Create texture with thread painting and invisible thread | Applique FUN!

In yesterday’s post, I auditioned and fused raw edge appliques for the Circle The Seasons Table Topper using HeatnBond Lite. Today, I’ll discuss making these raw edge appliques more complete, durable and beautiful with satin stitching using multiple colors and varieties of thread, and invisible stitching using Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread.

Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread

1. Start stitching along the landscape lines using different colors to ensure that the topography of the landscape stands out. Set a zigzag width at about 1.5mm, and length at approximately 0.5. This will vary from sewing machine to sewing machine and personal choice based on the person sewing. It’s important to do a test sample on a double-layer scrap of fabric so you get a satisfactory satin stitch.

       TIP Use an open-toe foot to easily see the satin stitch as you sew.

Satin stitching on the edge of all landscape pieces

2. Use various thread colors, some to match and some to add detail or shimmer, and satin stitch most of the details.                 Use embroidery, metallic, iridescent and variegated threads. The only limit is your creativity and you can have fun                   creating with this step.

Different applique areas on the quilt top and different thread choices

3. Use Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread for very tiny details such as tiny leaves for the fall and spring, tulips,                         flowers, the quilt and sports balls. I used a very small zigzag (1mm length x 1mm width). Invisible thread is hard to see           and is great on small appliques as a bigger thicker stitch and thread can overwhelm the fabric and look clunky.

TIP When using invisible thread, I recommend using a thread stand separate from your machine, if possible. Using a thread stand helps to reduce the upper thread tension so it doesn’t pull up bobbin thread, and to lower the upper tension.

Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread used on the sports balls

Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread used on quilt and tulips

4. I lowered my feed dogs and used a free motion foot to thread paint the clothesline and the swing set. I also thread-             painted details on the pumpkins, winter tree and snowflakes.

Thread painting metallic details on a winter tree applique

Thread-painted details on pumpkins

Thread-painted swing set

Finished thread-painted winter tree and snowflake

Today, we discussed the final work on the appliques with HeatnBond Lite and Gütermann Invisible Nylon Thread. Tomorrow is the final post of this series and I’ll discuss, sandwiching, binding, and quilting with Fairfield Quilter’s 80/20 Quilt Batting. The final addition of some really cute buttons from Dress It Up adds some dimension and adorable seasonal flair. Come back tomorrow to complete your Circle the Seasons Table Topper.

This is part 4 of 5 in this series

Go back to part 3: How to applique houses and landscapes with HeatnBond

Go to part 5: The trick to quilting for texture | Double batting

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