double blanket stitch
My go-to stitch for machine appliqué is the double blanket stitch, which takes two stitches on the horizontal and two on the vertical portion of the stitch. Some of my quilter friends have even made up a dance to demonstrate the motion that the sewing machine needle travels when making this stitch.
How to applique by hand?
Cut out a motif. Place wrong side of template on the right side of the appliqué fabric,and trace with a disappearing-ink fabric pen.
Mark your placement. Position appliqué piece or template on fabric; trace with a disappearing-ink fabric pen.
Baste or pin the pieces. Baste large motifs in place 1/2 inch (13mm) from raw edge (as shown,above right); this will leave room to turn under edge.
Stitch in place. Thread appliqué needle and knot thread; with the tip of the needle,turn under the seam allowance at the starting point of the motif.
What are the different types of hand stitches?
Straight/Running Stitch: The running stitch/straight stitch is the most basic of the hand-sewing stitches. It has many variations according to the requirement.
Basting/Tacking Stitch: It is the same as the running stitch,but with longer stitches (between 1/4 inch and a 1/2 inch).
Backstitch: A hand-sewn backstitch is a strong,reliable stitch. Before sewing machines,all clothes were built by layer upon layer of backstitches.
How to hand applique edge?
Freezer Paper&Starch Technique. One of my favorite hand applique techniques is the freezer paper and starch method.
Turned edge using a leave-in foundation. Very similar to freezer paper and starch is a turned edge using a leave in foundation .
Turning the edge with interfacing. Many people are fond of turning the edge of applique with interfacing.
Worth mentioning. Someone that I have followed for a long time and who does beautiful applique is Erin at One Piece at a Time .
Books I recommend. One of my favorite books for anything about applique is Applique the Basics and Beyond: The Complete Guide to Successful Machine and Hand Techniques by Janet Pittman.
