Can You Applique with an Embroidery Machine? A Complete Guide

1. Introduction to Machine Embroidery Applique

Applique with an embroidery machine is where creativity meets efficiency, transforming plain fabrics into dimensional works of art. At its core, applique involves layering fabric shapes onto a base material, then securing their edges with decorative stitches—usually satin or zigzag—for a polished, professional finish. Compared to traditional hand applique, machine embroidery applique offers unmatched precision, speed, and the freedom to experiment with intricate designs or multiple fabrics.

Why choose a computerized embroidery machine for applique? It dramatically reduces stitch count, minimizes fabric distortion, and opens up endless possibilities for personalized garments, plush toys, home decor, and even intricate quilt blocks. Whether you’re a seasoned embroiderer or a curious beginner, mastering this technique means you can tackle everything from baby onesies to multi-layered plushies with confidence.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through foundational techniques, essential tools, troubleshooting tips, and creative applications. You’ll learn how to prepare fabrics, select stabilizers, follow the stitch sequence, and troubleshoot common issues like puckering or misalignment. Ready to unlock the full potential of your embroidery machine? Let’s dive in and discover how easy—and fun—machine applique can be.

Table of Contents

• 1. Introduction to Machine Embroidery Applique
• 2. Step-by-Step Applique Techniques for Beginners
• 3. Essential Tools and Materials for Flawless Applique
• 4. Troubleshooting Common Applique Issues
• 5. Pattern vs. Trim-in-Place: Choosing Your Method
• 6. Creative Applique Projects: Beyond Basics
• 7. Digitizing and Software Mastery
• 8. Advanced Applique Strategies
• 9. Conclusion: Mastering Applique Embroidery
• 10. FAQ: Machine Applique Essentials

2. Step-by-Step Applique Techniques for Beginners

Applique with an embroidery machine may look complex, but once you understand the sequence, it’s as approachable as following a favorite recipe. Learn how to use an embroidery machine through these bite-sized steps, so you can confidently create crisp, professional appliques from the very first try.

2.1 Preparing Fabrics and Stabilizers

The foundation of flawless applique is in the prep work. Start by choosing the right stabilizer—iron-on stabilizers like Heat N Bond Lite are highly recommended for beginners. They prevent fabric slippage and puckering, keeping your applique edges smooth and secure. If you’re working with garments, hoop only the front layer to avoid accidentally stitching both sides together.

Here’s how to set up:

• Select Your Stabilizer: Iron-on stabilizer is ideal for most applique projects. For extra security, you can use adhesive stabilizers or a light mist of spray adhesive to temporarily bond your fabric to the stabilizer.
• Hoop Your Fabric: Place the stabilizer under your base fabric (such as a t-shirt or towel), ensuring it extends beyond the hoop’s edges. This avoids wrinkles and ensures even tension.
• Iron Fusible Web: For your applique fabric, iron a sheet of fusible web (like Heat N Bond Lite) to the wrong side. Once cooled, peel off the backing to reveal a glossy surface—this will help your applique fabric adhere smoothly during stitching.

A pro tip from Karlie Belle’s tutorial: always keep your hoop on a flat surface when trimming, not in your lap. This prevents accidental fabric shifting, which could throw your design off alignment.

2.2 Stitching Sequence: Placement to Finishing

With your fabrics and stabilizers prepped, it’s time to let the machine work its magic. Most embroidery machines—including popular models like the Brother SE400, PE800, or Bernina—follow a similar stitch sequence for applique:

1. Placement Stitch: Load your applique design (in the correct format, such as .PES) into your machine. The first step is a placement stitch—usually done with a contrasting thread for visibility. This outlines where your applique fabric will go.
2. Fabric Application: Place your prepped applique fabric (glossy side down if using fusible web) over the placement stitch. Use a light spray adhesive if needed for extra hold.
3. Tack-Down Stitch: The machine runs a straight or zigzag stitch to secure the applique fabric. Gently hold the fabric flat to prevent bubbling.
4. Trimming: Remove the hoop from the machine (but don’t unhoop the fabric!). On a flat surface, use sharp applique scissors to trim the excess fabric as close to the tack-down stitch as possible—without snipping the threads.
5. Finishing Stitch: Return the hoop to the machine. The final step is a satin or zigzag stitch that covers the raw edges, creating a neat, professional border. For multi-layered designs, repeat these steps for each fabric piece.

