How to Quilt Herky Jerky Appliqué

Preparation

Herky jerky appliqué is a fun way to quilt around your desired shape, but first, the shape or design must still be secured in place. Heather explains how to first stitch the appliqué shape in place using a straight stitch to secure it to the quilt top. She also mentions another option to hold the shapes or designs in place which is using some kind of adhesive. Since the shape is going to be stitched in place with the herky-jerky appliqué stitches, the adhesive you use can be either temporary or permanent and either an iron-on, spray or another type. Once you have your shapes and designs secured to your quilt top, you simply prepare it like any other quilt to be quilted by layering and basting your quilt top with batting and a backing fabric. It is now ready to be quilted with herky-jerky appliqué, or you can try out quilting with decorative stitches.

Herky Jerky Appliqué

Heather then demonstrates how to do the herky-jerky stitch. She explains how she has her machine set up for stitching including stitch type and whether or not to have the feed dogs engaged. Heather then demonstrates how to do the stitch by moving the fabric back and forth quickly under the needle while stitching. She gives tips on how to vary the length and number of stitches made in one area to keep the stitching looking “random.” Heather also gives tips on what direction to move the fabric depending on what areas of a design you are stitching around.