabilizer close to stitching.