Thank you for keeping Melanie's tutorials online. She is still teaching me various sewing techniques with her beautiful smile and enthusiasm to share her knowledge. She is greatly missed.
Hi Melanie - I would be honored to pray for YOU and your sweet family......our family had a sudden shock when our 29 year old "very healthy" son was diagnosed in April 2020 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It, also, has turned our world upside down! We covet prayers, too! But this is what I am learning from this: You do EVERYTHING you can possibly do, and then you rest. Because so much is out of our control and is in control of the God who created us and continues to love us. Unfortunately, it is not a guarantee of anything, but God never changes and he loves us all in spite of what He brings into our lives. So prayers for successful surgery, and prayers for restored health, and prayers for keeping the faith, as we are keeping the faith. Peace to you and yours.
Awww. Melanie taught me how to quilt a year ago. And while randomly googling how to do a fabric letter appliqué, I didn’t even notice the creator to watch this video. I wish I could have interacted with Melanie prior to her passing, but her wonderful gift/talent and ability to teach others will continue in her memory. May you be resting in peace knowing how many people you’ve continued to reach and how much we all just absolutely honor her ❤❤❤❤
Hoping you are resting peacefully and watching over your family with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Thank you for all of the incredible tutorials.
I also loved your video & instructions on crib sheet making. Having the written instructions is a great addition too. Perfect for me as a beginner. I find that so many people do not explain instructional sewing videos very well & is really irritating when the camera is too far away or out of focus! SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FANTASTIC VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS! Very, very helpful!
I have watched this video a few times & tonite I used a straight stitch on a satin heart and it looks great...your video has given me the confidence to try harder projects. I am a beginner sewer... a little advice...practice on scraps of fabric...watch this video a few times as you will understand it better (esp if you are a beginner)....try shapes before letters which can be a lot more intricate!
I would just like to thank you sooo much for giving ALL the info/links regarding fabrics, zipper etc used in your video. You are the only site as far I know that does this and it is so so helpful. I have already ordered some PUL fabric (never heard of it before but thanks to you I have now!)
Your step-by- step instructions and tips have inspired me to face my intimidation to applique. After watching your video I feel confident I can do this! Thanks so much for making this wonderful tutorial!!
I have been watching loads of appliqué videos in the hopes that someone will give a really good tutorial on how to go around corners, whether they are corners that go in or out. Where to place the headless when turning etc. Would love it if you would do one. Thanks.
Outstanding tutorial, I bought fabric and pillow forms to make a wedding gift. I think ill add the last name initial to one of them! Thanks for the inspiration.
Hi Melanie, I love your videos, they are so clear, I like this pillow I will do this project for myself, and I have one question, when you do the zig zag do you have the fee dogs down? how can you move so good the fabric?
Thank you so much Melanie for really clear instructions & excellent camera shots. Have just found you & have just subscribed to your site. thank you for sharing - from the crafty corniche camel
I was looking through my sewing machine manual on applique sewing. It says after the zig zag stitching is finished it should be followed up a straight stitch close to the edge to add strength. Do you ever do this extra step? Would you recommend it?
I have a question about your sewing foot: Are you using a walking foot? Thanks for showing a close-up for the sewing process. Sewing slowly seems to be very important.
Hi Melanie! I have tried a zig zag stitch repeatedly mostly on my quilts for the binding. I just can't get the hang of how to get it to look so beautiful as yours!!! I've gone slow med and quicker. HELP tips advice recommendations etc thanks!!! Andrea
Very helpful, I made bunting for a friend with her sons name on and got so stressed with the letters so ended up sewing by hand, can I just as when your using the zigzag stitch do you drop the feed dogs or use them as normal (dumb question but I'm curious)?
