Machine embroidered appliques are not only fun and easy, they also allow you to really get creative by using up any stray pieces of fabric you've kept around. No leftover fabric? Then you can have even more fun by grabbing your scissors and cutting up those clothes you still have but haven't worn in years.

Use appliques to embellish an inexpensive gift or to create something unique for yourself very quickly. Try it yourself and see how much fun it is. Here's how:

1. Of course, the first thing to do is load your applique design into your embroidery machine.
2. Next hoop the material your finished design will be on. Be sure to stabilize it just as you would for any kind of machine embroidery.
3. When you push the 'Start' button the outline of the applique stitches first. Because it's going to be covered later you can use any thread color you want but it's a good habit to select a thread color close to the fabric color.
4. Once the outline is complete your machine will stop. Place a piece of your applique fabric over the outline. Make it large enough to adequately cover the outline but not so large as to be cumbersome. You can safely remove the hoop from your machine if you want to position your fabric but don't unhoop!
   You'll need to hold the fabric in place over the outline so it doesn't pucker or bunch up on you. You can try using double-stick tape but usually it's just as easy to hold it down. Watch your fingers!
5. Now the tacking stitch will sew, tacking the applique fabric down.
6. Then remove the hoop from the machine but once again, don't unhoop yet! Cut away the excess applique fabric from around the tacking stitch. Get close to the tacking stitches but take your time and try not to cut too many of them.
7. After most of the fabric is cut away it's easy to trim off the stray pieces.
8. Put the hoop back in the machine and push the button one more time.
9. Your machine will now run another tacking stitch around the pattern. It's usually a V stitch or an E stitch and is like a double check in case you cut a stitch or two while trimming your fabric.
10. When the second tacking stitch is complete your machine will apply the final outline stitch, usually a satin stitch, putting the finishing touch on your applique.
11. You're done already! Now unhoop it, admire your creativity, and do another one using a different fabric and create something entirely different. See how darned additive machine embroidered appliques are?

Deb Schneider is an embroidery design digitizer offering her machine embroidery designs, Redwork and Applique designs on her website: WindstarEmbroidery.com.