Blank Snow Globe, Ornate Base

Wendy, I checked with the designers of this pattern, Anita Goodesign, and Martha there responded with this:

When we use vinyl for the appliques we use a 12 gauge that is a medium to heavy weight vinyl. This can be find in the home décor departments or JoAnn Fabrics. You can also find it at Fabric.com and Hancock Fabrics.
We use a 75/11 embroidery needle and do not have issues with the vinyl perforating during the satin stitch..
The order in which the vinyl is placed during the stitch out is stated in the step by step tutorial.

Hi Wendy,

Perforation with vinyl is a real issue. First, I suggest that you make sure you are not sewing this design smaller than it was produced. Shrinking it could bring the stitches of the applique closer together and increase the perforation issue that you are having. If you have any density reducing embroidery software products, such as the Density Repair Kit this would be a great place to use them.

You mentioned that the vinyl gets perforated and tears away. I have a question about the second part. Under what circumstances does the vinyl tear away?

• Is the embroidery still at the machine, being torn by the movement of the presser foot?
• Does it tear away while you are removing the excess vinyl?
• Is the applique on a much-used item, such as a handbag, and the tearing happens over time, with use and being accidentally snagged on things?