Wool Applique Mini Class – Part 2

Welcome back! This is part 2 and the final part of my wool applique mini class. If you missed the previous posts in this series, you can find them here: Wool Applique – Tips and Tools to Get You Stitching and Wool Applique Mini Class – Part 1. This week we will begin to stitch the wool appliques that we cut out and fused into place last week. I will have two mini tutorial videos that demonstrate stitching (at the end of the post) and also show you some photos of “fun” stitching. So let’s get started!

Stitching

As we covered in the first post of this series, I use perle cotton thread in neutral colors. I like Valdani Perle Cotton, size 8. However, the thread that you use and the color is your choice! Here are the most common stitched used when stitching down your applique. The first one is the blanket stitch:

This is how it looks on a real project:

The next stitch I often use on thin pieces, like stems made from strips, is call the whip stitch:

Here is a stem that I used this stitch on:

I like to use this stitch on stems because I think the blanket stitch would overwhelm such a thin strip of wool.

Now that you have chosen the type of stitch you will be using, it’s time to get your thread prepared. I pull off a piece of the thread no longer than 18″. I think if you have a longer piece, there is more of a chance that it gets tangled and frayed. To prevent as much fraying as possible, I use Thread Magic thread conditioner.

• 

• 

It’s not beeswax and it’s acid free so it’s safe for all your fabrics and threads. I like the design of the container too. Those indentations allow you to make use of all the product without having to dig into the container.

Simply run your thread through like shown in the photo:

Here is a technique you can use to make sure your stitches are evenly spaced. Mark two lines on your thumb and use that as a guide for stitch spacing!

When you have finished stitching a piece or you have come to an end of the thread, here is a handy way to end so there is no need to knot:

• 

• 

• 

• 

Simply feed the tail of the thread through the last few stitches on the back of the project. This should secure it.

Fun Stitches

Here are a few creative ways to stitch smaller pieces or stems if you do not want to use the blanket or whip stitch. I had some fun doing these and it also adds some interest to your project.

Here are some stem stitches:

• 

• 

For small pieces like berries or small squares, this is what I chose to do:

• 

• 

Finally, for the center of a flower, I did a French knot and some radiating stitches:

Stitching Mini Video Tutorials

So now that you have read about stitches and looked at photos, here are two mini video tutorials showing you stitching and working with points and inside corners.

Alright! Was that fun? I hope the mini video tutorials were helpful. The stitching takes a bit of practice, but I know you can master it. I find it relaxing to stitch a project. The fun part is it can be taken anywhere!

Time to stitch!
Deanne