Adventures in Applique
This picture is as close as you're going to get to my first ever needle turn applique attempt. Talk about fingers and thumbs - I nearly 'sewed' my finger to my thumb. I did sew my finger to the back of the fabric 8 times though...
As you can see when I ran out of thread down the bottom I used this as the perfect excuse to stop. I had troubles with my bends. I got this great book out of the library which has really clear instructions for all types of applique, so first I tried the Freezer Paper on Top method. This was going well til I got to the right hand bend at the top of the heart. I had enough to contend with without an extra bit of paper on top. So I took that off and sketched the line on the red fabric. The pointy inside bit in the middle at the top I clipped, but the fabric went all frayed, so I gave up on that bit and kept going. I was doing ok with the stitching; it is the turning under part that was hard. I tried to pin it, but hmmmm... not so good.
I have looked back in the book - there is a Freezer Paper on the Bottom technique where you pre turn the seam allowance to the back and baste it, which looks easier, but then it would be a lot more work. There is another interesting one where they make a proper template out of Templar, put it on the wrong side of the fabric, then 'paint' the seam allowance with spray starch squirted into a little cup, using a cotton bud. The seam allowance is then ironed over the template. Again, more work. Perhaps I had better keep practising, but maybe using an easier shape. Any suggestions gratefully received.
Don't give up! Though there is a bit of prep work involved, applique is such a pleasure and the results are so worth it. =)
ReplyDeleteJenni - I know you don't want to hear it - but practice, practice, practice. It really helps.
ReplyDeleteI wrote an entire blog post full of tips on needleturn applique. Here is the link. I hope you find it helpful.
http://hardenbrookgirl.blogspot.com/2006/09/appliqu-hints.html
Don't worry. The first one is the most frustrating. Keep perservering and try different methods till you find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteAT the moment I either mark the applique piece on the right side, stick it on the background using Roxannes Glue and sew down to the line or I use a method like this http://annamariahorner.blogspot.com/2007/02/super-circles.html.
Good luck with it.
There really is no right or wrong method. I think I may have tried them all at this point - coming full circle back to needleturn. The good news is that on the journey I got better at my stitches and it's really not as bad as I thought. Just try them all - one will feel just right for you.
ReplyDeleteJenni, this link is one that was given to me several years ago and I just love it. I find it so easy to follow and you end up with a lovely needle turned applique without all the stress and frustraions.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.appleblossomquilts.com/tips/
Advice - keep trying... I would try one using each method... Some methods work better for some projects than others...
ReplyDeleteDo you have an cheapo or pattern tracing paper? The method where you use your sewing machine and flip it (Hard to describe) works well...
ReplyDeleteYour "adventure" sounds like me this summer when I tried appliqueing for the first time. I even have the same book! A member of our guild is very successful with the painted starch method, but I ended up burning the tips of my fingers with the iron.
ReplyDeleteThe one I finally used was to sew the shape to a piece of lightweight fusible interfacing. When it is turned right side out the seam allowance is out of your way and you can iron the whole thing down to hold it in place while you sew around the edges. There is some bulk under the shape, but at least it will lie flat.
Good luck!
Now I remember why I do machine applique!
ReplyDeleteI never took to hand applique. Machine applique is the way I go!
ReplyDeleteAs a young woman, I did applique - probably badly, but I had no instruction and I liked the process. Now (NOT a young woman), with so many methods to consider and try, I cannot even THINK of trying again ...so many rules, suggestions, etc. The only way I've done them is by facing the piece with fusible interfacing, sewing with small stitch around edge, trimming, then cutting slit in interfacing, turning right side out, and pressing/fusing. That's the end of my effort. Works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to look up some of these methods mentioned in your comment. Maybe one of them will encourage me again.
As a young woman, I did applique - probably badly, but I had no instruction and I liked the process. Now (NOT a young woman), with so many methods to consider and try, I cannot even THINK of trying again ...so many rules, suggestions, etc. The only way I've done them is by facing the piece with fusible interfacing, sewing with small stitch around edge, trimming, then cutting slit in interfacing, turning right side out, and pressing/fusing. That's the end of my effort. Works for me.
ReplyDeleteI'm going to look up some of these methods mentioned in your comment. Maybe one of them will encourage me again.
Oh no, that was me, not Anonymous with that most recent post!
