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2026-03-09

what is applique embroidery?

author: Yinghe

What is Applique Embroidery?

Applique embroidery involves cutting out applique fabric according to a pattern and pasting it onto the embroidery surface. You can also place cotton or other materials between the applique fabric and the embroidery surface to make the pattern raised and three-dimensional. Once pasted, use various stitching techniques to edge the pattern. Applique embroidery features a simple stitching method, with block-based patterns and a unique, elegant style. The machine applique embroidery process consists of three steps: positioning, fixing, and covering. When embroidering the applique piece, the machine first sews a single-thread outline for positioning (in the same color as the previous piece). It then stops for a color change; place the applique fabric along the outline, start the machine to sew fixing stitches to secure the fabric, stop again for a color change and trim the excess fabric, and finally restart the machine to sew the top covering stitches.

Equipment and Materials Required for Applique Embroidery

Before you start, prepare the following essential supplies:

  • Embroidery machine with preloaded applique designs (many machines have built-in designs of this type)
  • Embroidery hoop in a size suitable for your chosen design
  • Stabilizer paper/fabric that matches the material of your base fabric (e.g., tear-away stabilizer for cotton, cut-away stabilizer for stretch knit)
  • Background fabric (the item you will embroider on)
  • Applique fabric (decorative fabric for your design)
  • Embroidery thread: Use contrasting thread for the positioning stitch for better visibility; matching thread for the final stitching
  • Sharp small scissors, preferably curved or duck-billed applique scissors, for trimming close to the stitches
  • Optional but useful tools: Temporary fabric adhesive spray or fabric glue stick for securing the applique fabric

Steps for Applique Embroidery - Create a Perfect Applique Work in 6 Steps

The process follows a simple rhythm: sew, place, trim, finish. The machine’s design will guide you through each step.

  1. Prepare and Sew the Positioning Stitch

First, stabilize and hoop the background fabric as you would for regular embroidery. Load your applique design into the machine and start it. The machine will first sew a positioning stitch—usually a simple straight stitch—that precisely outlines where the applique fabric should be placed. The machine will pause after this step, or you can stop it manually.

  1. Place the Applique Fabric

Remove the embroidery hoop from the machine without taking the fabric out of the hoop. Lay the applique fabric over the sewn outline, ensuring it fully covers the positioning stitch with at least a few millimeters of excess fabric on all edges. You can apply a small amount of fabric glue or a light spray of temporary adhesive to the back of the fabric to fix its position.

  1. Sew the Temporary Fixing Stitch

Return the embroidery hoop to the machine and run the next step of the design. The machine will sew a temporary fixing stitch (usually a straight stitch or wide zigzag stitch) to permanently secure the applique fabric to the background fabric.

  1. Trim the Excess Fabric