Invisible machine applique (using monofilament thread) on fused (raw edge) flannel applique shapes
The one thing to keep in mind about applique is
that there are no rules. There are always guidelines
that people (including me) prepare for you. Those
guidelines are made based on hours and hours of
failure – okay, failure is a harsh word. How about hours
and hours of experimenting and having fun? Yes – that
sounds much better. However, there are times when
one bends their own guidelines for the sake of time.
In the example above, I was teaching a jacket class
and the jacket had applique on it. The jacket had to be
prepped for class and there wasn’t enough time to do
a blanket stitch around the raw edges of this applique.
So I loaded invisible thread on the sewing machine
and did an invisible applique stitch around these
shapes using the elongated zig zag.
While the job got done, I wish I hadn’t been so hasty. I
think the applique would’ve looked much better with
a different stitch. But considering that the applique
shapes are flannel (they were fused down with a
fusible web) and the shapes have a raw edge, there
really isn’t a lot of fraying.
Why was the invisible stitch faster? Well I didn’t have
to fuss with neatness on turning the corners because
you can’t see the stitching. That saved a huge amount
of time.
With that in mind, as we move forward with these
guidelines, feel free to change them up, break the
rules and do what works for you. My only advice is to
experiment, make samples and try everything. The
more you try, the more you’ll know what you like and
that means you’ll be happy with your end result.
Husqvarna Viking Sapphire 930
QUILTsocial
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