Yea you can free motion around the edge! The letter is secure from the fusible web, but this gives it a more finished look and keeps from the little bits of fraying that can happen ;)
hey, I love your tutorials, its amazing i came across your channel looking how to make fabric labels tutorial video, which by the way was super useful, thanks. I am currently putting together my own little sewing area and I've been looking for a dress form, I was wondering where did you get yours. Thanks.
capjack12 I know this comment was left like 3 years ago, but this might help someone else with this same question..I would think felt would be good for applique, if it's going to be something that's going to be washed a bunch.. since it doesn't fray and also it would give it a nice texture look.. Hope this helps
Love the tutorial! I have a question...is there a reason your thread isn't in the little bar above the needle? I noticed in your tutorials it usually goes directly from the machine into the bottom of the needle and not through the little hook and then through the needle. Is it better to leave it out? (because my stitches don't look as even as yours do LOL) Thank you!
with my machine it doesn't matter wether I use that little hook or not, so I usually forget! Thread your machine exactly how your instruction manual says, that will insure the best result!
hi there. thank you for this video. very helpful. i was wondering does steam a seam work better than ulta bond for applique. i used ulta hold and cut out my own letters and numbers. im making a pillowcase with posey and his number on it. posey from s.f giants. anyway, i ironed the letters and numbers onto the pillowcase. and then i washed it to see it the letters and numbers would stay on. they didnt. they fell off. so the ulta bond didnt work so good for me. so now i think im going to do a stitch around each of the letters and numbers. i never thought about using steam a seam. just wondering if it gives a stronger bond then ulta hold
butterflymomof21970 I have not really used ultra bond. You want to make sure you get the "sewable" kind and not just the adhesive by itself that is not meant for sewing. I prefer to stitch around my applique all the time because i feel like it gives it a more finished look, so that I what I would recommend anyway. Hope that helps!!
jocelynt01 no. there isn't a reason to lower the feed dogs unless you are free motion quilting or maybe darning a sock. The feed dogs needs to pull the fabric through the machine for a zig zag stitch, does that make sense?
Hey Melanie, in the background of this beginning part of the video, you have a beautiful light blue and white quilt. What is the name of the pattern of the quilt, please? I really want to do that one! Thank you!
what type of machine would one need to buy to do this? Im just starting out i need a hobby now that im a fulltime caregiver to my Nana. And this looks very fun.
I make t shirts that say Big Bro and Big Sis and I use Wonder Under and a straight stitch. I love the idea of the zig zag stitch but my question is, My edges tend to fray. I purchased a no fray solution to apply and it leaves an oil look around it. Does the double fuse fray or does the zig zag stitch prevent that?
The fusible does help with the fraying and so does the zig zag. It's possible there could be a little bit of fraying and if that bothers you I would do an embroidery stitch around the edge. For something like tshirts that could get a lot of ware that may be helpful.
Ok I am a super inexperienced sew-er. And my machine is a plain jane machine. But I DO have the zig zag stitch. But it seems every time I push down on my pedal my machine takes off like a jet engine! Is that just something that comes with time, being able to gauge the speed and sensitivity of your machine pedal.
Woopreper34 every machine is different, i just realize mine doesn't have that hook-ish thingy either... Others do, i don't know if it makes a difference or not, just follow the manual, or try in a scrap both ways, and stick to the one that looks better!
i'm thinking of getting into sewing and im signing up for a few classrs soon. could you please recommend a sewing machine thats good for beginners like me? something affordable would be awesome.
Tarynne Skye, I am also new to sewing, or I should re-new to sewing. I learned in junior high school, which was over 30 years ago. I had to sell my built-in sewing machine and cabinet about 25 years ago when I moved to a very small duplex. I asked my hubby for a sewing machine for Christmas 2013. He did a ton of research since I didn't know what to get. I felt like I wanted to make clothes for my 4 granddaughters and perhaps learn how to machine quilt. He found excellent reviews and bought me a Brother XL2600i. It has been awesome! It is a workhorse and I'm very pleased! I made 4 quilts in 2014, all self-taught and from RUclips videos. I am extremely happy with his purchase, as it does all I need it to for right now. I can see that in the future, I may want a machine that will do embroidery, and I make take long-arm quilting lessons at a local quilt shop....but for now, it's all I need. There are RUclips videos about this brand and make of machine if you want to check it out first. Good luck!
Hi, I liked your video but I think I would like to outline the letter with a satin stitch. How can I achieve a satin stitch that is close together and looks professional?
