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Sun Mandala Applique

These are instructions on how to embroider the Sun Mandala Applique.

There are 2 files in the set, called "Appliq_SunMandala" and "Appliq_SunMandalaFoam". They are basically the same design. The first file is used to embroider a flat, regular, applique, the second one to embroider a Trapunto-style applique, using Puffy Foam (by Sulky).

You will need

embroidery thread (either polyester or rayon),
base fabric (fabric on which you make the embroidery),
medium-weight cut-away stabilizer for the base fabric,
applique fabric,
light-weight iron-on cut-away stabilizer for applique fabric,
Puffy Foam by Sulky, if you embroider the second design.

Regular Applique:

Step One: Upload the file "Applique_SunMandala" into your machine. Stabilize the base fabric and hoop it. Start the machine. It will embroider the outline of the design.

Step Two: Stabilize the applique fabric. Cover the outline with the applique fabric. Start the machine. It will embroider the same outline over the fabric.

Step Three: With a pair of sharp scissors, cut away the applique fabric around the outline:

Step Four: Return the hoop to the machine. The last color will finish the raw edges of the embroidery.

Trapunto Applique

To have the embroidery with trapunto look, use the file called "Appliq_SunMandalaFoam".

Step One: Upload the file into the machine. Stabilize the base fabric and hoop it. The first color embroiders the position of the design.

Step Two: Cover the outline with a sheet of foam. Start the machine, it will embroider a second outline over the foam. Please note that the second outline will be slightly narrower than the first one.

Step Three: Gently rip away the excess foam around the embroidery.

Step Four: Cover the hoop with a piece of applique fabric. You can pin the applique fabric to the base fabric outside the embroidery field.

Step Five: Start the machine. It will embroider the outline over the fabric.

Step Six: With a pair of sharp scissors cut away the fabric around the embroidery.

Step Seven: Return the hoop to the machine and embroider the next color, which will finish the raw edges.

Project Idea:

We made the second file with Puffy Foam on a denim vest. We did not finish the raw edges with satin-stitch. Instead, in step 6 we trimmed the fabric around the embroidery 1/8" (2-3 mm) away from the stitches and let the edges fray.