machine buttonhole applique tips?

Just play with it, Taria. It's a big fun experiment. Begin with just a folded edge of a scrap placed somewhere on another scrap. You can get all kinds of looks by varying the length and width of the stitch. Learn where to have your needle to turn a tight inside and outside point. Then go crazy and load two spools of black thread through one needle. Quite dramatic. Do be sure to use a sharp new needle. My Berninas don't care what variety of needle but sometimes will drop a stitch if the needle is dull. Have a good time. While you're experimenting, give the featherstitch a try too. More fun. Polly

Taria-

Glad to hear you are playing with your delightful, new sm! I've been buttonhole stitching some fused applique. I used Stitch #39 with the length set at 2.0 and the width set at 2.0. It's a rather small stitch, but it makes the corners and curves (pivoting!!!) and centering a stitch at inside and outside points a LOT easier with the smaller sized stitch.

Have fun!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

What a timely tip, Leslie. I have a small quilt in mind which will need some satin stitch appliqué. I'd like to do it fairly soon. So, thanks very much for this. Isn't it great when there are others with same or similar machines!

In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes

Thanks. I just tried that Leslie. That has a narrow bite to it. For this project I am leaning toward stitch 41. I may shorten it but I like the way it rides a little to the right of center so it seems to work for me. I am having fun though. I am pretty pleased with the sample I came up with. I am amazed at how smart these machines are! Taria

Leslie & The Furbabies > Taria-

I'll try that one, too, Taria. Thanks for reporting on the trial. . In message , Taria writes

While you Janome ladies are testing stitches, do keep in mind that you can adjust the width of the bite, the length of the stitch, the needle position and which foot works best. The foot that is just wide open at the front is usually the best choice for seeing what you're doing. For a long and fairly uncomplicated journey, such as a stem on a border, a different foot will do better at preventing a ripple from forming. Polly

Now you come to mention feet, Polly, I think I have a foot that has a special space to accommodate the raised line of stitches with satin stitch. I'll have to look it out. . In message , Polly Esther writes

...and Jan reminded me I can mirror stitches too. I took the class but forgot all the neat stuff that can be done. I think I have a stitch that works for this project. I am using the right foot but which is 'the different foot' that you would suggest for the stems?

I may need to dash out for some pink pumps later today so I can really sew properly : )

TAria

Polly Esther wrote:

I have the F2 foot. The F has a center mark arrow that is handy but the open toes of the F2 leaves a lot more visibility. I think either will do fine. Anyone have an opinion of using black thread or matching color thread for the stitching?

Thanks for all the help so far. YOu guys are the best. TAria

Julia > I'm not Polly, but... I think she was talking about the "open toe" satin

Taria: Blanket stitch appliqué is soooo FUN! I generally choose the thread to suit the style. Black was classic on the 30s Sues for example. So, if I want a 1930s or a folk look, I will go with a dark thread. There USED to be a thread called Cotty, that was a bit thicker and coarser, and was terrific for that style. It has been discontinued, but I think there are others out there.

If I just want to highlight the appliqué, I will use a matching color thread. That is how I did the lettering on the VTCC quilt I made recently. Maroon thread, maroon letters, orange base fabric. In fact, you might want to use the matching color while you gain experience. BTW, Pfilomina Pfaff likes me to use a wide open appliqué for blanket stitch appliqué work.

PAT > I have the F2 foot. The F has a center mark arrow that is handy but the