Throughout the process, keep these best practices in mind:

Troubleshooting Tips:

• If you notice puckering, check that your fusible web is fully adhered and your fabric is trimmed closely.
• For fabric movement, rely on spray adhesive or fusible web.
• To prevent edge fraying, opt for a dense satin stitch, especially on delicate fabrics.

Once you’ve mastered this sequence, you’ll find that machine applique is not only easy, but incredibly rewarding—opening the door to custom gifts, personalized apparel, and creative home decor.

3. Essential Tools and Materials for Flawless Applique

A successful applique project is built on the right combination of tools and materials. Here’s your essential checklist, so you can avoid last-minute dashes to the craft store and focus on the fun part—creating!

3.1 Stabilizers, Threads, and Adhesives Compared

Stabilizers:

• Tear-Away: Best for most fabrics, easy to remove after stitching.
• Cut-Away: Ideal for thick or stretchy fabrics (like denim or knits), provides permanent support.
• Water-Soluble: Perfect for delicate fabrics or designs where no stabilizer residue is desired.
• Fusible Polymesh: Lightweight, “no-show” backing for garments.
• Self-Adhesive: Simplifies hooping, especially for tricky fabrics.

Threads:

• 40- or 60-weight Polyester: Brands like Exquisite, Floriani, Sulky, and Pacesetter offer strong, vibrant threads that resist fading and breakage.
• Bobbin Thread: Typically 60-weight (black or white) for consistent under-stitching.

Adhesives:

• Fusible Web (e.g., Heat N Bond Lite): Bonds applique fabric to the base, preventing shifting and puckering.
• Spray Adhesive (e.g., Therm O Web Spray N Bond): Temporarily holds fabric in place during stitching.

Needles:

• 75/11 Ballpoint: General-purpose for most fabrics.
• Sharp Needles: For dense or heavy fabrics like leather or canvas.

When in doubt, start with tear-away stabilizer, 40-weight polyester thread, and a 75/11 ballpoint needle—this combo covers most beginner projects and minimizes trial and error. For advanced tasks or specialty fabrics, explore cut-away or water-soluble stabilizers.

3.2 Specialized Scissors and Hooping Accessories

Precision is everything in applique, and the right tools make all the difference:

• Applique Scissors: Curved or duckbill blades let you trim close to the tack-down stitch without risking accidental snips to your base fabric.
• Dressmaker’s Shears: For cutting larger fabric pieces.
• Embroidery Snips: Quick removal of stray threads during and after stitching.
• Seam Ripper: Handy for correcting any stitching errors.
• Fabric Clips (e.g., Clover Wonder Clips): Keep excess fabric out of the way, especially on bulky projects.

Hooping Accessories: For garment embroidery, magnetic hoop systems—like those from MaggieFrame—are a game-changer. Their powerful magnetic clamping system prevents fabric slippage during trimming and stitching, ensuring distortion-free results and saving you time on every project. (Remember: MaggieFrame hoops are designed for garment hooping, not for caps or hats.)

Miscellaneous Must-Haves:

• Iron and Ironing Board: For fusing applique fabrics and prepping materials.
• Thread Holder: Keeps spools organized and tangle-free.
• Marking Tools: Disappearing ink pens or Tide pens for precise design placement.

By assembling these essentials, you’ll set yourself up for consistent, professional-quality applique—whether you’re crafting a single baby onesie or tackling a batch of custom gifts. Ready to bring your designs to life? Gather your tools, prep your fabrics, and let your embroidery machine do the heavy lifting!

4. Troubleshooting Common Applique Issues

Even the most seasoned embroiderers occasionally face hiccups with machine applique. Puckering, thread tension woes, misalignment, and hoop burn can turn a promising project into a frustrating ordeal. But don’t worry—most problems have straightforward solutions. Let’s break down the most common issues and how to fix them, so your applique always looks crisp and professional.

4.1 Fixing Puckering and Tension Errors

Puckering is the arch-nemesis of smooth, professional applique. It often sneaks in when you least expect it, leaving your fabric wrinkled or distorted. Here’s how to banish puckering and keep your stitches flawless:

Common Causes:

• Not enough stabilizer support, especially with thin fabrics or dense stitching.
• Stitch length or tension set too tight, pulling the fabric and causing it to pucker.
• Skipping the pre-wash or pressing step—unwashed fabrics can shrink unevenly during stitching.
• Running your machine at high speed, which can drag the fabric, especially on curves.

