Frequently Asked Questions

Invisible Machine Appliqué, Quilt binding, and Cathedral Windows
& the Adjustable Zipper Foot

Step-by-step tutorial instruction for setting up your sewing machine, using an adjustable zipper foot to do invisible machine appliqué and monofilament thread for an invisible stitch. Also good for binding a quilt and doing Cathedral Windows.

The monofilament thread and zipper foot are available in our store.

Also check out the quilt software reviews by Sharla Hicks and our 10-25% off discounts on popular quilt software titles, books and notions.

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Invisible Machine Appliqué,
Quilt binding, and Cathedral Windows
using Adjustable Zipper Foot

By Sharla R. Hicks © 1998-2001

Find in our Store: Zipper foot & Monofilament thread

Note: Other feet may also work, but I have found that a foot that allows you to guide around an edge is best. Check out your sewing accessories and see.

The following Technique works best when using some type of foundation for the appliqué like Freezer Paper, binding the edge on a quilt, and Cathedral Windows.

Note: Sharla teaches an ONLINE Cathedral Windows Class that covers design, fabric selection and construction at QuiltUniversity.com.Check the Quilt University Class schedule for the next class.

Equipment & Supply Requirements

• Zigzag sewing machine needed.
• Blindhem setting best but not essential to technique.
• Adjustable Zipper Foot (the old fashioned kind with the adjustable screw on the back)
• Monofilament thread (clear or smoke to match fabric)
• Some form of paper foundation Appliqué pattern with seam allowance turned under (freezer paper or basted paper will work)

Instruction

1. SLOWLY wind a half a bobbin with clear or smoke fine monofilament thread depending on how light or dark the background fabric is. Use fine monofilament as the top thread also.

Sewing Instructions

1. Setup the adjustable zipperfoot to do the sewing method so that it follows the ridge of the binding or appliqué piece:

Sew a line of stitching to see the needle relationship to the "Adjustable Zipper Foot". Note: To prevent broken needles, adjust the zipper foot to be far away from needle for this test run.

2. Then: Loosen the screw and move the "adjustable zipperfoot" so the needle is half out and half in the indentation on the base of zipper foot -- test a line of stitching and the needle should be sewing right along on the very outside ridge. IF NOT, adjust until it does! Now your are ready to sew!

3. Sew with zipperfoot lined up with and sewing along the outside ridge. NOTE: The ridge of paper, quilt binding or Cathedral Window will act as the guide for the foot. On the invisible stitch, the bite of the zigzag will take a tiny bite out of the edge. See in the picture how the tiny stitch does NOT show.

4. When completed, remove appliqué template paper if necessary and iron lightly toward the stitching, this will shift the fabric ever so slightly and make the stitching even more invisible.

Zipper Foot
for High or Low Shank
Flexible or Rigid

Item Code: M02
Weight: 0.3 lb
10% off: $3.15
MSRP: $3.46
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FAQS
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foiling photo transfer
metallic-threadinvisible mach appliquenewsletters

Invisible Threads Good for invisible machine applique, the hand-look machine quilting & bobbin thread Schmetz Needles every style and size Helpful Sewing Machine Feet Use for Invisible Machine Applique, and applying quilt binding and piping	Wonderfil Thread Invisafil 100 wt. very fine w/matte finish 30 colors available single spool or 6 packs	Sew Art International Invisible Nylon Thread in Clear or Smoke	YLI Wonder Invisible Thread in Clear or Smoke Nylon Lingerie & Bobbin Thread in Black or White	Superior Threads: MonoPoly Invisible Polyester Thread in Clear or Smoke
	Zipper Foot	FAQ: Quilting Topics by Sharla Hicks ARTICLE: Metallic thread:  Use in Embellishments and Quilting by Sharla Hicks. Hints and tips on using the sewing machine and appropriate needle sizes for different metallic threads. ARTICLE: Invisible Machine Appliqué, Quilt Binding, and Cathedral Windows by Sharla Hicks. Learn how to use the adjustable zipper foot and invisible threads readily available on the market to make a hand look with the sewing machine.