El's Quick turn applique question...

[Itchn2Bstitchn]

Here's the short story.

I was in Joann's yesterday (not needing anything, but just wondering around aimlessly) when I was asked by one of the girls at the cutting counter (they know me by my name) if I could help this lady with her question. She is working on El's watercolor wallhanging. She was following the directions for the quick turn method and is not very happy with it. She said that if you are using a light colored fabric, the pen marks show through and some of the fusible interfacing keep coming out from under the piece that she is fusing. I usually have the same problem, but I just use my machine and zig-zag around it and I'm done (this is one of the things I hate about applique). She didn't want to zig-zag. I told her about the raw edge appligue method also. Nope, she doesn't want to do that either. She doesn't like it...again, I use that method too and zig-zag around it. So, then she says that she usually just needle turns her applique. I said, I don't do needle turn...but, if you can do it, do it that way. She was very reassured that someone other than her is having the same problems.

Question, do you have the same problem with the quick turn applique method?

How do you "hide" the fusible interfacing if you do?

If you don't, what are you doing that we are missing?

Keep stitchn,
Jan

[auntjana]

I have used this method several times. Each time I learn something new - What I have found is that I sew just to the inside of the black marking line. Don't trace on top of you fabric as the pen can and does bleed through the pellon. Also when I turn the piece, I use a plastic point turner to smooth out the seam, from the inside of the piece. This is after I have turned it to the right side. I am very careful not to push to hard as to rip the interfacing. I also use a very light weight pellon interfacing.

When I am ready to apply it to my block - I iron the piece into the shape, rolling the interfacing edges under with my fingers, and then iron on a applique pressing sheet - nothing sticks to it - interfacing side against the sheet. This allows me to reposition the interfacing so that it disappears under the seam line. I can shape the piece to achieve the desired shape. Then I can apply it to my block and the stickiness of the interfacing is still there. I really feel this pressing sheet is wonderful - for raw edge or El's method. It allows you to assemble the applique and then place it in one piece. When I am doing repetitive blocks, I will make a template of the shape, in the negative. The template is the size of the backing fabric, with the applique area cut out, so the when I have the applique assembled, I can see that it fits in place exactly.
Then I can attached it and use a blanket stitch around the outside edge of the applique.
Another thought is to use an air-erase or water soluble marker - just remember that if heat is applied, the water-soluble marker becomes permanent. Also, you can't turn tight curves or corners too easily.
Hope that these ideas may help you in doing this method.
Jana

[institcheswithrosie]

I had that happen once, so took it off and did it again w/ a fabric marker that fades. A washaway one would work, too. Just mist after you've turned to make the marks disappear. (on the washaway)

[ctherrie]

I love my applique pressing sheet also. It allows you to get the piece pressed correctly so the interfacing doesn't show before applying it to the quilt.

[grannyQuilts1]

Hi, yes when El shows how to do it she shows that you sew just inside the line, That way the line won't show after it is turned.
Barbara