Appliqué Pointers from embroideryarts

The applique consists of an outline running stitch 
for location, a machine stop, and a low density column stitch 
to tack down the edge of the applique.

Although there is some personal preference in how to execute 
an applique, we prefer the following procedure:

1. Hoop a manila file folder, or a heavy paper sheet in the 
hoop that you will be using for these designs, and run the 
beginning of the design (running stitch). Remove this perforated 
pattern from the hoop, and carefully cut out the shape of the 
letter along the needle penetrations. Markthe front of the design. 
(If you plan to run large quantities of each letter, it might be 
worth considering having the applique blanks die cut).

2. Apply a heat-fusible backing to the reverse side of the 
applique fabric. Although some embroiderers use spray adhesive 
for this procedure, we prefer this approach, using "Wonder-Under" 
Pellon transfer web, or something similar (available at sewing 
centers) because it does not gum up the embroidery needles and 
is not as messy to use as spray adhesive. 

3. Turn over the pattern, and trace around it onto the paper 
surface of the Pellon backing.

4. Carefully cut out the applique.

5. Hoop the garment, and run the design from the beginning to 
the end of the 
running stitch outline. (There is a machine stop inserted in the 
design, which is the same type of machine code as a color change. 
Depending on your embroidery machine, you may have to manually 
stop the machine at the conclusion of the outline. If you do not 
want to use a different thread color for the tack-down stitching 
on the outline, the same needle should be entered twice in the 
initial sewing sequence.)

6. Remove the Pellon paper backing. Using an applique iron, or a 
conventional iron, depending on the hoop size, heat-seal the 
applique fabric to the garment utilizing the outline previously 
sewn. You may find it easier to do this if you remove the hoop, 
with garment, from the machine and place it on a flat surface.

7. Restart the design. The low-density column stitch will secure 
the edges of the applique, and the design will continue to sew. 
The border of the design will cover the column stitch on the edges 
so that it is not visible once the design has sewn completely.