Freestanding Applique Tutorial

Building a Freestanding Appliqué project is easy to learn, and this tutorial will show you how. Some of OESD’s freestanding embroidery collections are lace, some are appliqué, and some are a combination of both. First, let’s learn the difference between Freestanding Lace and Freestanding Appliqué:

Freestanding Lace (FSL)

Only uses thread and washaway stabilizer
Use the same thread in the bottom
Hoop stabilizer
Stitch the color(s) of thread
Remove from hoop
Trim excess stabilizer
Rinse away the remaining stabilizer

Freestanding Appliqué (FSA)

Fabric appliqué prepared with sticky-backed cutaway stabilizer, thread, and washaway stabilizer
Use the same thread in the bottom
Hoop stabilizer
Stitch the Placement Stitch
Place prepared fabric over the Placement Stitch
Stitch the Cut Line & Tackdown Stitch
Carefully trim away excess appliqué fabric only
Stitch the remainder of the design and repeat for any other appliqués
Remove from hoop
Trim excess stabilizer
Rinse away the remaining stabilizer

Preparing the fabric for Freestanding Appliqué (FSA)

Press the fabric and make sure it is free from wrinkles
Peel away the paper backing of the cutaway stabilizer and place it on the wrong side of the fabric
Add another layer of sticky-back cutaway stabilizer
Fabric with 2 layers of sticky-back stabilizer

Stitching the Freestanding Appliqué (FSA) Design

NOTE: The sample shown is the Autumn Pumpkin with Appliqué FSA (12516-06) from the Freestanding Pumpkin Patch #12516 embroidery collection.

Stitch the first color called Placement Stitch
Place the fabric over the Placement Stitch
Stitch the next color called Background Cut Line, Tackdown & Cut Outs
Take the hoop off the embroidery machine and trim the excess fabric
Put the hoop back on the embroidery machine and finish stitching the design
Finish stitching all the pieces
Allow the pieces to dry completely

Build a Freestanding Appliqué Design

Gather the pieces for the design and Alligator Clamps
Assemble the pieces by inserting the buttonettes into the corresponding eyelets.
Follow the complete instructions given for the freestanding appliqué design.
Your pumpkin is complete.

Handy Tips

Be sure to stabilize your fabric for the appliqué part prior to using it in the embroidery process for best results. It will be sturdier and last longer.
When storing – place it in the structure’s own separate container and use tissue paper or packing materials to keep the structure from being crushed.
If after packing and storing the project is crushed or limp, take it apart, spray it with starch, and iron the pieces on the wrong side. Allow to dry completely.

For more information, watch our Freestanding Lace Appliqué Tutorial: