How to Use a Sewing Machines Decorative Stitches with Applique

Our sewing machines have a great number of stitches available and it is always nice to be able to test them out on a pattern like our Patchwork Handbag Applique & Bag Pattern.

Just about every sewing machine, even the basic ones, have at least a few decorative stitches built in. The best thing to do if you're feeling a little cautious about using them immediately for a pattern, is get some scrap fabric and test them out.

Change the length and width of each stitch on your machine, change the thread and the fabric type and see what you like.

It's all about just getting in there and having a go.

We have started our Patchwork Handbag Applique & Bag Pattern. with a basic straight stitch. Moving this up and back in a pointed arch inside one of the applique pieces.

A straight stitch like it sounds, is your basic sewing stitch. This versatile stitch is the base stitch used in almost all types of sewing.

Sometimes it is good to start a project with a simple stitch first. Get the rhythm of your machine and a little confidence in your fabric steering and then move onto some more decorative stitching.

Then you move onto something with a little more flare. The decorative stitch.

Decorative stitches are used to embellish whatever project you're working on. In our case the Patchwork Handbag Applique & Bag Pattern.

Depending on your machine you may not have access to all of these decorative stitches, however even with something as basic as a zig zag stitch you can still use these same methods to create a decorative looking stitch on your pattern.

As a decorative stitch is an embellishment and you want this to stand out, this is your opportunity to dive into all of those really bright, fun and exciting threads!

If you just want to test things out, you can just stick with your all purpose thread, but why not get creative and test out a variety.

There are a variety of threads available, just have fun with your decorative stitch and see what you like the look of.

Tip: If you are going to use a thread other than all purpose for your decorative stitch, use your different thread at the top of your machine and have an all purpose thread for your bobbin.

In order to prevent puckering when doing your decorative stitch you want to ensure that you are using a stabiliser for your fabric.

There are a number of stabilisers that are available to you, and depending on your fabric you want to ensure that you're picking the right one.

You should be able to determine from your pattern the requirements of your stabiliser and fabrics.

If you are going to put your decorative stitch at the edge of your applique piece you can always use the seam allowance guide on your sewing machine, just match this up with the edge of your applique piece like you would normally do when sewing a seam.

If you are doing your decorative stitches away from the edge of your fabric, decide where you would like to place your stitching. Draw your initial line of stitching and the design you would like to follow.

We are then going to get your sewing machine foot and measure to where the centre of the foot is (where the needle would be) to the edge of the foot.

This will ensure that you have a straight guideline to follow when doing your decorative stitches.

Once you know this you can measure out your desired pattern on your applique and decorate to your hearts content.

Tip: You may need to lower your thread tension. The best way to find this out is practise on some scraps of fabric and see what suits you.

You should start your decorative stitching at a slightly slower speed, so don't put the pedal to the metal and go as fast as you can, take your time and enjoy.