Machine Applique

"Did you ever drop a needle into the feed dog area of your sewing machine?"

After having to have a sewing machine service person get a needle out of my machine I now put a piece of fabric over the feed dogs so there is no chance of a needle falling into the feed dog area of the machine.

 (This hint didn't really have an applicable catagory.)

When I machine applique, I like to use the rubber tipped machiners gloves that I use when machine quilt. They help me grip the fabric so I can move the project around easier with less stopping.

when sewing triangles or small pieces of fabric put a small piece of tape over the hole of the plate but not on the feed dogs and your needle will go through the tape that way your fabric will stay on top without getting bunched up in the hole.

happy quilting

pam

When I machine applique I always use LINGERIE thread(in the bobbin) it is very strong and thiner than regular thread and a bobbin will last a lot longer than a bobbin wound in regular thread.

I usually can purchase the Lingerie thread either at JoAnn's Fabric or Hancock Fabric or any large fabric store.

When I'm doing a lot of machine applique I get organised ahead of time and wind a bunch of bobbins.   Then, to keep the correct bobbins with spools I take a pipe cleaner ( for a packet at the local Dollar Store),  thread it through both the bobbin and the thread spool and then twist the pipe cleaner.    Voila,  they stay together and there is no more worrying about matching threads and bobbins if you're using various shades of a color.

I have several patterns that are pretty big and I don't want creases in them.  To make them last longer, I cover them with clear contact paper.  Then I take a large piece of cardboard and fold it in half.  I put my patterns inside this and hang it by one of those skirt or pants hangers inside my closet.  Keeps everything nice and neat and uncreased for further use.

Go to a chemist and buy a packet of bandages that are used for a finger dressings. They come in about a 5 meter lenght and are like a stretchy mesh. Cut into lenghts that will fit over your cotton reels, plus a little extra,and place over them.This will stop them unwinding and making a mess. It is also great for keeping fish bait on hooks!!

i like to make a sandwich quilt,get your top and bottom ,put batting in middle,start in the center ,use any red work design you want,,i use machine embroidery red work ,put quilt in the hoop,,no stabeliser,,sew the design out,,the design will be on both sides,its beautiful,,thank you linda

A good rule of thumb is to test any equipment before you dive in and start working on your project. You'll save yourself a great deal of heartbreak if you do a test stitch first. Use scrap fabric for this chest to perform the test. It is also a good idea to test sewing on any unfamiliar fabric. If you have been used to sewing on cotton, then satin is going to be a world of difference in the feel, performance, and maneuverability.

If you choose to do your applique work using a sewing machine, pick up an open-toe presser foot. This can be purchased for a minimal price at your local fabric store and will save you a great deal of time. The open-toe presser foot will allow you to easily maneuver the material and has a wide space that allows for a zigzag stitch. This open-toe prevents the thread from getting caught as it travels underneath the presser foot.