Dorothy McCurdy Does your sewing machine do a satin stitch? You can also try a button hole stitch, but I would check out the decorative stitches that are supplied on your machine and see if there is one on there that you would prefer!
Love your videos. I'm a beginner who's just starting to dabble in the machining arts. Do you mind my asking where you got your chevron apparel form? I just love it! Thanks in advance for your response!
Right. just make the font size 200, etc. You'll have to enter the font size manually, obviously. It doesn't go up that high on the "scrolling". You can also make it bigger by making the letter BOLD or even use word art. I've even googled a letter and searched the images. So like, search for "D", "D word art", "D clip art", etc. & select "images" instead of "ALL" and you'll get "word art, Clip art, & ALL kinds of fancy letters! Good luck!! 😊
i have also tried making not fusible since i was going to sew it on anyway, so i just cut out my pattern, used fabric glue to attach it and then sewed. looked good and took much lesser time. Maybe you should try that too.
I am having such a difficult time appliqueing letters (and there are LOTS of them on this quilt - it says "You make me happy when skies are gray."). I'm trying to finish it, but have basically come to a full-stop because the applique looks SO AWFUL. I've ripped the stitching out so many times now that on the few letters I've appliqued, the edges are starting to unravel. My main issue is I can't seem to keep my needle on the outside edge of each letter. I guess I'm not really asking a question so much as needing support! Haha. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to start such a large project, with such small letters, for my first machine applique. I hand embroider like the wind, but feel like a complete moron with my machine. Did you have this problem when you started machine appliqueing? By the way, I sincerely love your channel, and your lovely disposition. :)
SmittenKitten Did you use interfacing on the back of your letters? Also use you hand wheel alot on your sewing machine as it will give you a more precise stitch. Let me know if that's helpful! You got this!
Melanie Ham You are so sweet. Thank you for answering me! No, I don't have any interfacing on the back! I didn't even think about that! That would probably help a TON, now that I think about it. Would you suggest a "normal" or heavy weight interfacing? Thank you, also, for your encouragement - it helps SO much!
SmittenKitten I would use the fusible web... which has the double sided sticky. I think steam a seam and wonder under make it... something you can sew through and then put it in the spot you like. Also helps with the fraying... this video shows you how to do that ;)
Melanie Ham I have them secured to the fabric with Wonder Under, but have not actually backed the fabric with it (if that makes sense!). I'm going to back it with web tomorrow to see if that helps. I think the biggest issue is that my letters are fairly small, so there are very few straight-aways, and LOTS of curves and sharp turns. (Here's a link to the quilt: 3.bp.blogspot.com/-se0hgBYLtq8/TpXyu7-LNMI/AAAAAAAADl8/gmXaapkhPqo/s1600/DSC_4762_Thevintageclothespingrayskies+quilt_1.jpg ) I have the entire thing ready to sandwich EXCEPT the silly lettering! I really cannot thank you enough for all your help and encouragement!! I'm going to get this thing done by hook or by crook... :D
Can you please show a finished product at the end of your videos? I really like watching them but it would very inspiring if you show the finished at the end. Thanks :)
Thank you for keeping Melanie's tutorials online. She is still teaching me various sewing techniques with her beautiful smile and enthusiasm to share her knowledge. She is greatly missed.
Hi Melanie - I would be honored to pray for YOU and your sweet family......our family had a sudden shock when our 29 year old "very healthy" son was diagnosed in April 2020 with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. It, also, has turned our world upside down! We covet prayers, too! But this is what I am learning from this: You do EVERYTHING you can possibly do, and then you rest. Because so much is out of our control and is in control of the God who created us and continues to love us. Unfortunately, it is not a guarantee of anything, but God never changes and he loves us all in spite of what He brings into our lives. So prayers for successful surgery, and prayers for restored health, and prayers for keeping the faith, as we are keeping the faith. Peace to you and yours.
