This diagram has been created to help demonstrate needle placement, full instructions are below.

Thread an embroidery needle with embroidery floss. Tie a knot at the end.

Choose a starting point on the edge of your applique. Insert the needle from the back of the fabric along the edge of the applique. (Point 1) The knot will stop the thread from pulling through.

Each stitch should be a standard stitch length. You determine the length but be consistent. 1/4 inch to 1/8 inch is standard.

On the front side of the fabric, space the next stitch about 1/4 inch over from the entry point stitch AND 1/4 inch below the edge of the applique. Insert the needle from the front of the fabric. See diagram (Point 2).

Rock the tip of your needle up towards the edge of the applique. Press the needle through the back of the quilt top directly above where you inserted the needle along the edge of the applique. (Point 3). Your stitches should be straight vertically along the edge of the applique.

Pull the needle through slightly.

Wrap the loop of your embroidery floss around the needle, so that the stitch catches the thread across the top of the applique horizontally from Point 1 to Point 3.

Continue stitching following the same pattern as described above. Space the next stitch about 1/4 inch over from the last stitch AND 1/4 inch below the edge of the applique. Insert the needle from the front of the fabric. (Point 4).

Rock the tip of your needle up towards the edge of the applique. Press the needle through the back of the quilt top directly above where you inserted the needle along the edge of the applique. (Point 5).

Pull the needle through slightly.

Wrap the loop of your embroidery floss around the needle, so that the stitch catches the thread across the top of the applique from Point 3 to Point 5.

Continue stitching around the applique. Keep your stitches even and watch the endpoint to be sure to properly space each stitch as you near the starting point. Pull your needle through to the back of the quilt. Tie a secure knot and cut the thread.