The durability and soft look of stitched appliqué on church banners is appealing to many banner ministries. This is a very simple technique that can be stitched on any sewing machine with a zig zag capability. Using the right products and equipment makes appliqué a pleasure.
I experimented with appliqué using MiracleBond™. I used fabric that had the bonding agent already attached and with the product itself bonding both the appliqué and base fabrics together. Fuse the fabrics according to directions in the catalog. Be sure to use a Teflon sheet as a press cloth on the polished metallic fabrics and a see-thru press cloth on other fabric. I had no difficulty using the MiracleBond™. It produced a smooth appliqué "package".
For any appliqué use a tear away stabilizer underneath the base fabric where the appliqué is to be positioned. This helps the feed dogs of the machine glide the fabric through as you stitch.
I use Mettler™; fine white embroidery thread or a lightweight cotton basting thread in the bobbin of the machine. This way you don't have to keep refilling bobbins as you change thread colors. If your machine bobbin housing has a tiny hole in the protruding finger run the thread through this hole after inserting the bobbin into the housing and threading it in the normal fashion. This gives extra tension on the bobbin thread and helps pull the decorative thread to the wrong side of the fabric producing a prettier finish on the appliqué.
Normally for appliqué you use thread the same color as the appliqué fabric but on a church banner you might choose a contrasting metallic thread. Mettler™ fine embroidery thread works well for appliqué but I prefer the decorative Sulky™ threads that come in both metallic and satin finishes. Schmetz™ metallic needles are available for use with metallic threads. On some machines Schmetz™embroidery needles are also necessary. Always use a new needle for each project.
Machines should be set for a wide stitch width and a very short stitch length (around 1). This will vary by machine. An open toe machine foot is very helpful. It lets you see where you are "driving". Loosen the needle tension slightly. You want the top thread to be pulled through to the back of the appliqué. With the presser foot down, place both hands flat on the machine bed. As you stitch, "encourage" the fabric to feed smoothly. Don't push or pull the fabric. Let the feed dogs do their work. Full speed ahead works best. You want a smooth even line of stitches for an effective appliqué. This takes practice!!! Soooo, practice, practice, practice on scraps trying different shapes and designs.
Happy Stitching Marguerite For information on sewing classes in the Nashville area, contact at Marguerite's Sewing School or call (615) 269-0453.Slowly but surely we are getting those back issues on the site. While we are at it, we are updating some of the old information and providing as many links and pictures as we can.
God uses symbolism throughout the bible to help us understand His message. In the same way, symbols are used in worship to convey meaning. Here are a few examples of scripture in Bible Verse:
Rainbow to symbolize God's covenant with us:
"I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth." Genesis 9:13, NIV
Dove to symbolize baptism:
"As soon as Jesus was baptized, he went up out of the water. At that moment heaven was opened, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and lighting on him." Matthew 3:16, NIV
Some symbols are universal while others are specific to denominations. Be careful when using symbols on your banners, what is plain to you may take some explaining to others. Before you get started, get out your Bible and concordance to look up scripture and consult your pastor.
For a list of some common symbols, take a look at our Chart of Symbols for references. Let us know if you have any suggestions.
Mark your calendars for June 10, 2000. To find out about marches and activities in your area go to March for Jesus or Jesus Day or you can call (404) 627-3267. If there are no activities planned in your area, they will be happy to help you get started!
As always, Praisebanners® will have banners, balloons and mini flags to add some spark to your march or Jesus Day event.
PraiseBanners® has been awarded the right to exclusively sell and distribute Veggie Tales™-"Veggie Town Values™" VBS Lawn Banners. The banners are now available for shipment. However, orders should be placed now to ensure deliverability.
Veggie Town Values™ VBS Kits are available through Word by calling 1-888-324-WORD (9673). However, the lawn banners, created for the purpose of advertising the VBS program to church communities, are available only through PraiseBanners® by calling 1-800-226-6377 or ordering on the website at PraiseBanners®
These banners will not be available through bookstores or other resellers.