Quilt in a Day Forums

Hello, what is the easiest way to turn the edges of a curvy piece of applique under when you stitch it? I want a nice finished looking edge. And what stitch do you use? Thanks!

I use the liquid starch method for my applique. It is a bit putzy for prep work but doing the actual applique goes ever so smoothly! Linda Hohag from Brandywine Designs shows how to do it in her books.

I use freezer paper, starch and my iron. Amie )

So you turn the edges under before you start to stitch or as you go?

Sew on the quarter inch margin in from the applique edge or whatever the edge will be. Starch the material first. Then press on the sewn lines. I saw this on TV.

Buy interfacing that is very thin and that you can see throug. Cut the applique and interfacing a little larger then the applique. Sew all aroung the applique. Cut a slit in the back of the interfacing and turn it out. So originally the fabrick should have the right side against the interfacing so when it is turned it will be right side out. This is Eleanor's way. She has this information in her book Quilt Through the Seasons. I recommend you purchase a book from her that goes into detail on this.

You can purchase cuttable template that is heat resistant from Nancy's Notions. www.nancysnotions.com Cut the plastic to the size exactly of your applique. Turn the design edges over the template and press. I saw this on TV. Call and ask a sewing advisor at Nancy's notions and they will give you all the advice you need. Her number is 1-800-833-0690
These are three good ways.

Good Luck

Thank you everyone for your help! I'm definitely going to check out those books. I like the interfacing and dryer sheet ideas. I would not have thought of that, but I vaguely recall seeing it done on TV.

I fuse and turn, but lately I have been using fully fusable, then blanket or satin stitching. These have been on wally hangings, though and wont see much washing. In that case I would fuse and turn and use sewbug's stitches.

You don't need to stitch along the edge with starch method applique. Cut a heat resistant mylar template the size of the finished applique. Starch the edges of your applique piece and then press the edges over the template. It's a bit putzy to prepare but when you go to applique it on, it goes ever so slick.

You sew on the quarter inch around the applique. Then after it is sewed you press under on the sewed line. Starching helps.