applique help

[Marilynsgrammy]

Hi,

I am going to give applique a shot... what is your best advice? and I know you need to sew around the item you applique on to the block you are using... but how do you sew it when you are trying something small, or something where you don't want a blanket or zig zag stitch to show.... I am scared to give this a try, that is why I am asking for hints.

Chriss

[apolta]

Chriss... I am VERY new to applique and crazy me has chosen not 1 but 2 applique blocks for swaps... what was I thinking right? Actually I am starting to really enjoy it... I use Eleanor's method of using the non woven fusible interfacing... you trace your pattern onto the smooth side and lay it on top your fabric facing up... you then sew around the line all the way... trim away leaving about 1/4 inch seam allowance... cut a small whole on the interfacing piece... careful not to cut the fabric... pull the fabric through that hole... smooth around and iron down to whatever you are placing the applique onto... then use a blanket stitch all the way around... if you don't want blanket stitch to show you can use monofilament thread or even use a straight stitch around because there is no "raw" edge... it is all nicely turned under... hope I did not confuse you... there are very good directions in most of Eleanor's Quilt in a Day books at least all the ones I have... hope this helps...

Cheers!
-Alina-

[Evie]

Try looking at this site:

http://www.quilt.com/HowTo/AppliqueHowT ... oPage.html

You can still use El's method and hand stitch it down instead of machine stitch.

[MAWmum]

I really enjoy needle turn applique and it isn't as hard as everyone thinks. get some tiny applique pins, pin from the back, clip your corners, use a long thin needle (straw needles are preffererd by some), make sure your thread matches the piece you are appliqueing down.
come from underneath, just catch the edge of the top piece and keep them close to the edge you are turning.

[Marilynsgrammy]

Alina, thanks... I think I have one of her applique programs taped... I will go watch it

Evie, what a cool web site... it really has some great information.

Carin, when you turn it are you kind of hemming it.. turning the edges of the applique under and just catching that with the needle?

I think I need to make a practice piece and then do something real...

Thanks for your help and direction girls... I do appreciate it.

Chriss

[QIAD-Linda]

Hi Chriss,
I love machine applique, it is one of my favorite techniques. If you don't want your stitches to show, use invisible thread as your top thread.

My first applique project was Eleanor's Sunbonnet Sue. The pieces are large enough so you can make them and get the hang of the techinque. I made an "Applique in a Day" quilt for my parents 55th wedding anniversary and it is the best quilt I ever made. I am very proud of it and want my mom to pass it on to my daughter.

Applique is very rewarding and fun to do. I find a lot of freedom in applique because now I can applique anything I want to add to a quilt. I hope you will step out and try it. If you need help, please send me a PM.

Best of luck and fun with it!
Linda

[Oasis]

I just tried applique for the first time today. I, like Alina, did it El's way.

Stitch fusible facing (very thin) and your piece right sides together then turn. I used invisible thread (Sulky brand, it is so soft) and used the blind hem stitch, 4 straight then it zigs over to the piece, then back and does 4 straight. I did the straight stitches on the background right next to the edge so only the "zig" stitch is on the actual applique. The fusible has been ironed down so the piece is already attached to the background. It has opened up a whole new technique for me. I just ordered El's "Grandmothers Garden" book and DVD so I can practice some more.

Just pick up a piece of scrap fabric and go for it. Thats what I did and I love it now.