how-to holiday enchantment

Where to find it...

PRODUCT NOTE:

Steam-A-Seam 2

Christmas tree
appliqu template
can be found on the
pullout centerfold.

Steam-A-Seam 2 is a double-sided
fusible stabilizer. It is slightly
sticky and may be re-positioned
until it has been ironed.
TIP: Always use a press cloth
when working with a fusible!

BASIC APPLIQU
TECHNIQUES
Machine Set-Up: Use a bobbin
with lightweight thread that
matches the background color
of the garment fabric. This will
eliminate the need to change
bobbin thread for every needle
thread color change. Thread the
machine with embroidery thread
that matches the appliqu design.
Lower the machines upper
tension to 3 or less, which will
cause the needle thread to pull to
the bottom; this will give a more
satin-looking stitch on top. Use
an open toe appliqu foot and
engage needle down option if
available.
Place a piece of tear-a-way
stabilizer on the wrong side of
the fabric under the area that
will be stitched. As you stitch the
design, always pivot when the
needle is on the outside edge of
the appliqu fabric. Sew fast and
move the fabric slowly. When
the tree has been appliqud on
(see stitching order that follows),
remove the stabilizer from the
wrong side of the fabric around
the outside edges of the tree but
do not remove the stabilizer thats
inside the tree area. This stabilizer
will help when stitching tatting to
the design later.

STITCHING APPLIQU
DESIGN
1. Stitch tree trunk rst using
a stretch straight stitch (L=3.0).
Stitch along each outer edge rst.
Next, stitch a few rows of curved
stitching on actual trunk to add
depth (g. 5). Pull thread tails to
wrong side and tie off.

2. Satin stitch tree (W=2.5 3.0;

L=0.35.) (Test machine and adjust
as needed).
3. Make snow (see directions
below), and blanket-stitch snow in
place.
MAKING SNOW
Stitching together two pieces of
fabric gives snow a full, uffy
appearance.

Stitch tree trunk outer edge

rst, then move toward
middle to add depth

1. Transfer snow design to a plain

piece of paper. Roughly cut out
around drawn design.
2. Place two pieces of white snow
fabric with right sides together.

FIGURE 5

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Instructions-Holiday.indd 75

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7/23/13 10:47 AM