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.
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.
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.
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 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 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!)
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!
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.
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.
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
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?
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.
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?
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
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
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.
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 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!
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 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.
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.
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?
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!!
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!
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!
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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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
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 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!)
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!
Luv your videos Heaven sewing peeps are lucky to have you ❤
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!!
Thank you ♥️ I love how you explain and show everything 💕
why in the world would anyone thumbs down this video. Awesome tutorial!!!!! 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽
Now that has made it look so much easier than I thought it would be. Thank you :)
Chris Merrick nice, glad to hear that!
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.
Wow those stitches were perfect. Hopefully one day mine will look that good!!
I am loving your tutorials
Thank you soo much it looks PROFESSIONAL .Really appreciate your demonstration.
8/19/2020. Thanks Melaine. You're in my thought and prayers.
I'll be trying this soon. Thanks for the inspiration!!
LaVonna Jones Oh of course, it's my pleasure!
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 ;)
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.
Thanks! I needed this. Very clear and concise.
Great, detailed video, thanks for sharing your tips with us, definitely will give it a go.
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 love your new background! :D
Perfect tutorial 🙌🏻 Thanks, Melanie!!!!
thank you the best one so far
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?
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.
Thank you. It is a very clear explanation. I am going to have a go.
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 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?
do you think if I use glue dots to hold letters in place is a great idea to substitute the fusable web
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
Is it much of a difference using a manual vs an electric? I'm getting a Brother LX3817
Really clear instructions, thank you!
Love the set and although not a fan of applique..I might actually try this..
HAM GIRL! Thanks.
awesome awesome awesome. this definitely helped me on how to do a new project times 3. 😄
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
What a great idea for some of my next cosmetic bags (on a somewhat smaller scale, of course!) Than you!
Great lesson ! I just need letters! Where can I find them? Thanks.
Beautiful
this was so helpful!!
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.
Very nice tutorial, thank you!
Do you have to sew it if it's just going to be wall art??
Love this! Your hair looks amazing! :)
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 ;)
Is the zig zag enough to keep the fabric from fraying?
Wow 💖
How long do you think this would take as a pillow case?
is it possible for the glue to make my needle skip a few stitches on my zig zag?
Love it! Thanks for sharing!!
Thanks for stopping by!! :)
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!
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!
thanks so much you make it so clear x
You inspire me to stitch thanks very much.
Awe thanks so much for stopping by!
hi melanie, are u using a regular sewing machine?
i love this. where do you get your letter templates from?
do i have to sew over the letter after sticking it?
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.
Love this video
Where do you get your letter templates from? Thanks.
Thank you seeew much! Very purrrrty!
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.
Great video! :) Thanks!
Great video, thank you for sharing!
Can I use this method to applique a letter to a crochet afghan?
Such a helpful video, thank you!! :)
Enjoyed the Video great information.
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!
Great tutorial, thank you.
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?
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
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!
Can I use Wonder Under for applique?
Great and easy
Very informative
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!
Awsome!!!
i LOVE that chevron mannequin in the background...where did you get it?
homegoods!!
SERIOUSLY>>>I LOVE THAT PLACE
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?
What was the setting for your zig zag stitch?
I'm worried about my fabric fraying ? Any tips?
Where do you get the printable letter font?
Where can we find the letters to applique?
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!
Very good video
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!
great video
Can you wash this and it will not fray?
What is your tension and the width and length of the stitch?
Great job. I always mess up on the curves.
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.?
Where can I find the alphabet letters you used?