Hug A Bug Applique

When getting started with embroidery, learning the basic types of machine embroidery stitches, as well as their strengths and weaknesses, is an important step to making your next project a great success. Here are a few key terms I use on my products for Hug A Bug Applique. 

Applique Vs Embroidery

When starting an embroidery project, the amount of time the machine is in use and the amount of thread used is always something to consider. 

Embroidery

Embroidery Designs are created using only thread. Every part of the image will be created by the machine sewing in the different details of your design. This is a very classic look and can feel luxurious on certain projects. Embroidery is also known for its sturdy and long-lasting finish. 

However, your machine will be dedicated to this project until it’s finished, and you may possibly have to change the color of the thread for different passes depending on the design. 

Applique

Applique uses a patch of fabric stitched down to create your image. This can give you a variety of options for your design and how it will look by simply changing the fabric patches on the next product. 

Another benefit can be that applique projects can take less time for the machine to finish. Although not true on every design, applique projects can have fewer stitches, freeing up your machine for the next iteration. 

However, depending on the design, this can come with more manual labor and take more time overall. 

Machine Embroidery Stitches

Bean Stitch

Also known as a triple run stitch, a bean stitch is often used to create an outline. The stitches are in a straight line and the machine will run each stitch 3 times.

Zigzag stitch

As it sounds, the zigzag stitch is in a zig-zag pattern. Often used as an overlay stitch in applique projects.

Satin Stitch

The satin stitch is a very classic look and is similar to the zig zag stitch, but there is no space between the stitches. The width of the stitches is even throughout the design. This stitch can take more time on the machine itself.

Blanket Stich

A blanket stitch looks a little like a T and gives your project a quilted feeling. This stitch can mask uneven edges because it creates a thread outline around the outside of your design.  

Fill Stitch

The fill stitch covers the inside of the design for any embroidery image. Obviously, this can take a lot of time to finish and will use lots of thread. 

Sketch Stitch

Sketch stitches are like fill stitches but are less dense, leaving some space between lines of stitching.

There are lots of other machine embroidery switches available to crafters, however, these are the ones I use most.

Do you enjoy these designs but want to use them as cut files or other types of craft products, check out Hug A Bug Printables where you can purchase the digital images for your creations.