I tried to hit Tuesday but my computer decided to run out of juice. So, just a bit late if you are in the Eastern time zone.

I am working on a project and machine applique is the focus today. A couple sections have one layer of applique on top of another piece. The bottom layer of stitching is showing through…….as the photo below. Not a good look, especially with the navy thread. This placement was an afterthought, so I had to place it over stitching I had already done. I want to share how to prevent the “show through”.

……I do not (try not to!) stitch the buttonhole stitch under any section that will be covered by the top applique. I’m happier with the finished look and no raised can be seen! The steps of how I accomplished this is below. (on another layered section)

First determine where the top applique piece will cover the bottom applique. Stitch the bottom layer of applique onto the background skipping the section where the top applique piece will be covering the bottom layer. Look closely, the buttonhole stitching on the blue is complete but not along the edge where to top applique piece is placed.

After buttonhole stitching is done, on the backside –

A. Tie off your thread on the back, B. Run the threads under the line of buttonhole stitches. C. Trim threads for a neat and tidy back and to prevent the threads from showing through on the front.

Great results! Note, there still may be a hint of the fabric below. This is mostly caused because the bottom fabric is darker than the applique on top. But a much better look that the first photo shown above where there is stitching along the entire edge of the bottom applique piece.

I hope you’ll give these tips a try the next time you are layering machine applique pieces on top of each other. To review…..#1 – Do NOT add buttonhole stitching in the section of the bottom layer of applique if it will be covered by another layer. #2 – Tie off your threads and burry them in your line of stitching. It makes for a neat back of your applique, reduces the chance of stitching pulling out and keeps threads from showing through on the front of your piece!

in quilting,

Debbie