Machine applique embroidery on T shirt knits

On the days that my family was not here last week I attempted a applique sample project. I have to tell you, I learned some new things to help avoid breaking five needles and getting fabric caught in the throat. I usually use tear away stabilizer, but apparently with knits you use cut away stabilizer, and a size 80 ballpoint needle.

Cole of Cole's corner and creations guided me through many questions I had, because the first sample I did I broke five needles and  I  had several knots that caused the sewing  machine to stop. I was hoping to finish the shirts before they left, but I guess that wasn't to be this time

On the final fronts of my grandsons T shirts. I used a cut away stabilizer, wonder under under the applique fabric (I found out later that heat n bond lite is best for putting under applique pieces), I used sulky thread and a size 8o needle.
At Emblibrary they have an interesting article on stabilizers at I http://www.emblibrary.com/EL/elprojects/SimpleProduct_ELP.aspx?CS_ProductID=PR1373&CS_Catalog=Elprojectst  It has been awhile since I have sewn appliques on knits. Guess I needed a refresher course. :)

Some of Coles Corner and Creations tips
1. It depends on how heavy the knit is if it's thick- go with a bigger needle and if it's a thin, lightweight needle- go with a smaller one. 70,80, and 90 ballpoint.
You want to use cut away on knits, though- not tear away.
Tear away will not stabilize the 'stretch' on the t-shirt and it will distort
To avoid hoop ring on t shirt hoop the stabilizer, spray the stabilizer, and pin the shirt to the top of the stablizer

2.  She used this one from All Brands. she  use their cut away also.She loves it.
http://www.allbrands.com/products/abp14276-1981.html
3. it also works to pull some thread off the spool and hold it up or purchase a stand  that you can put away from the sewing machine similiar to http://www.supplydivision.com/misc-items-services/thread-stand.html
Also, make sure that your heat and bond and sulky is all the way dry before you start embroidering.
The heat and bond should be cooled and the sulky completely dry.
If you do it before then, it can gum up the needle causing thread problems

The Monster Truck appliques are found at http://www.designsbyjuju.com/pscart/mysearch.aspx?stext=monster%20trucks.  I really like the way  the monster trucks appliques turned out! A week later finally got a picture of them wearing it,

Thank you for visiting and Have a Good Day!