Solutions and Pro Tips:

• Choose the Right Stabilizer: For extra support, use SF101 Shape-Flex® or even freezer paper on the back of your fabric. These add rigidity and help the fabric hold its shape during stitching.
• Adjust Stitch Settings: Set your stitch length to 2.5–3.0 mm and lower the tension to 1–2 for delicate fabrics. This reduces the pull on your fabric.
• Pre-Wash and Press: Always pre-wash and iron your fabric before starting. This removes any shrinkage and smooths out wrinkles, ensuring even tension.
• Slow Down: Reducing your machine’s speed gives the fabric time to move naturally, preventing drag and puckering—especially important for curves or intricate designs.

When it comes to thread tension errors, the culprits are often improper threading, low-quality thread, or bobbin issues. If you notice thread nests or inconsistent stitches:

• Rethread and Clean: Clear any debris from your thread guides and rethread the machine. A little maintenance goes a long way.
• Use High-Quality Thread: Opt for embroidery-specific threads with low-friction coatings for smooth, even stitches.
• Replace Bobbins and Needles: Swap in a fresh bobbin and use a sharp, size-appropriate needle. A dull needle or old bobbin can wreak havoc on your stitches.
• Avoid Random Tension Adjustments: Unless you’re confident, avoid tweaking your machine’s default tension settings. If you must, consult your manual or a professional.

Preventative Maintenance: Regularly clean and oil your machine, and replace needles every 1–2 projects. Using quality materials and the right stabilizer strategy will set you up for consistent success.

4.2 Eliminating Misalignment and Hoop Burn

Misalignment and hoop burn can quickly derail your applique ambitions. Misalignment leads to off-center designs, while hoop burn leaves unsightly marks on your fabric. Here’s how to keep your work sharp and your fabric pristine:

Misalignment Fixes:

• Secure Fabric in the Hoop: The tighter and more evenly your fabric is hooped, the less it will shift. Use temporary spray adhesives (like spray basting) to hold fabric and stabilizer together for extra stability.
• Test Your Design Files: Always run a test stitch on scrap fabric to catch any digitizing issues before working on your final project.
• Choose the Right Stabilizer: For visible backings, use no-show mesh; for projects that need to be water-soluble, opt for wash-away stabilizers.

Hoop Burn Solutions:

• Even Tension is Key: Uneven hooping pressure is the main cause of hoop burn. Make sure your fabric is taut but not overstretched.
• Upgrade Your Hooping Tools: For garment embroidery, magnetic hoops—like those from MaggieFrame—offer a game-changing solution. MaggieFrame’s magnetic hoops use a powerful, evenly distributed magnetic clamping system that holds fabric securely without crushing or leaving marks. Their design ensures distortion-free results, especially on tricky or delicate fabrics, and saves time by making hooping effortless and repeatable.

MaggieFrame’s hoops are compatible with over 200 embroidery machine models, from Brother and Bernina to Tajima and Ricoma. If you’re tired of wrestling with screw-tightened plastic hoops or constantly battling hoop burn, switching to a MaggieFrame magnetic hoop could be the upgrade your workflow needs. (Remember, MaggieFrame hoops are designed for garment embroidery and not for caps or hats.)

Final Tips:

• Always hoop on a flat surface to avoid shifting.
• Use fabric clips to keep excess material out of the way.
• After embroidery, a quick press with parchment paper can help remove any minor hoop marks.

For persistent issues, consult professional embroidery machine repair services.

By addressing these issues systematically and investing in the right tools, you’ll be well on your way to flawless, frustration-free applique.

5. Pattern vs. Trim-in-Place: Choosing Your Method

When it comes to machine applique, how you cut and position your fabric can make a world of difference. Two machine embroidery design approaches dominate the scene: the Pattern Method (pre-cut) and the Trim-in-Place Method. Each has its own strengths—let’s compare them so you can pick the best fit for your next project.

Pattern Method (Pre-Cut)

How it Works: You pre-cut your applique fabric using templates—either by hand with scissors, with digital cutters, or adhesive papers like Print & Stick Target Paper—before you start stitching.

Best For:

- Intricate shapes with sharp points or inner corners (think floral spikes, animal details, or windows in vehicles).