Awww. Melanie taught me how to quilt a year ago. And while randomly googling how to do a fabric letter appliqué, I didn’t even notice the creator to watch this video. I wish I could have interacted with Melanie prior to her passing, but her wonderful gift/talent and ability to teach others will continue in her memory. May you be resting in peace knowing how many people you’ve continued to reach and how much we all just absolutely honor her ❤❤❤❤
Love all her tutorials. She will be dearly missed! ❤
Hoping you are resting peacefully and watching over your family with a smile on your face and warmth in your heart. Thank you for all of the incredible tutorials.
I also loved your video & instructions on crib sheet making. Having the written instructions is a great addition too. Perfect for me as a beginner. I find that so many people do not explain instructional sewing videos very well & is really irritating when the camera is too far away or out of focus! SO THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR FANTASTIC VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS! Very, very helpful!
Ronni Smith That means a lot to me, thank you! I try my best to make these easy to follow and good quality!
I have watched this video a few times & tonite I used a straight stitch on a satin heart and it looks great...your video has given me the confidence to try harder projects. I am a beginner sewer... a little advice...practice on scraps of fabric...watch this video a few times as you will understand it better (esp if you are a beginner)....try shapes before letters which can be a lot more intricate!
I would just like to thank you sooo much for giving ALL the info/links regarding fabrics, zipper etc used in your video. You are the only site as far I know that does this and it is so so helpful. I have already ordered some PUL fabric (never heard of it before but thanks to you I have now!)
Your step-by- step instructions and tips have inspired me to face my intimidation to applique. After watching your video I feel confident I can do this! Thanks so much for making this wonderful tutorial!!
Can you also do this on the blankets
Heat n bond lite works well too.
Try using a blanket stitch in contrasting thread colour for added effect.
Play with stitch widths.
Clear, easy to follow instructions to sew appliqué using a basic sewing machine! Thanks!!
Luv your videos Heaven sewing peeps are lucky to have you ❤
Thank you ♥️ I love how you explain and show everything 💕
Great video. Super smooth instruction. But God bless America what a woman.
Thanks for your tutorial on how to applique on a project, I've been sort of hesitant to try, but after your tips and close ups I think I can.
Now that has made it look so much easier than I thought it would be. Thank you :)
Chris Merrick nice, glad to hear that!
I have been watching loads of appliqué videos in the hopes that someone will give a really good tutorial on how to go around corners, whether they are corners that go in or out. Where to place the headless when turning etc. Would love it if you would do one. Thanks.
Outstanding tutorial, I bought fabric and pillow forms to make a wedding gift. I think ill add the last name initial to one of them! Thanks for the inspiration.
great idea! I'm sure the lucky couple would love it ;)
why in the world would anyone thumbs down this video. Awesome tutorial!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Wow those stitches were perfect. Hopefully one day mine will look that good!!
Hi Melanie, I love your videos, they are so clear, I like this pillow I will do this project for myself, and I have one question, when you do the zig zag do you have the fee dogs down? how can you move so good the fabric?
Thank you so much Melanie for really clear instructions & excellent camera shots. Have just found you & have just subscribed to your site. thank you for sharing - from the crafty corniche camel
I was looking through my sewing machine manual on applique sewing. It says after the zig zag stitching is finished it should be followed up a straight stitch close to the edge to add strength. Do you ever do this extra step? Would you recommend it?
I am loving your tutorials
8/19/2020. Thanks Melaine. You're in my thought and prayers.
Thank you soo much it looks PROFESSIONAL .Really appreciate your demonstration.
Is it much of a difference using a manual vs an electric? I'm getting a Brother LX3817
I love your new background! :D
do you think if I use glue dots to hold letters in place is a great idea to substitute the fusable web
I have a question about your sewing foot: Are you using a walking foot? Thanks for showing a close-up for the sewing process. Sewing slowly seems to be very important.
Hi Melanie!
I have tried a zig zag stitch repeatedly mostly on my quilts for the binding. I just can't get the hang of how to get it to look so beautiful as yours!!! I've gone slow med and quicker. HELP tips advice recommendations etc thanks!!!
Andrea
Very helpful, I made bunting for a friend with her sons name on and got so stressed with the letters so ended up sewing by hand, can I just as when your using the zigzag stitch do you drop the feed dogs or use them as normal (dumb question but I'm curious)?
