For machine appliqué, fabric shapes are usually cut out without the seam
allowances. The shapes are then fused to the background with heat-activated
fusible web before sewing around them on the sewing machine. They are usually
sewn using a close zigzag stitch (called a 'satin stitch') and matching thread.
This method is particularly suited to intricate 'pictorial' appliqué, which
attempts to reproduce a picture. This 'picture' can be stylized or realistic:
Another method of machine appliqué involves drawing (or tracing) the shape onto
the wrong side of the fabric. The patch is then placed face-down onto a
lightweight lining and sewn around the marked seam line. It is then trimmed,
turned right-side-out and sewn to the background using invisible thread and a
machine blind hem stitch.
The secret to successful machine appliqué is to stabilize the background before
applying the patches. This keeps the stitches from puckering and drawing the
fabric. There are several products on the market that do this. The cheapest and
most readily available of these, however, is plain, everyday freezer paper
pressed to the back with a warm iron before sewing.
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