1. Use an image
such as a photograph or fabric swatch inside the applique shape.
2. Create a print that is cropped to the outline, making it easy to hand-cut pre-cut appliques.
3. Print the cropped image on printable fabric or transfer paper for the effect of combined photography and embroidery.
4. Inflate the shape of the outline. When digitizers create a design that will be hand-cut in the hoop, they know that the embroiderer won’t cut exactly at the line of stitching. So when they make the ‘Material’ run, they often simply duplicate the ‘Position’ run – same size, etc. This creates an issue for Pre-Cut Applique as the ‘Material’ stitching will not catch the applique – it is exactly the same size. Using the ‘Inflate’ when saving for cutting machines will create an applique that slightly hides the ‘Position’ and can be held in place by the ‘Material’ stitching.
5. The ‘Position’ is usually a simple enough set of stitches to be processed into output for an automatic cutting machine. These machines will take a file and use that to cut the fabric. Having cut the applique beforehand makes the embroidery process much more rewarding.