Yea you can free motion around the edge! The letter is secure from the fusible web, but this gives it a more finished look and keeps from the little bits of fraying that can happen ;)
Great, detailed video, thanks for sharing your tips with us, definitely will give it a go.
I'll be trying this soon. Thanks for the inspiration!!
LaVonna Jones Oh of course, it's my pleasure!
hey, I love your tutorials, its amazing i came across your channel looking how to make fabric labels tutorial video, which by the way was super useful, thanks. I am currently putting together my own little sewing area and I've been looking for a dress form, I was wondering where did you get yours. Thanks.
Do you have to sew it if it's just going to be wall art??
How long do you think this would take as a pillow case?
If making a cushion, do I appliqué the material first, or make the pillow first, then appliqué the letter to the finished cushion?
I would do the appliqué first otherwise you will be sewing through the other layers of cushion material. So appliqué then sew the pillow.
Great lesson ! I just need letters! Where can I find them? Thanks.
Hi! Just wondering what kind of fabric is the best to use for the letters? I am just worried that it would fray once washed? Thanks!
capjack12 I know this comment was left like 3 years ago, but this might help someone else with this same question..I would think felt would be good for applique, if it's going to be something that's going to be washed a bunch.. since it doesn't fray and also it would give it a nice texture look.. Hope this helps
Love the tutorial! I have a question...is there a reason your thread isn't in the little bar above the needle? I noticed in your tutorials it usually goes directly from the machine into the bottom of the needle and not through the little hook and then through the needle. Is it better to leave it out? (because my stitches don't look as even as yours do LOL) Thank you!
with my machine it doesn't matter wether I use that little hook or not, so I usually forget! Thread your machine exactly how your instruction manual says, that will insure the best result!
Love the set and although not a fan of applique..I might actually try this..
Thanks! I needed this. Very clear and concise.
hi there. thank you for this video. very helpful. i was wondering does steam a seam work better than ulta bond for applique. i used ulta hold and cut out my own letters and numbers. im making a pillowcase with posey and his number on it. posey from s.f giants. anyway, i ironed the letters and numbers onto the pillowcase. and then i washed it to see it the letters and numbers would stay on. they didnt. they fell off. so the ulta bond didnt work so good for me. so now i think im going to do a stitch around each of the letters and numbers. i never thought about using steam a seam. just wondering if it gives a stronger bond then ulta hold
butterflymomof21970 I have not really used ultra bond. You want to make sure you get the "sewable" kind and not just the adhesive by itself that is not meant for sewing. I prefer to stitch around my applique all the time because i feel like it gives it a more finished look, so that I what I would recommend anyway. Hope that helps!!
iheartstitching
thank you i appreciate your help
hi melanie, are u using a regular sewing machine?
Love this! Your hair looks amazing! :)
Is the zig zag enough to keep the fabric from fraying?
is it possible for the glue to make my needle skip a few stitches on my zig zag?
Where do you get your letter templates from? Thanks.
do i have to sew over the letter after sticking it?
When you zig zag stitch around the letter, did you lower your feed dogs?
jocelynt01 no. there isn't a reason to lower the feed dogs unless you are free motion quilting or maybe darning a sock. The feed dogs needs to pull the fabric through the machine for a zig zag stitch, does that make sense?
Thank you. It is a very clear explanation. I am going to have a go.
Hey Melanie, in the background of this beginning part of the video, you have a beautiful light blue and white quilt. What is the name of the pattern of the quilt, please? I really want to do that one! Thank you!
what type of machine would one need to buy to do this? Im just starting out i need a hobby now that im a fulltime caregiver to my Nana. And this looks very fun.
Smiley Rose a basic sewing machine that has a zig zag stitch will be fine!
Perfect tutorial 🙌🏻 Thanks, Melanie!!!!
i love this. where do you get your letter templates from?
Thank you, I have never done this before, that was really clear and helpful!
Naomi F I'm so glad you found it helpful! Happy Stitching!
I make t shirts that say Big Bro and Big Sis and I use Wonder Under and a straight stitch. I love the idea of the zig zag stitch but my question is, My edges tend to fray. I purchased a no fray solution to apply and it leaves an oil look around it. Does the double fuse fray or does the zig zag stitch prevent that?
