Beautiful Appliqué Without Hand Sewing? Here's the Game-Changer!

In this quilting tutorial, I’ll share some of my favorite quilting tips and show you how to create soft, durable turned-edge machine applique using the interfacing method. Then, we'll compare five different machine stitches you can use to secure your appliqué: a straight stitch, 3 different decorative stitches, and an "invisible" zigzag stitch.

Stitching up a batch of beautiful, appliqued heart blocks will also help you practice straight edges, curves, points, and inner notches - so you'll be able to approach other shapes confidently in the future.

This tutorial is beginner-friendly, approachable, and especially helpful if hand sewing doesn’t fit your schedule - or if you’re looking for a machine appliqué method that’s both beautiful and long-lasting.

In this video:
• Turned-edge appliqué using the interfacing method
• Five machine stitch options compared side by side
• Decorative stitches and a subtle “invisible” option
• Thread tips and stitch-setting guidance
• Finished heart block samples

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Links mentioned in the video are listed below.
👉 Quilting Friends Membership info -    / @bethannwilliamsquilts  

👉 Prewash or Don't? Make This Decision With Confidence! -    • Prewash or Don't? Make This Decision With ...  

👉 Missouri Star Quilt Co. template (NOT an affiliate link) - https://www.missouriquiltco.com/produ...

👉 Pellon Featherweight Fusible Interfacing (wider than what I had - affiliate link) – https://amzn.to/4pRqjaB

Timestamps/Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction: Turned-Edge Appliqué by Machine
Why machine appliqué can be a beautiful, durable option—without hand sewing
00:51 – Why a Heart Block Is a Great Learning Shape
Straight edges, curves, a point, and an inner notch—all in one block
01:08 – Heart Size & Template Options
Recommended heart size, drawing your own shape, and template alternatives
02:02 – Fabric & Interfacing Choices
Fabric selection tips and why I’m using fusible featherweight interfacing
02:58 – Prewashing & Interfacing Tips
Why prewashing matters and following manufacturer recommendations
03:21 – Tracing, Cutting & Preparing the Hearts
Spacing, seam allowance, slits for turning, and setup for sewing
04:56 – Stitching the Heart Shape
Where to start, how to handle curves, points, and the inner notch
06:15 – Trimming, Clipping & Turning the Heart
Reducing bulk, clipping curves, and turning the heart right side out
07:08 – Shaping & Pressing for Smooth Edges
Refining the shape and fusing the heart to the background block
09:26 – Choosing Stitches & Threads for Machine Appliqué
Why there’s no single “right” answer—and how to choose what works for you
11:11 – Using a Straight Stitch to Appliqué
11:24 – Decorative Stitch Option #1
Stitch demo, thread choice, and machine settings
12:26 – Decorative Stitch Option #2
Stitch demo, thread choice, and machine settings
12:45 – Decorative Stitch Option #3
Stitch demo, thread choice, and machine settings
12:52 – Managing Fabric While Stitching
What to do if fabric starts to bunch or distort
13:31 – My Favorite “Invisible” Appliqué Stitch
Using a fine zigzag for a subtle, hand-sewn look
14:46 – Additional Resources

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