My Favorite Tools for Free Motion Applique + Embroidery

So you wanna make your own silly clothes eh? Check out my list of favorite tools to make your life easier!

#1 Free Motion Presser Foot

The Free Motion Presser Foot, sometimes interchangeably referred to a Darning Foot or Quilting Foot, is a SAVOR when it comes to free movement on a sewing machine!

You will most likely have to do some research to see if your particular machine can use this foot. Generally if your machine allows for a zigzag stitch and the feed dogs can be lowered/covered, you’re good! Just check online!

I set my stitch length to 0 when I use it personally, but lowering the feed dogs works! (Some machines require you to use a special metal plate to cover the dogs, but I’ve never seen one of those before.)

The one I use is specifically called an “Open Toe Free Motion Spring Foot”

#2 Stabilizer

There are many types of stabilizers depending on your project and fabric type!
Stabilizers acts as a stable base for your project, to prevent warping, stretching, disfigurement, birds nests, skipped stitches, and prevent the machine from eating your fabric!

-I personally LOVE Medium Weight Tear-Away Stabilizer, it’s a great base for most applique patches and embroidery, but because its a tear away kind you have to be careful not to pull the stitches when removing.
(Check out the many videos I’ve posted on Instagram showing how I use this)

-Water Soluble Stabilizer: Great for easier to remove stabilizer especially for embroidery that isn’t packed together or for see-through details like veils/tulle etc! I don’t use this kind as often, because it’s not as stiff and can still lead to warping on fabrics like sweatshirts/t-shirts

-Cut Away Stabilizer: This type is more permanent, typically used in regular embroidery machines and still visible on the under-side of projects. You may notice on some clothing that has been embroidered.

#3 Fabric Glue

This is pretty self explanatory!
I love fabric glue for holding my appliques and fabrics in place before sewing, and it provides extra stability after sewing, because its permanent.

Make sure it is completely dry before sewing, or it’ll get clogged in your machine!
It’s not great for thinner fabrics, as you can sometimes see the glue.

I’ve seen people recommend regular washable glue sticks too!

#4 Double-Sided Iron-on

This is great for smaller pieces of fabric and intricately shapes cut-out that need to be really stable before sewing, or fabrics that may fray!
I don’t recommend it for larger pieces of fabric, because it adds extra stiffness that isn’t the greatest.

Do-not use on fabrics that are not iron-safe or fabrics like fleece/felt.

#5 Scrap Fabric

You can use all kinds of fabrics for applique! You just need to practice using them to learn what works best for what project. I recommend sourcing your fabric secondhand to help keep textiles out of the landfill!

Get creative! Find fleece blankets, stained sweatshirts, leftover fabric remnants, tablecloths, sheets, the world is your oyster!

#6 Different Colors of Thread

This is very important for embroidery especially!
The more colors, the more choice you have when creating!

#7 And more!

Other tools depending on your designs include: buttons, grommets, hook+loop tape, clasps, ricrac, fabric marker, you name it!