learning to applique

[Annette R.]

I just read a response I entered quite a while ago. Have to admit I haven't done the Hawaiian applique yet. I still want to do it. I have learned a lot about raw edged fused applique in the last two years and love doing it. I finished a Rhapsody - Blowing in the Wind- see my profile. And I have done a number of BOM's - both Sue Garman's and Erin Russek's. I love raw edge applique (never thought I would even like applique) and come up with a lot of my designs. I think that each person needs to try a number of techniques and decides what works for themself. I know my skills and my dislikes so I will stick with what I am doing. Hugs, Ann

[Judy M.]

I love needleturn applique and usually finger press the turn under just ahead of the needle as I'm appliqueing.

[Judy M.]

i love both of the following teachers and it works for me:
Ami simms and Thimble lady

[Judy M.]

TAKE A CLASS... even if it is from a friend or guild member who does applique. There is nothing like having a teacher to go back to ask questions of... I learned from a DVD but really hone the skills I have by taking a class from a teacher.

DVDs
C& T Publishing has Elly Sienkivich beginning and advance classes on DVD... about $20.00 but I use my 40% JoAnn Coupon to get them for $10.00 each.

More DVDs are being created every month.

Anna

[Pamela N.]

I love needleturn applique and have tried most of the other methods too with sucess. A friend gave me a present of 'Quilting' DVD's a couple of years ago which contained a DVD Applique the Piece o Cake way, I was really impressed and have played it a number of times. Suzanne Marshall also gives a great demonstration on applique on a previous Quilt Show episode. I can also vouch for the Pefect Circles by Karen Kay Buckely that Judymc recomends, I only wish I had discovered them earlier. My advice would be to try different methods until you find the one's that suits you Best Wishes Pam in Scotland UK

[Pamela N.]

I don't know what the name of my method is, but I print pattern pieces on freezer paper. I cut them out exactly on the inside of the pattern lines (so there's no black line to bleed into the fabric) and iron them onto the back side of the fabric. I then cut them out of the fabric, adding seam allowance of course. I then clip/notch for curves. Then I spray starch into the cap of the starch can and apply it to the edges of the seam allowance with a small craft paint brush and iron the seam allowance around the freezer paper shape. I have one of those mini irons that makes it easy. I use a babmoo stick to position the fabric and I get it perfect before I press.

I use my printer settings to mirror the pattern pieces before printing onto the freezer paper. This is really important.

I also have a way to avoid transferring the pattern onto the background fabric. I also print a copy of the design onto regular paper. I loose cut around it as close as I can. I take a piece of freezer paper as large as my background fabric and iron the cut out face up onto the shiney side. I quarter crease both the pattern/freezer paper piece and the background fabric to give me placement lines. Then I iron the whole thing to the back of my background fabric. While I'm working on it, if the freezer paper seperates from the fabric, I press it down again. I am pretty agressive with it as far as folding and rolling it so I can get to where I'm stitching and usually only have to press it down again once or maybe twice in the whole process. I get perfect placement without marking on anything. It is also nice because I don't stitch through any paper, just the fabric, and I don't prick my fingers underneath with the needle at all.

This all may make me sound like a control freak, but, you know, maybe I am. I just like the precision of it.

I also cut away any overlapped pieces a 1/4" to eliminate bulk.

[Pamela N.]

Good idea Linny!