Machine Appliqué a Boxy Sewing Case with Kraft-Tex

Instructions

1. For turned-edge machine appliqué, prepare the appliqués for stitching, I used Karen Kay Buckley's Bigger Perfect Circles to trace the shapes onto Wash-Away Appliqué Sheets. When I design on my computer, I can run these sheets through my printer. I needed 12 circles to make my stacked pyramid appliqués. The traced/printed shapes are the finished size of the motifs.
2. After cutting the shapes from the appliqué foundation, pin them to the appliqué fabric, leaving at least 1/2-inch between pieces. Then cut the appliqué fabric with a 1/4-inch seam allowance around the foundation for turning the edges.
3. With a pen-style fabric glue stick, I apply glue to the edge of the foundation piece. Do one piece at a t ime - or the glue will dry before you finish turning the edges.
4. Gently turn the seam allowance to the back while easing it over the edge of the foundation, creating a smooth outside edge. You could also use a stiletto to help you manage the edges if they seem fiddly to you. Add more glue if you need to and adjust the fabric for smooth edges.
5. Now you can play with arranging the appliqués on the base fabric. I'm using Kraft-Tex as my base, but you can use any fabric that's suitable for your project. A little starch or Best Press helps to stabilize cotton background fabrics. Keep the seam allowances of your base fabric in mind when arranging the appliqués. When you are pleased with your arrangement, baste the pieces in place with a dab of the same fabric glue you used to turn the edges. With Kraft-Tex, do NOT use pins to baste! Pins will leave permanent holes in Kraft-Tex.
6. Try out your machine settings and practice on some scraps before starting your "real" appliqué. Use a foot that gives you good visibility while you sew. Find a stitch and settings that you like I chose a blanket stitch. A simple zigzag works well, too. Adjust stitch length and width so that it pleases you. I set my stitch to 2mm length and width. I don't think I would go smaller than that when stitching on Kraft-Tex -- with the needle perforations too close, the Kraft-Tex might tear.
   
   Start your appliqué stitch, but do not backstitch. Take it slowly around curves, and use your needle-down function if you have it. The blanket stitch takes one stitch forward, then takes a stitch to the side, taking a "bite" of the appliqué, then the needle moves back to the edge for the next forward stitch. You will need to pivot just a smidge every few stitches. Stop with your needle down on the outer edge of your appliqué, raise the presser foot slightly (you will fall in love with your knee lift if you have one), then adjust your work. Stitch a few more and pivot again. If you pivot with the needle while it is taking its "bite" (seen below), your stitch will look like a little "v" instead of a straight line. When you reach your starting point, stop without backstitching and remove the piece, leaving a few inches of thread tail.
7. Turn over your appliqué and pull the top threads to the back. You should have four (4) loose threads on the back with none on the front.
8. Tie a surgeon's knot or a square knot to secure the threads, leaving a short tail. You can add a dab of Fray-Check to the knot if you'd like.
   
   Your appliqué is now done, and you can finish the rest of your project! It's always easier to do the appliqué on a flat piece of background, not on a finished piece with seams that might get in the way.