The fusible does help with the fraying and so does the zig zag. It's possible there could be a little bit of fraying and if that bothers you I would do an embroidery stitch around the edge. For something like tshirts that could get a lot of ware that may be helpful.
Ok I am a super inexperienced sew-er. And my machine is a plain jane machine. But I DO have the zig zag stitch. But it seems every time I push down on my pedal my machine takes off like a jet engine! Is that just something that comes with time, being able to gauge the speed and sensitivity of your machine pedal.
yes, practice will help that. You must have a sensitive foot pedal! I always sew barefoot too, because with shoes on its hard to tell sometimes!
Nice video. What stitch length and width do you use for the zig zag?
Meaghan Larsen 2-3 is great!
2-3 for both the width and length?
Woopreper34 every machine is different, i just realize mine doesn't have that hook-ish thingy either... Others do, i don't know if it makes a difference or not, just follow the manual, or try in a scrap both ways, and stick to the one that looks better!
Can I use this method to applique a letter to a crochet afghan?
What a great idea for some of my next cosmetic bags (on a somewhat smaller scale, of course!) Than you!
i'm thinking of getting into sewing and im signing up for a few classrs soon. could you please recommend a sewing machine thats good for beginners like me? something affordable would be awesome.
Tarynne Skye, I am also new to sewing, or I should re-new to sewing. I learned in junior high school, which was over 30 years ago. I had to sell my built-in sewing machine and cabinet about 25 years ago when I moved to a very small duplex. I asked my hubby for a sewing machine for Christmas 2013. He did a ton of research since I didn't know what to get. I felt like I wanted to make clothes for my 4 granddaughters and perhaps learn how to machine quilt. He found excellent reviews and bought me a Brother XL2600i. It has been awesome! It is a workhorse and I'm very pleased! I made 4 quilts in 2014, all self-taught and from RUclips videos. I am extremely happy with his purchase, as it does all I need it to for right now. I can see that in the future, I may want a machine that will do embroidery, and I make take long-arm quilting lessons at a local quilt shop....but for now, it's all I need. There are RUclips videos about this brand and make of machine if you want to check it out first. Good luck!
Really clear instructions, thank you!
What is your tension and the width and length of the stitch?
Where can I find the alphabet letters you used?
do you back stitch in a zigzag stich or straight stitch?
back stitch to finish it off, but zig zag for the actual applying of it
Thanks
Nice!!!!!! I love iti like that iron what model??? Shelf too lol wall background is so pretty !! Where did u moved?? I lived in Las Vegas
I live in LA. The background is one of my quilts ;) the iron is the cheapest one I could find (they always break) I think its a black n decker!
Melanie Ham Love your video, what size width and length of zig zag stitch did you use.
Can I use Wonder Under for applique?
Can you wash this and it will not fray?
i LOVE that chevron mannequin in the background...where did you get it?
homegoods!!
SERIOUSLY>>>I LOVE THAT PLACE
Hi, I liked your video but I think I would like to outline the letter with a satin stitch. How can I achieve a satin stitch that is close together and looks professional?
Dorothy McCurdy Does your sewing machine do a satin stitch? You can also try a button hole stitch, but I would check out the decorative stitches that are supplied on your machine and see if there is one on there that you would prefer!
Love your videos. I'm a beginner who's just starting to dabble in the machining arts. Do you mind my asking where you got your chevron apparel form? I just love it! Thanks in advance for your response!
Michelle Noll homegoods ;)
Thanks so much! Keep up the awesome video tutorials! Love yours the best!
I'm worried about my fabric fraying ? Any tips?
thank you the best one so far
This may be a silly question but...How does the letter not fray?
awesome awesome awesome. this definitely helped me on how to do a new project times 3. 😄
Where do you get the printable letter font?
Very nice tutorial, thank you!
Hi Melanie, love watching your channel, do you know where I can get letters to print to make a monogram applique?
+Elizabeth Chaisson any word processor like Word or Pages, or anything thick enough that you can print out to create this look
+Melanie Ham thank you so much!
