making a celtic design

[Karen M.]

I'd like to stitch a simple celtic design. Many years ago I used the bias bars but would love to be able to stitch everything by hand, any ideas please to make the narrow bias strips. Thank you, Julia 2

[Terry K.]

Julia2, many years ago, I hand appliqued a Celtic design this way. . .
I cut narrow bias strips--like 3/4 of an inch; pressed them in half, pinned them in place on my background fabric. I used applique pins--this are shorter than other pins and your thread doesn't catch on them as easily.

Then I would applique along the fold line, if it was an inner curve, until that section was tacked into place. Next, I would trim the underneath fabric of that inner curve to a scant 1/8 of an inch.
Last, I would fold under the raw edge of the fabric for the outer curve to the fold line of the inner curve and applique that piece of the strip. (Gosh, I hope this makes sense!!)

If the fold line was on the outer curve, I would finger press a new fold line on the inner curve and use that as my "new" fold line and continue as explained above.

I liked this process because the bias strips looked even and because the seam allowance was the same, the strips felt the same no matter where one would check.

I think that Jane Townswick uses a similar technique for her skinny stems. Google her as she has written several applique books.

[Margo C.]

I really like the Clover bias tape makers, but the smallest one they offer makes 1/4" bias strips. If you need something smaller, you need a different technique.

http://www.clover-usa.com/product/0/...as_Tape_Makers

You might find this video by Nancy's Notions helpful: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RW9Rww6gEpU

[Marion D.]

Raymond Houston has recently been exploring celtic knots. here is the blog: http://knotty-celtic-knots.com/
I haven't had time to go over there myself, so I don't know how useful it is.

[Paula D.]

O.K. - Here is the absolute best answer.........drumroll........go google "FASTURN". (You are welcome) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4Qz0...er&list=UL

[Paula D.]

Thank you all for your ideas, can't wait to try them out, all four methods are very different. Julia2

[Paula D.]

I am also looking for ideas on celtic knots etc. A few guilds near me are having a chanllenge called 'Borders' It begins with a basic (plain or fancy - whatever rectangle) beginning at no less than 2" x 3", up to 24 inches. Then we have to put on SIX different borders - One applique, one Celtic knots, one Pieced, one Stained Glsss, one Trapunto and one other of our own choice. A lot of people who started out, have dropped out. I'd like to do a celtic knot, but a simple own. If any one has a suggestions althoug the internet is full of them, if anyone has actually tried one, pls let me know.

For the thin bias strips, I took a course with Debbie Kimball, and she has a great technique - described in her book ' Beautiful Botanicals" Maybe she has a wensite that explains it. It's very similar to the one described on this topic - but I think she startes with 3/8 of an inch. Just place the strip along the line you want. Sew a running stitch at the edge of this. Then, curve the rest of the strip over and under and applique that side. It's easy-peasy!

[Terry K.]

I have the following three books in my library:
"Sew Easy Celtic-- Designing Simplified, Applique Perfected" by Angela Madden
MCQ Publications/England/1993
http://www.amazon.com/Sew-Easy-Celti...882&sr=1-1


"Celtic Style Floral Applique--Designs Using Interlaced Scrollwork" by Scarlett Rose
American Quilter's Society/1994 (This book inspired me to make a border for a quilt)
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_no...mp;x=0&y=0

"Celtic Spirals" by Philomena Durcan
Celtic Design Company/1992 (Made several pillows from designs in this book)
http://www.amazon.com/Celtic-Spirals...756&sr=1-3

It looks like you can still purchase these on Amazon.com. I hope this will provide the inspiration you need to succeed.

[Rita C.]

I learned to do very narrow bias strips from Deborah Kemball's book Beautiful Botanicals. You cut 3/8" bias strips from your fabric. Then you tack stitch the strip around your design. After that you fold it over and needle-turn it down. I have found this works really well once you get the knack of it and it is as quick as any of the other methods. I have also used the quick bias tape which is great but it is only in limited colours and 1/4" wide which might be too big. Here's a photo of the one I am working on at the moment. I know it's not a Celtic design but the narrow stems are the same kind of thing. The strips end up being a little over 1/8". Good luck with the project - will you post photos when you are done? Rita.

[Rita C.]

Very nice, Rita!

[Hannelore N.]

I cheat. I use fusible bias tape on a roll. There are at least two companies who make these and they are very easy to use.
I know the picture does not show anything remotely Celtic, but you may be able to see how the bias tape is stitched down: with a twin needle that's just a touch narrower than the tape. It sort of lifts the tape in the middle and creates a raised effect. This piece is patiently waiting for me to find some time for more quilting.

[Norma H.]

Looks very good, Lorchen

[Rita C.]

Looks great Lorchen. Ah Venice!

[Eileen K.]

There's also the method used by Suzanne Marshall that she demoed in her episode, #203.