- Projects where precision is paramount, such as reverse applique or fussy cutting for specific fabric motifs.

Pros:

- High edge accuracy and shape control.

- Allows for precise fabric placement and alignment.

- Great for complex, multi-piece designs.

Cons:

- Longer setup time (template creation and cutting).

- Requires additional tools (templates, cutters, adhesive paper).

Trim-in-Place Method

How it Works: You place a larger piece of fabric over the placement stitch, secure it with a tack-down stitch, and then trim away the excess fabric while the project is still in the hoop.

Best For:

- Simple shapes (circles, rectangles, basic animal silhouettes).

- Raw-edge applique where the finishing stitch covers the edges.

Pros:

- Faster and more streamlined for simple designs.

- Requires only basic embroidery tools (scissors, stabilizer).

- Reduces pre-stitching steps—great for quick projects.

Cons:

- Edge accuracy depends on your trimming skills.

- Less control over fabric placement, especially for directional prints.

- Not ideal for intricate or multi-layered designs.

Side-by-Side Comparison

Key Considerations:

- For raw-edge applique, the trim-in-place method is often preferred since the final satin stitch will conceal the raw edges.

- If you’re using fusible applique, the pattern method helps pre-seal edges and avoids fraying.

- Your machine’s capabilities may also influence your choice: trim-in-place leverages the embroidery machine’s precision for continuous stitching, while the pattern method relies more on your cutting tools and prep work.

Recommendations:

- Choose Pattern Method for:

- Designs with intricate shapes, sharp corners, or specific fabric placement needs.

- Multi-layered or reverse applique projects.

- Choose Trim-in-Place Method for:

- Simple, bold shapes where speed is a priority.

- Projects where minor trimming imperfections will be covered by a dense satin stitch.

Both methods can yield beautiful results. Experiment with each to discover which aligns best with your design complexity, available tools, and personal workflow.

6. Creative Applique Projects: Beyond Basics

Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, it’s time to unleash your creativity! Machine applique isn’t just about covering shapes—it’s a playground for layered textures, themed designs, and hybrid embroidery-applique masterpieces. Let’s explore how to elevate your projects from “nice” to “wow.”

6.1 Multi-Layered and Themed Designs

Layering fabrics and playing with shapes adds depth and personality to your applique. Here’s how to take your designs up a notch:

Reverse Applique: Layer multiple fabrics, then cut away upper layers to reveal contrasting colors beneath. For example, in a floral design, you might cut petals from the top layer to expose a vibrant background fabric, adding dimension and visual intrigue.

Layered Applique:

- Use lightweight fusible web (like Heat N Bond Lite) to minimize bulk when stacking fabrics.

- Start with larger base shapes, then fuse smaller highlight pieces (think animal eyes, noses, or intricate details) on top.

- Wool felt and cotton blends are excellent choices for layered designs—they hold their shape and fuse well.

Machine-Specific Features: Modern embroidery machines, such as the Baby Lock Array or Brother Luminaire XP3, let you assign applique steps (placement, tack-down, finishing) to dedicated color chips. This ensures the machine pauses between steps, giving you time to position and trim each layer precisely.

Tips for Complex Shapes:

- Use shorter stitches at corners and curves to prevent puckering.

- For multi-fabric animals, layer different textures for fur, stripes, or highlights. A tiger design, for instance, might use orange for the body, black for stripes, and white for facial features.

6.2 Combining Embroidery and Applique Elements

Why choose between embroidery and applique when you can have both? Hybrid designs blend the best of both worlds—think plush toys with embroidered details or garments featuring applique motifs with stitched embellishments.

Integrated Embellishments:

- Add satin stitch borders around applique shapes to create a polished, dimensional look.

- After finishing the applique, use your machine’s embroidery functions to add details like whiskers, eyelashes, or decorative motifs.

Workflow Example: Take the Poliwag plush project as inspiration. The plush’s white belly is created with applique to avoid excessive stitch density and maintain softness, while features like eyes are embroidered for precision. The process involves:

1. Designing the applique in software (such as Embird), which automatically programs basting and satin stitches.

2. Hooping stabilizer and fabric, then running placement and tack-down stitches.

3. Trimming excess fabric close to the stitch line with curved embroidery scissors.

4. Adding a water-soluble topping for plush or furry fabrics before the final satin stitch.

5. Completing additional embroidery details as needed.

Software Sequencing: Use embroidery software (like Embrilliance Essentials) to separate applique and embroidery elements, ensuring the machine stops at the right moments for fabric placement and trimming. Assigning unique color chips to each step streamlines the process, especially on multi-needle machines.

