Favorite appliqué technique?

[Jo H.]

I'm using two methods for my center block. For the detail applique, I'm using Jane Townswick's method of applique, which was a little head scratching for me at first but it works fabulously once I got the steps cemented in my head. Then I attached the larger sections using Sharon Schambers method. I'm definately not going to win a marathon in speed applique but the results sure have me impressed. I hope to have a picture of my finished block by the end of the week.

[Margo C.]

tease!!! :wink:

[Judy S.]

Has anybody heard of using a fusible, washable Foriani stabilizer for templates for needleturn applique? I read it somewhere in a blog -- and of course, don't remember where.

Judy

[Margo C.]

I'm not familiar with the Floriani stabilizers, but Sharon Schamber uses her brand (which I think is just like Ricky's Stable Stuff) for needle-turn techniques.

Here's a free video from her network showing how she does it: http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com...Blue-Bird.aspx

[Margo C.]

Margo, do you use Ricky's Stable Stuff for hand applique, needle-turn, and if so, hos is it to go through Stable Stuff, when you applique. I have the SS, fut have not tried it.

[Margo C.]

Margarita, I have not done needle-turn with Stable Stuff, but Sharon Schamber uses her stabilizer, and I think it's the same product.

Watch her tutorial here: http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com...Blue-Bird.aspx

Why don't you try just stitching a small leaf or flower on a scrap of fabric for us and let us know how you like it!! Wash it (or just rinse it well) and let us know how you like the effect of having the SS in the appliqué.

[Robin G.]

Yes, please, Margarita, do a sample and let us know! My SS hasn't arrived yet and I won't have my fabric for my heart vine for another week or so, but that's how I'm thinking of doing it. I was thinking of trying a sample, too, but I can't do that until the SS arrives ...

[Robin G.]

I must say that I am new to all this, and have tried on scraps the machine turned applique, it seems that I can manage to do all of the sections that is necessary but for the exception of being able to iron the fabric over onto the back, I don't seem to be able to get it nice and smooth and therefor am not happy with the end result. I would love to be able to do needle turned as I used to love needlework, but it now makes the arthritis in my hands worse, so on to the machine. I would appreciate it if there are any tips to get the edges nice and smooth. I must say that I am enjoying this forum very much Barbara

[Robin G.]

I am very boring in my sewing process..... I only do freezer paper, needle turn. :P However, I am proud of the fact that yesterday I managed to sew down twelve leaves. It is very slow going for me, but I will be finished by the end of the month. :lol:

[Margo C.]

I must say that I am new to all this, and have tried on scraps the machine turned applique, it seems that I can manage to do all of the sections that is necessary but for the exception of being able to iron the fabric over onto the back, I don't seem to be able to get it nice and smooth and therefor am not happy with the end result. I would love to be able to do needle turned as I used to love needlework, but it now makes the arthritis in my hands worse, so on to the machine. I would appreciate it if there are any tips to get the edges nice and smooth. I must say that I am enjoying this forum very much Barbara

Barbara, instead of ironing the edges to the back, you might want to try the technique that I use with Stable Stuff as a foundation. the edges are glued under, and I find that I can get my edges smoother with this technique. Here is the link to my machine appliqué tutorial: learn/classrooms/

Keep trying different techniques until you find what works best for you!

[Margo C.]

Margo, thank you for providing the link to your tutorial. As usual, your demo's are very detailed and appreciated. I love to hand applique, but I really need to get up to speed on the machine applique techniques, so I can speed up the process a bit.

Kathy in CA

[Judy S.]

Barbara, if you would rather iron than glue, Erin Russek as some videos on her website showing her technique and tips.

A written/slide lesson is here: http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...010/01/appliqué-lesson-2-making-shapes.html
The video lesson is here: http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...010/09/appliqué-video-3made-by-a-doofus.html

It is well worth it to look at all her lessons She did a series with photos and then this year as done video lessons.
http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/
Judy

[Margo C.]

Thanks for those links, Judy!

[Judy S.]

Guys -- I'm sorry I can't seem to get the link right so you can just click on it. Copy and paste into your address bar to go to the specific lessons. Judy

[Lynn K.]

I've just been scrolling through all these comments and decided to throw in my 2 cents. I used Sharon Schamber's method with glue and did machine applique on the 2009 BOM Bouquets for a New Day. The quilt is wonderful and I enjoyed it so much. It was my first foray into machine applique and I think I was quite accomplished by the time it was done.

I've tried about every HAND sewing method of applique and am now applying those lessons to my Dear Jane which is mostly by hand. BACK BASTING is by far the most simple and fastest for me. It only requires tracing the patter on the back of the background, basting the chosen fabric to the front of the background, and then needleturn. My first lesson was from Becky Goldsmith also and still use my CrackerBarrel toothpicks if hubby doesn't get them first.

Am just about ready to trace the Ruffled Roses pattern to back of background for the start of this project. Yep, back basting for me if it's by hand!