Trying to learn applique

[mama2ja]

Hi! I'm new here. I'm a self-taught quilter and have been quilting about 3 years. I'm ready to try applique, but am nervous! Anyone have some advice? Any previous posts I can check out?

Thanks!
Monica

[MarieJ]

Are you going to applique by hand or by machine? I have done both and enjoy both. It is time consuming, but rewarding. There are so many techniques that you really need to get a book and try as many as you can. Then you will find the one that is right for you. I know when I first started needleturn (hand) applique, I did not have my stitches close enough together. Just so many things you learn as you start to do it.

[MastiffMomQlt]

Welcome, Mama!

There are many ways to spplique. I would look to the library. Try different techniques & see what works for you.

MM

[cindyg]

mama2ja - HI! Boy, you've opened a can of worms - LOL. There are so many ways to applique. I like Eleanor Burns' way with the light- weight interfacing. Sometimes I stitch it down by hand, other times by machine. But there are so many other ways and you just need to try them out and see which you like doing the best.

[gardenquilter]

there are so very many different ways and then some of us make it up as we go along - I love raw edge and then eleanors method with the fusible comes in second on my preference

[calicopuzzle]

My favorite way when doing hand applique is to use freezer paper shapes ironed on the back side of my applique pieces, then cut a small allowance to turn under. Turn the edges of fabric over the sharp edge of the freezer paper as you go along sewing down the edges. I think I learned this method from a Fons & Porter program on PBS a long time ago. You could check one of their quilting books or even their website for information.


To check out previous postings, just click on the search button on this page and type in your topic.

[cindyg]

Calico = I've never used the freezer paper method. Do you leave the freezer paper in the quilt or do you cut out under the applique and pull out the freezer paper after it's all sewn down?

[QIAD-Linda]

Hi mama2ja,
Welcome to the Forum! We are really happy that you joined us and can't wait to get to know you.

Just the idea of applique used to scare me to death, yet I loved all the beautiful applique quilts. I talked to Eleanor about this and she told me to start with Sunbonnet Sue. I did and it gave me the confidence to move on to other applique projects. I made Applique in a Day (a Baltimore Album quilt) for my parents 60th wedding anniverary 5 years ago and I think it was the best quilt I ever made.
My advice is to start with an easy applique project to gain confidence and then move up to the project that you really want to do.
I love applique because of the freedom it gives me! I can make a quilt with any designs I want now because of Eleanor's easy techniques.
Go for it, you can do it! We are all cheering for you!

Linda

[InStitches]

Hi All,

I too, am a newbie but would love to learn how to do applique! I like the idea of starting out slowly! I am so nervous about the whole process as I have never done any applique work before. Thank you all for your wonderful tips.

In Stitches!

[quiltlady1957]

I personally use El's method of applique and love it! I'm making a fall wallhanging right now. I always wondered how anyone gets the smaller shapes turned and looking good without having to slit the interfacing all the way from one end to another. Any tips on this? Thanks! Betsy