Best Practices:

- Avoid excessive layering to prevent needle breakage—Heat N Bond Lite is your friend for multi-layer projects.

- Stick with stable fabrics (cotton, felt) for clean edges.

- Leverage your machine’s built-in applique features to simplify complex designs.

Ready for More? Try combining reverse applique with embroidery, or create themed projects like animal plushies, holiday ornaments, or personalized gifts. Explore commercial-grade embroidery designs for machines. The only limit is your imagination—and maybe your fabric stash!

Let your creativity run wild—machine applique is your gateway to unique, professional, and truly personal projects.

7. Digitizing and Software Mastery

Digitizing applique designs for your embroidery machine is where artistry meets technology. With the right software and workflow, you can turn sketches or purchased designs into machine-ready files—streamlining everything from fabric placement to cutting and stitching. Let’s break down how to master this process, using Embrilliance Essentials as a prime example.

Digitizing software for embroidery machines like Embrilliance Essentials automates the three foundational steps of applique: positioning stitches (to show where fabric goes), material stitches (to secure fabric), and topstitching (like satin or blanket stitches for finishing edges). This not only saves time but also opens up creative possibilities, letting you merge, resize, and customize designs with ease.

Embrilliance Essentials: Your Applique Powerhouse

Creating Applique Objects: With Embrilliance, you can automatically generate placement lines and tack-down stitches for any applique shape. The software allows you to choose your finishing stitch—satin, blanket, or E-stitch—while automatically removing overlapping stitches to prevent bulky layers. Plus, fabric simulation tools help you visualize colors and textures before you ever thread your machine.

Integration with Cutting Machines: If you use a fabric cutter like Brother ScanNCut or Silhouette Cameo, Embrilliance can export your applique shapes as .SVG, .PLT, or .FCM files. This means you can pre-cut your fabric pieces for perfect edges, saving time and boosting precision—no more tedious hand-cutting or guesswork.

Design Customization and Resizing: Want to combine multiple designs or add a name to your applique? Embrilliance lets you merge files (even zipped archives) and scale your designs from 50% to 250% of their original size, recalculating stitches so your embroidery remains crisp and dense at any dimension. Thread color conversion is also built in, making it easy to match your favorite brands.

Converting Designs to Machine Formats

Digitizing from Scratch

For those who want total creative control, Embrilliance’s StitchArtist tools let you draw applique shapes point-by-point, create knockdown outlines for textured effects, and merge custom text with applique backgrounds. You can even preview how your design will look on fabric, adjust stitch density, and fine-tune pull compensation for flawless results.

Workflow Example:

1. Import a font or design file.
2. Use StitchArtist to trace or create your applique shape.
3. Merge, arrange, and adjust—all within the software.
4. Export as a machine-ready file and, if needed, as a cut file for your fabric cutter.

Practical Tips

- Always use stitch recalculation when resizing to avoid distortion.
- Test your design with a free trial of Embrilliance (note: you can’t save in the trial, but you can explore all features).
- Convert thread colors for better visualization and easier stitching.

With tools like Embrilliance, digitizing applique is no longer a technical hurdle—it’s a creative playground. Whether you’re prepping a personalized onesie or a multi-layered plushie, mastering software workflows will elevate your embroidery game and unlock new levels of efficiency and artistry.

8. Advanced Applique Strategies

Machine applique doesn’t stop at basic cotton and simple shapes. The real magic happens when you tackle challenging fabrics, optimize for speed, and adapt your techniques to any embroidery machine. Here’s how to push your applique skills to the next level.

8.1 Handling Challenging Fabrics

Working with materials like faux fur, lace, or stretch knits demands special care—but the results can be stunning.

Faux Fur:

• Preparation: Trim the fur to 1/4 inch or less to prevent thread tangling.
• Stabilizer: Use a heavyweight water-soluble stabilizer with spray adhesive, and top with a water-soluble topping to keep stitches from sinking.
• Hooping: Hoop all layers together for maximum stability.
• Finishing: After stitching, dissolve the stabilizer in warm water and gently trim any stray fibers.