Melanie Ham can I use card board to draw my letter and cut it out and draw it again on my fabric and not have to use the web?
Right. just make the font size 200, etc. You'll have to enter the font size manually, obviously. It doesn't go up that high on the "scrolling". You can also make it bigger by making the letter BOLD or even use word art. I've even googled a letter and searched the images. So like, search for "D", "D word art", "D clip art", etc. & select "images" instead of "ALL" and you'll get "word art, Clip art, & ALL kinds of fancy letters! Good luck!! 😊
Wzxk
How long does this project take from start to finish?
It has been awhile since I made it and depends on your skill level... should only take a few hours.
i have also tried making not fusible since i was going to sew it on anyway, so i just cut out my pattern, used fabric glue to attach it and then sewed. looked good and took much lesser time. Maybe you should try that too.
Where can we find the letters to applique?
What was the setting for your zig zag stitch?
What does the "B" stand for in your pillow?
Shayla Hicks I made this for a custom order back when I kept my etsy shop stocked ;)
Really thanks for the tutorial! I want to buy the products you'd used in this tutorial.. can you give me the names in a list.?
'm a beginner, what kind machine can you recommend for me. something not that expensive. than you
+Juliene Jimenez Walmart has Brother sewing machine for $88 or a refurbished (used but fixed) for $59. Brother is good too
I am having such a difficult time appliqueing letters (and there are LOTS of them on this quilt - it says "You make me happy when skies are gray."). I'm trying to finish it, but have basically come to a full-stop because the applique looks SO AWFUL. I've ripped the stitching out so many times now that on the few letters I've appliqued, the edges are starting to unravel. My main issue is I can't seem to keep my needle on the outside edge of each letter. I guess I'm not really asking a question so much as needing support! Haha. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to start such a large project, with such small letters, for my first machine applique. I hand embroider like the wind, but feel like a complete moron with my machine. Did you have this problem when you started machine appliqueing? By the way, I sincerely love your channel, and your lovely disposition. :)
SmittenKitten Did you use interfacing on the back of your letters? Also use you hand wheel alot on your sewing machine as it will give you a more precise stitch. Let me know if that's helpful! You got this!
Melanie Ham You are so sweet. Thank you for answering me! No, I don't have any interfacing on the back! I didn't even think about that! That would probably help a TON, now that I think about it. Would you suggest a "normal" or heavy weight interfacing? Thank you, also, for your encouragement - it helps SO much!
SmittenKitten I would use the fusible web... which has the double sided sticky. I think steam a seam and wonder under make it... something you can sew through and then put it in the spot you like. Also helps with the fraying... this video shows you how to do that ;)
Melanie Ham I have them secured to the fabric with Wonder Under, but have not actually backed the fabric with it (if that makes sense!). I'm going to back it with web tomorrow to see if that helps.
I think the biggest issue is that my letters are fairly small, so there are very few straight-aways, and LOTS of curves and sharp turns. (Here's a link to the quilt: 3.bp.blogspot.com/-se0hgBYLtq8/TpXyu7-LNMI/AAAAAAAADl8/gmXaapkhPqo/s1600/DSC_4762_Thevintageclothespingrayskies+quilt_1.jpg ) I have the entire thing ready to sandwich EXCEPT the silly lettering!
I really cannot thank you enough for all your help and encouragement!! I'm going to get this thing done by hook or by crook... :D
Love it! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for stopping by!! :)
Where did you get the pattern for the letter?
Becky Semeyn i printed it out from my computer, pick whatever you like but make sure it is thick.
What sewing machine do you use?
I currently use a juki tl-2010 q. I started on and still own my Viking emerald 116
thanks so much you make it so clear x
this was so helpful!!
Enjoyed the Video great information.
Can you please show a finished product at the end of your videos? I really like watching them but it would very inspiring if you show the finished at the end. Thanks :)
Great job. I always mess up on the curves.
You inspire me to stitch thanks very much.
Awe thanks so much for stopping by!
Great video, thank you for sharing!
OK as a newb, why am i not using my fabric scissors?
Such a helpful video, thank you!! :)