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Machine Applique
Discover how easy it is to machine appliqué with these easy to follow instructions. Create you own one of a kind quilt that you will cherish for years.
Below are instructions in general for machine applique. For a more complete guide to machine applique we highly recommend you visit
Machine Quilting Secrets Revealed
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and avoid taking shortcuts.
When tracing templates for machine stitching, cut material along the line without allowing for excess fold under seam material as described in hand appliqué stitching. Many of the hand appliqué drawing and cutting techniques are the same.
Patterns
Apply template to wrong side of fabric and cut out along drawn line. Place appliqué shape at desired location of quilt and fuse to quilt per instructions. Machine stitch the edges using a stitch of your choice.
Backing: Use the same quality backing fabric as used in the quilt top
Below is a summary of the supplies needed to complete your quilting project. This list can be found on the Baby Quilts page also.
- Scissors (for paper and template plastic)
- Iron and ironing board
- Marking tools: pencils, chalk markers, fine-point permanent marker (such as Pilot or Sharpie®)
- Needles: package of sharps (for hand piecing), assorted sizes: package of betweens (for hand quilting), size Nos. 8 to 12
- Quilting hoop or frame
- Pins and pincushion
- Rotary cutter and mat (at least 18" x 24")
- Rulers: 2" x 18" ; clear acrylic 12" square; clear acrylic 6" x 24" (for use with a rotary cutter)
- Sewing machine (for machine piecing)
- Shears, 8" (for fabric)
- Template plastic
- Thimble to fit the middle finger of your sewing hand
Thread: nylon monofilament thread, size .004 (for machine quilting); quilting thread (for hand quilting); sewing thread in colors to match your fabric.
Basting
Basting is necessary to hold the three layers together and prevent shifting while quilting. Use a long needle and thread when hand quilting and avoid tangling. Begin at the center of the quilt and baste the layers together. The first line of basting should be stitched up and down the center of the quilt. Work your way toward the edges to create a grid until entire quilt is stabilized.
When machine quilting, use safety pins in place of needles. Begin again at the center of quilt and work your way toward the edges. Space the safety pins about 4” to 5” apart.
Batting
Batting will be needed to fill between the quilt layers. It comes in pre-cut measured sizes.
Crib ----------45” x 60”
Twin ---------72” x 90”
Double --------81” x 96”
Queen ---------90” x 108”
King -----------120” x 120”
Several factors need to be considered when choosing batting such as appearance, stitching, hand or machine quilting and how it will be used.
Cotton batting is best for that antique look. Polyester batting is good for that puffy look. Continued→
