app 4

Alright, appliqué sounds great! Let's talk about some basic technique and considerations.

First and foremost, read the instructions included by the designer for each design. Do not
assume that what is required of one design will work for the next. Many factors determine
how, when, and where the appliqué fabric is applied. Also, not all embroidery software
or machines behave the same way. For example, a Brother machine will not recognize a
STOP digitized in Viking software. Also, some software, PeDesign and Embird for
example, will merge two colors that are the same if they are consecutive. A designer for
home embroidery will most likely use color stops and set the marking and tacking stitches
to odd colors to prevent this from happening. The instructions will usually instruct you as
to the correct colors and if any color change is necessary between marking, tacking, and
finishing. You may be instructed to choose thread colors that match the garment for the
marking and tacking stitch for example. The color stops are merely there to stop the
design so that the appliqué can be trimmed, etc.

To begin the appliqué, usually a marking stitch will sew. There may be occasions when a
marking stitch is unnecessary. For example, if a design stitches and leaves an obvious
space for the appliqué, a marking stitch may not be required. The marking stitch may
come at any point in the design. (Consult instructions.) After the marking stitch is sewn
and/or placement of the appliqué fabric is determined, lay the fabric over the mark. Do
not press on the hooped fabric.