Instructions for Appliquéd Butterflies

Best results will be obtained with the right combination of fabric and adequate stabilizer. I like to spray starch and press fabric before embroidering to help eliminate puckering.

Appliqué is done in three steps: “Appliqué Material” thread stop sews a running stitch outline to mark where appliqué will go on hooped background fabric. Next, cut a piece of decorative fabric large enough to cover this area. I use a fusible or a dab of glue stick to secure appliqué fabric to the background. “Appliqué Position” uses running stitches to sew appliqué fabric to hooped background fabric. After this is sewn down, remove hoop from machine, (do not unhoop fabric), and trim away excess appliqué fabric as close to stitched line as possible. Don’t worry too much if you snip this stitching; it will be covered in the next step. Replace hoop in machine and “Appliqué” thread stop will sew a 3 mm wide satin stitch around edge of appliqué piece securing it to the background and enclosing raw edges. Color choice for appliqué thread stops is up to you; use a colorful variety of fabrics and thread. Each butterfly will be sewn out using only one thread color.