Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 7:58 am

I have a quilt pattern that I am attempting to make and it has some appliqued flowers on it. What would be the simplest (least complicated) method for me to used? Should I just hand sew the flowers on (they arent really fancy but layered) Should I rag them like someone did on a wonderful comfort quilt. I am not nearly that far but thought I would get my ducks in a row and practice a bit. Do I put the flowers on before I put the quilt together. That is the one direction the pattern doesn't have.

grannyQuilts1 · Post by **grannyQuilts1** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 11:46 am

is the applique in a block? i always do all my applique first, then sew blocks together , layer and quilt. there are several ways to do the applique. i use most of them depending on what i am making, i use El's method sometimes, sometimes i use needle turn, and sometimes i just use steam a seam lite and then machine a tiny blanket stich around the item. sorry i can't be more help, it depends on the size of the item you are appliquing.

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:51 pm

You have been a great help. The applique flowers have three sizes like layering a wedding cake (does that make any sense?) and they go in the center and some off center of an 8 inch block that is a solid piece. So you think that it is probably a good idea to applique them first before I put the quilt together. I was thinking that myself, but what do I know. I REALLY appreciate your taking the time to write.

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 1:52 pm

Another question, if I do the applique and then assemble the quilt when my long arm quilter quilts the top will she go around the applique flowers. I am leaning toward stemless flowers but using the leaves

Post by **auntjana** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 4:01 pm

A note in appliqueing - if it is a block - make the block oversize then after you have finished your applique - trim the whole block to the correct dimension. Your applique will shrink your block as you stitch. This way all the blocks stay the same size and will be easier to assemble into the quilt.

Jana

QIAD-Linda · Post by **QIAD-Linda** » Thu Aug 06, 2009 6:37 pm

HI Chrissy,
I love applique and have used two easy methods, raw edge and quick turn. I learned both from Eleanor. On the raw edge, you used paper back, light weight fusible, like Heat n Bond. Draw your shape on the paper side, then iron your fabric - wrong side of fabric- to the adhesive side of the paper back fusible. Then cut the shape out and peel the paper off. Now just lay your "shape", right side up, on your background fabric and press. Then you can use a zig zag stitch, satin stitch, or any decorative stitch you want, to sew down the shape.

With the quick turn method, you draw your shape on light weight non-woven fusible interfacing. Make sure to draw on the non-adhesive side. Now take your fabric and lay it, right side up, on the adhesive side of the fusible. Pin. Now, sew on the drawn line of the fusible. Trim the piece to about 1/8". Make a small slit in the fusible and turn the whole piece inside out. Now, all of your raw edges are on the inside. If you want to add "dimension, you can cut a piece of batting in the same shape, slightly smaller and tuck it into the the "pocket" you made. Now carefully push out all edges and use a wooden iron to press your edges flat, so none of the fusible shows. Place your shape on your background and press in place. Finish with stitching the shape to the background with your favorite decorative stitch, zig zag, or satin stitch.

Chrissy1 · Post by **Chrissy1** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 1:01 am

Linda if I use the quick turn method, if I am going to put the fabric right side up on the interfacing when I turn it after sewing, won't the fabric be inside out. I am so thick headed. I am going to get out my El books and read read read. The flower has three pieces one each smaller than the other, might end up with two heheheh. I appreciate all of the suggestions. I never thought to do it with the stuff I use to iron on my labels. Thank you

Evie · Post by **Evie** » Fri Aug 07, 2009 3:26 am

Chrissy, before you do the applique, check with your quilter to see if she has any problems/suggestions. Some quilters do not want extra thickness in the quilts and you might have to cut out the backs of the appliques to reduce the thickness. If that is the case, come back and ask more questions, someone will be able to tell you how to do that. Don't worry, it's easy to do.

Why don't you post a picture of the applique you want to do. Maybe someone here has done that one already and can give you some hints/suggestions.

BTW, I use Eleanor's methods quite a lot when appliqueing!

Quilt in a Day Forums

Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR

Re: Applique question of the week, no month, oh heck YEAR