Sometimes the wonder under, etc gunks up the needle. Maybe trying a new needle would have helped or don't put the adhesive all the way to the edge if possible.
Susan

Thank you, Susan, that's what I was planning to try - not to put adhesive all the way to the edges. I used brand new needles and kept whiping them off with alhogol pads...didn't help. I thought I was doing something wrong (after sewing for 35 years!). But I just bought a "new" sewing machine - Husqvarna Rose, barely used, and tried that satin stitch. I love it!
Thank for your help!
Vera

Try using a fusible interfacing instead.Sew them together so that the right side of your fabric is against the right side (non fusible side) of the applique.Sew all around it then make a slit in the center of the interfacing to turn it right side out.Smooth out your edges lay in place and then press down onto your fabric and stitch in place.
HTH
Kathi

Hi, Here are a few ways I've sewn on appliques with good results. I've never used glue, don't like how it feels on the finished item, and it could discolor or damage fabrics over time.

Cut out the applique, pin it in place and sew around it carefully with a straight stitch. That will attach it nicely. Next, sew a satin stitch or a fairly tight zig zag stitch around it that's smaller (not as wide) than the finish stitch. Then, go back over with the satin stitch you like. That gives the satin stitch a 'raised' look.

Make a little 'pillow' with the applique shape. The seam allowance should be trimmed to 1/4" or less, and notched like any curve. Cut a slice in the back, turn it right side out, iron the edges smoothly, then sew it on the item using a straight stitch. Thin fabrics are best for this, but if you're using a heavier fabric, use the thinnest fabric possible on the back of the pillow.

You can use the freezer paper technique when machine sewing. This is best for straight stitch applique. Cut the desired shape from freezer paper. Press the sticky side of the paper to the back of applique fabric. Press edges under. Handstitch the edges down. Place the applique on the item and machine straight stitch very close to the edge. When you're near the end, remove the handstitching and pull the freezer paper out before closing, or finish sewing around, cut a slit in the back and pull the paper out through the slit. Linda

I make Irish dance costumes for a living - which are covered in appliques, lol! Once in a while a manufacturer makes a bad batch of adhesive, plus some just plain gum up the needle worse than others. My personal preference is steam-a-seam 2 because it's tacky on both sides, allowing placement without shifting before you press it in place. Just for fun, here's a link to some of my appliqued projects... All of the design work on these dresses are applique.

Here is a link that might be useful: Irish dance costumes

Holy Cats Terrie, those are AMAZING!!!!!!! You are for SURE an artist!!!!!!!!!!!! Does the design of the appliques have symbolism??? Brava girl, Brava!!!!!!!!!

Thanks, jaybird! I have a lot of fun with them. I don't have a daughter or a dancer myself, so I get to sew for everyone else's and it enables me to work from home;) I also do alterations so just had four dancers here this morning - The Irish dancers are having the North American Championships in Ottawa Canada next week so they're all rush jobs. Boy, will my 14 year old son be disappointed that he slept in and missed them, lol.
The designs on the dresses used to be Celtic knotwork and symbols from the Book of Kells, but these days it's whatever's different and flashy. I can't take credit for the design work though -- I have a wonderful artist that I purchase designs from and then I just go nuts with the computer to resize them and work out color combinations, pull out the scissors and my stash of fabrics and sew 'em up!

That's beautiful, Terri! You must have a lot of patience to cut all those thin stipes and then go over each curve with the sewing machine!!! WOW!!!
Thanks for all your help, ladies, will use one of your suggestions for next applique.
Vera

Terri, those are really special! And what colors! I can't imagine the patience you have......Thanks for sharing.

First, I bought appliques, adhered them with no-stitch glue and ironed them on. They came off in the wash, leaving the glue remnant, and ruined the clothes. This time, I am trying to sew them on without ironing them on first, by coming through the material from the back (shorts), and sewing the back of the iron-on, on. Is this a crazy idea? Should I iron it on, first? Am I just sewing the iron-on adhisive on? I am hand-stitching; that is what I mean when I say I am sewing. I don't know how to use a sewing machine anymore. The appliques are all different colors around, so I can't see stitching them from the outside. Anysuggestions?