1. Select and Prepare Your Design

• Choose or draw a simple applique shape (hearts, flowers, leaves, circles, folk-art motifs work well for beginners).
• Trace the design onto template material (card stock or template plastic) and cut out the template precisely.
• For fusible applique, trace the mirror image of the design onto the paper side of fusible web if the shape is directional.
• Note: Buttonhole stitch is ideal for shapes with gentle curves and minimal tight interior corners.

2. Cut and Fuse Applique Shapes

• If using fusible web, follow manufacturer instructions to fuse the web to the wrong side of your applique fabric.
• Place the template on the right side of the fused fabric (or directly on fabric if not using fusible) and trace around it with a marking tool.
• Cut out the shape precisely on the drawn line using sharp fabric scissors or small applique scissors.
• Peel off the paper backing if using fusible web.
• Position the applique shape right side up on the right side of the base fabric; press to fuse in place, or pin or baste if not using fusible.

3. Secure Fabric in Embroidery Hoop

• Place the base fabric with fused applique in an embroidery hoop, centering the shape.
• Tighten the hoop so the fabric is drum-tight and smooth; this prevents puckering and makes stitching easier.
• If the shape is large, you may need to re-hoop as you work around the perimeter.

4. Thread Your Needle

• Cut an 18–24 in length of embroidery floss or perle cotton (longer lengths tangle; shorter lengths require frequent rethreading).
• For embroidery floss, separate the strands and use 2–3 strands for a medium-weight stitch, or all 6 strands for bold definition.
• Thread the needle and knot one end with a simple overhand knot or quilter’s knot.

5. Anchor the Thread

• Bring the needle up from the back of the base fabric just outside the raw edge of the applique shape at your starting point.
• Take a tiny anchoring stitch or two in the base fabric near the edge to secure the knot invisibly.
• Alternatively, start with the knot on the back and plan to cover the thread tail with subsequent stitches.

6. Work the Buttonhole Stitch (Blanket Stitch Variation)

• Insert the needle down through both the applique and base fabric about 1/8 in (or your chosen stitch length) inside the raw edge of the applique.
• Bring the needle back up through the base fabric just outside the raw edge, directly below the entry point, creating a straight vertical stitch.
• Before pulling the thread tight, loop the working thread under the needle tip from left to right.
• Pull the thread snug so the loop settles along the raw edge of the applique, forming a secure perpendicular bar that encases the edge.
• Repeat: Insert the needle 1/16–1/8 in to the right of the previous stitch (or left, if working counterclockwise), down through the layers, up outside the edge, loop thread under needle, pull snug.

7. Navigate Curves and Corners

• On gentle curves: Reduce stitch spacing slightly to keep the edge smooth and the looped bars close together; stitches may fan outward.
• On inner curves or concave edges: Maintain close spacing so no gaps appear at the raw edge.
• At outer corners: Work 2–3 stitches into the same outside hole at the corner point to pivot smoothly and create a sharp corner; fan the stitches slightly.
• At inner corners or V-notches: Work stitches close together at the corner to encase raw edges fully and reinforce the stress point.

8. Complete the Stitch Circuit

• Continue stitching around the entire perimeter of the applique shape, maintaining even tension and consistent stitch length.
• When you reach the starting point, overlap 2–3 stitches to secure the ending.
• To finish, take the needle to the back of the work, make a small anchoring stitch under previous stitches, then weave the thread end through the back of several stitches.
• Trim the thread tail close to the fabric.

9. Remove From Hoop and Press

• Remove the fabric from the embroidery hoop carefully to avoid distorting stitches.
• Place the work face-down on a clean towel or padded ironing surface.
• Press gently from the back with a warm iron to smooth the base fabric without flattening the dimensional embroidery stitches.
• If desired, lightly press the front on a low setting, using a pressing cloth.

10. Troubleshooting Common Issues

• Stitches pulling fabric: Loosen tension slightly; ensure base fabric is taut in the hoop before stitching.
• Uneven stitch spacing: Use a ruler or mark stitch placement lightly with a marking tool as a guide.
• Raw edges fraying: Choose tightly woven fabric, fuse thoroughly with web, or apply a thin layer of fabric glue or Fray Check to raw edge before stitching.
• Thread tangling: Use shorter lengths of thread, let the needle hang periodically to untwist, or wax the thread lightly with beeswax or Thread Heaven.
• Looped bar not catching edge: Make sure to bring the needle up just outside the raw edge and loop thread under the needle tip every time.