Learning to do the whip stitch

 No, this isn't a new dance move!  In doing wool applique there are two stitches you will use more than any others.  The whip stitch, sometimes called primitive whip stitch and the blanket stitch/button hole stitch.  Now we will focus on the whip stitch. Using a chenelle needle, we usually use a #22 and thread.  For stitching you can match the threads to the wool you will be stitching or use all one color, it is your pick. For our stitching we used a contrasting color so you could see the stitching better. Begin by threading your needle, and knotting one end of the thread.

 Here, we have stapled our two pieces together, so we can stitch them, and then remove the staple. You can use a fusable web, such as Wonder Under, or a tack glue, this is your pick. Circular shapes as these two are called "pennies" in wool applique.

 So begin by bringing your needle up close to the edge, where the two are.

 Here you can see that the needle has been brought up from the under side and then you will go down about 1/4" in from the edge.

 This is what your stitch should look like. Continue around the circle keeping your stitches as even as possible.

When you are done, you will have a piece that looks something like this, and place a knot on the bottom side to hold your stitching. Now remove the staple and you are finished.