An eBook: A Practical Guide to Machine Appliqué

For several months I've been writing a collection of patterns involving machine appliqué (they'll hopefully be released very soon), however, when it came to writing the appliqué aspect of the pattern I found that I became so intent on wanting to convey all the proper techniques for successful appliqué that it would have completely ruined the flow of the pattern for anyone already experienced with it.

That's when it became apparent to me that a dedicated, stand-alone mini-book about machine appliqué was something which I felt passionate about writing. The result of this is a 26-page instantly downloadable PDF eBook which is intended for hand-holding a complete beginner through every aspect of the process. At all stages there are practical samples which I've created especially for this book to illustrate my words and demonstrate the different techniques. The book doesn't simply tell you how; it always explains why you should do things in a particular way because, to me, that feels like a deeper way of learning that gives a better springboard with which to spiral away with your own creativity. The scope of the book should enable one to quickly move from successfully appliquéing one-piece simple images, to creating more complex works.

I've always found appliqué a hugely enjoyable way to add interest to whatever sewing project I might be working on and have used it to embellish quilt tops, t-shirts, pencil cases, pincushions and have even created a clock face using the technique. I'm hoping that for someone new to appliqué (or anyone who struggles to get the results they've been hoping for) my enthusiasm for the technique will be infectious and that with thorough guidance anyone attempting it will be able to get straight on with the fun of it, with much of the trial and error already smoothed away.

The eBook covers:

• How to appliqué using different stitches: starting with a basic straight stitch; followed by a zigzag stitch; and finally a dense satin stitch (demonstrating different width stitches for the latter two)
• Suggested machine settings (including tension) for each of the above stitches
• Troubleshooting photos to help you achieve a good finish for the slightly trickier satin stitch which can be hard to execute perfectly on non-digital machines
• Two ways of stabilising your fabric to give a perfectly smooth finish to your appliqué
• How to use fusible web to keep your appliqué pieces exactly where you want them as you sew
• Appliquéing using a template
• Appliquéing using a flower or shape cut directly from a piece of fabric
• How to deal with mirror images if you choose to appliqué letters or numbers
• Specialist machine feet for the appliqué enthusiast
• How to guide the fabric as you sew
• How to secure your stitches without them being visible
• Techniques for neatly negotiating convex and concave curves when using a zigzag or satin stitch
• How to create order when creating an appliqué made of many small pieces
• Two basic shape templates are included which you may print out to practise on if you wish
• Every aspect is fully illustrated with diagrams and photographs
• It assumes you are using a basic sewing machine, so no fancy electronics are required for any of the stitches (although lucky you if you have them!)

So here's all the information you might need if you'd like to purchase the eBook:

• The eBook costs just £4 (which is just under $5.50 US dollars/around €5.20 Euros/about 7.60 AU Dollars)  
• You can download the eBook immediately and either view it on your computer or print it out on your home printer.
• This eBook comes in PDF form.
• Payment is completely secure through PayPal. As ever, you don't need a PayPal account to pay for this book - PayPal accepts credit and debit cards. Once you've paid, PayPal will take you to a page where you can download the book instantly, by clicking on the link provided. You will also receive an email containing the same link. The book must be downloaded within 48 hours of payment - after this time the link expires. Because of the non-returnable nature of an instant download, this eBook is non-refundable.

Buy the eBook!

If you make anything as a result of using my guide, then I'd love it if you wanted to email me a photo of your sewing or you can drop it into the Flickr pool here.

Florence x