8.2 Efficiency with Cutters and Multi-Needle Machines

If you’re producing in volume or working with intricate designs, automation is your ally.

• Thread Optimization: multi needle embroidery machine models with multiple needles (2–10) allow for rapid color changes and simultaneous thread use.
• Design Prep: Group similar colors to minimize thread changes, and preload designs via USB or WiFi for real-time adjustments.
• Stitch Density: Balance speed and quality by adjusting stitch density (400–1,000 stitches per minute is typical).

8.3 Adapting Techniques for Non-Brother Machines

Not everyone uses a Brother or Baby Lock—and that’s okay. Here’s how to achieve flawless applique on any system.

9. Conclusion: Mastering Applique Embroidery

Mastering machine applique is about more than just following steps—it’s about understanding stabilizer selection, mastering stitch sequencing, and embracing creative possibilities. With the right tools and techniques, you can transform any fabric into a canvas for dimensional, personalized art.

Remember:

- Choose stabilizers and threads that suit your fabric and design.
- Follow the placement, tack-down, and finishing stitch sequence for crisp, professional edges.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with layered designs, challenging materials, and advanced digitizing tools.

The world of applique is as limitless as your imagination. So load up your favorite design, fire up your embroidery software, and let your machine—and your creativity—shine!

10. FAQ: Machine Applique Essentials

10.1 Q: Can you applique without fusible web?

A: Absolutely! While fusible web like Heat N Bond Lite is a popular choice for securing applique fabric and preventing puckering, it’s not the only option. You can use temporary spray adhesives to hold your applique fabric in place during stitching. Simply spray the wrong side of your applique fabric, position it over the placement stitch, and continue with the tack-down and finishing stitches as usual. This method is especially handy for quick projects or when you run out of fusible web.

10.2 Q: How do you prevent fraying on applique edges?

A: The key to preventing fraying is in your finishing stitch. A dense satin stitch—where the threads are packed closely together—will completely cover the raw edges of your applique fabric, sealing them and stopping any fraying even after multiple washes. If you’re working with fabrics that tend to fray more, like loosely woven cottons, consider using fusible web or a light dab of fray check along the edges before stitching for extra insurance.

10.3 Q: What are the best fabrics for beginners to use in machine applique?

A: For those just starting out, cotton and wool felt are your best friends. Cotton is easy to handle, cuts cleanly, and fuses well with stabilizers and fusible web. Wool felt, on the other hand, doesn’t fray at all, making it ideal for crisp shapes and layered designs. Both fabrics come in a rainbow of colors and patterns, letting you experiment without frustration. As you gain confidence, you can branch out into other materials like denim, fleece, or even faux fur for more texture and variety.

10.4 Q: Do I need special scissors for applique?

A: While not strictly required, having a pair of sharp applique scissors—especially those with a curved or duckbill blade—makes trimming around tack-down stitches much easier and safer. These scissors help you get close to the stitch line without accidentally snipping your base fabric, resulting in cleaner, more professional edges.

10.5 Q: Can I use any embroidery machine for applique?

A: Most modern embroidery machines can handle applique, as long as you have the correct file format for your design (like .PES for Brother or .DST for commercial machines). Some machines even come with built-in applique designs and step-by-step prompts. If you’re using an older or less common machine, just make sure your design software can export to the appropriate format and follow the standard placement, tack-down, and finishing stitch sequence.

10.6 Q: Is it possible to applique on stretch or tricky fabrics?

A: Yes, but it requires the right stabilizer and a bit of care. For stretch fabrics, use a cut-away stabilizer to prevent distortion. Float the fabric on top of the stabilizer rather than hooping it directly to avoid stretching. For tricky materials like faux fur or lace, consider adding a water-soluble topping to keep stitches from sinking and use minimal hoop pressure.

10.7 Q: How do I remove hoop marks after finishing my applique?

A: If you notice faint hoop marks on your finished project, don’t worry—they’re usually easy to fix. When considering how much is an embroidery machine, place a pressing cloth or parchment paper over the area and gently iron it. For stubborn marks, a light spritz of water followed by pressing can help relax the fibers and erase any lingering impressions.

Machine applique is a flexible, forgiving technique—perfect for both beginners and seasoned embroiderers. With the right materials and a few pro tips, you’ll be creating crisp, colorful designs in no time!