I get two questions a lot when people are ready to start outlining on my face applique patterns.
- How do you stitch around small parts like eyes and noses?
- How do you stitch the mouth?
I made a video to show exactly how I do both of those steps!
That’s it!
Remember. . .
- Shorten your stitch length.
- Go slow!
- Stop with the needle down and pivot your work as often as you need to to keep a smooth curve.
More about outline stitching. . .
- This post shows my favorite sewing machine feet – include the clear applique foot I use to get good visibility. That’s essential if you want to neatly outline applique pieces.
- This post answers my most frequently asked question – Is it really ok to just outline with a straight stitch?
- This post has information about using different thread weights to get a thicker or thinner line when you outline your applique.
- Learn where to start and in what order to stitch when you outline applique pieces – especially on more complex blocks.
- Sometimes I like to outline applique pieces multiple times to get a sketchbook-ish effect. This post has more info on how to do that scribbly outlining.
And if you like that adorable sloth face I used in the demo, get the Silly Sloths applique pattern here. It’s one of my easiest patterns – great for beginners!
Happy stitching!
Wendi:
This short tutorial is great. You are a natural coach: the instructions are clear, to the point and the demo really helps. Thanks!
I’m glad it was helpful!
Thank you for planning on posting the sloth lovie again!!!
The link is working again.
There is an ad of Crafty’s over one third of your video of how to sew on small eyes and mouths.
That’s weird – I don’t have any ads of any kind on my site. If it was on YouTube you can always close them – just click on the X in the top right corner.
What thickness of thread do you use? Thanks.
It depends on the look I want. Sometimes I use all-purpose thread for a thin line. Sometimes I use Sulky 12 wt. thread for a thicker line. (That’s what I’m using in the video – I was hoping it would be most visible on camera.) Sometimes I use all-purpose weight and I go over the same line a few times for extra thickness. I’ve actually been playing with that last option a lot lately – trying NOT not make the lines go right over each other so I get a fun scribbly/sketchy look. This post has a lot more info on playing with different thread weights if you want to do some experimenting. https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2013/11/playing-thread-weight.html
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Will the thicker thread go through a normal needle or do I need a different needle?
You need to use a topstitching needle. There’s more info in this post. https://www.shinyhappyworld.com/2013/11/playing-thread-weight.html