9. What makes awesome applique

I made this awesome Easter Eggs Applique designs set. One is split, the other circle for monograms. 

Now, why are they so awesome, you're asking? Well, you're not, but I'm telling you anyway.

Here we go.

Look at these two images: 

Do you notice, how the lower one is a bit wider? It's not the satin stitch width! It's the compensation applied. Compensation is a feature helping the stitches not to sink into the fabric. We need this when we embroider on knits and other thick fabrics- t-shirts, bodysuits, diaper covers, sportswear etc.

Of course the satin stiches have the underlay stitch so the lines stay in place and the design looks smooth and neat. 

So that's one. 

There is also the issue of cutting the fabric. Can a design help you with this arduous task? Why, yes, it can!

Look at the two images below.

Look at the lines with small white dots - this is a placement stitch - tells you where to place the fabric:

And there is the tackdown stitch - holds the fabric in place and allows you to trim the fabric around before you run satin outline:

The wide blue line is what will be our 4mm wide satin line. 

Notice, how the tackdown stitch is not in the same place placement stitch. The tackdown is just a bit nearer the inside of the applique area. Why oh why have you done that, Joanna, you're asking? Or you're not, but let's say you are.

Well, if the tackdown is nearer the inside edge of what will be the satin outline, it makes trimming the fabric so much easier! You cut as near the tackdown stitch as you can, and the wide satin will cover just about any not-so-perfectly-near cuts and fraiyng edges.

Then there are jump stiches. We hate jump stitches, right? Well, fear not my little ones. These designs have you covered. 

See the pink satin? When the machine is done with satin stich on the left, it will not jump to the other side of the design, but will do a running stich over the line that will be covered later in satin stitch anyway.

Is that all? yeah, more or less. There is also a tiny issue of tie knots. There are no tie knots at the placement stitches at all. Because seriously, who needs them here. The tackdown and satin outlines, howerer - they do have the tie knots at the beginning and end of every line to make sure the design doesn't fall apart.
So, that's that.