ReplyDeleteElaine Adair
I forgot to say that when you go to this site, click on back basting.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.appleblossomquilts.com/tips/
When I began quilting, I said that applique would never be anything I would do. Famous last words, as it is now my favorite thing to do. Keep at it.
ReplyDeleteI do needle turn applique. I trace around the freezer paper and than glue my piece to the block. I remove the freezer paper and voila! My block is portable. Don't give up and will all fall into place after a bit of practice.
ReplyDeleteI have always used the freezer paper on the bottom method. I used to baste the seam allowance under but recently started needle turning the edge under with the freezer paper on the bottom. Before I begin I finger press the seams under. When you clip your "V" on your heart don't clip all the way...just a tiny little clip will keep the fabric from fraying. Just stop stitching when you have almost reached the place where you started and pull out the freezer paper. Finish the stitching. Practice makes perfect! You'll get it if you persevere.
ReplyDeleteI am a novice too Jenni, but like needleturn. I do finger press the seam under for about three centimetres ahead of where I'm stitching. I trace the shape on the right side of the fabric as my guide.
ReplyDeleteGood luck and keep trying!
Hi Jenni
ReplyDeleteDianne here from Brisbane. Good luck with the applique. Love the look but have done VERY little so can't offer any help.
Just saying that yes I'm the same Dianne that left you a message before and I am a friend of Bettsy. She has kindly shared some of my quilts with the group on her blog. I actually met you at the craft show in Brisbane last year. Thanks for your blog. I enjoy the read now and again.
Hey there Jenni, do keep at the applique, it's hard to get coordinated to begin with, but it really does get easier. I think the heart is the best shape for a beginner, as it has reasonably gentle curves, as well as innie and outtie points to practice. Needleturn is one of my favourite things, and for me personally, the less gimmicks the better. I just draw the shape on and applique away.
ReplyDelete*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)
Patti is right when she says it is all about getting in loads of practice. I did a needleturn applique border on a quilt and it took me three years to do the simplest design! I would get out the project, work on a bit, then put it away for months. Everytime I got the project out, I had to totally start over and get up to speed with my applique skills. Finally, I just decide to work on it until the darn thing was finished, and I could see daily progress on my skills improving. Good luck, and keep at it!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you got lots of suggestions. I started out with the freezer paper on the bottom method. It does work well but it is a lot of work. Then I did a method where I just hand basted the seams under and then appliqued and took out the basting -- a lot less work. Now I just do the needle turn applique, I really prefer it because it is the least amount of work. And all it takes is practice, practice, practice!! One of the best fabrics to start with is batiks - because they don't fray very easy, and they are really easy to mark. Try a few batik blocks first.
ReplyDeletePersonnally, I'm an "about needleturner" (LOL) : which means that I first cut the exact shape on freezer paper, then iron it on the backside of my fabric, and then needleturn. It may be a longer process, but works like a breeze, is worth the few additional minutes, and gives rewarding results. For a bigger project,
ReplyDeleteI use to devote one or two hours (eg a quiet evening) to cut all my freezer shapes and to iron them on the chosen fabrics (that gives me enough "stock" for a week's applique), then I can quietly devote the rest of the week to applique (and it even becomes a portable project). Of course, this may not be THE only method, but at least it suits me....
May Britt (Abyquilt) has posted a nice tutorial about that method, some weeks ago. Have a try !
Hope that helps !
Enjoy !
NADINE.
Hi, may I suggest that you cut your shape and then fuse it to the fabric with fusible web, with an iron, then its done all you need is to do a blanket stitch around it if you like, or you may leave it to fray for a chennile like look..Thanks , good blog! Izzy
ReplyDeleteHave been putting it off but need to teach myself as Alex's quilt is coming back from the cleaners next week and needs to be repaired. Applique is the only way to do it!
ReplyDeletehttp://www.ca.uky.edu/fcs/FACTSHTS/CT-MMB-722.pdf
ReplyDeleteThis might also be helpful...
Hearts are the best shape to try different methods of applique on because you get curves, inner and outer points. Persevere, it does get easier. Personally I prefer the freezer paper under method, despite the extra work :)
ReplyDeleteHi Jenni, just popping in to say "hi"...and I picked a bad day because I can be of NO help with applique at all! I'm a miserable failure at it. Yours looks quite good to me, for your first attempt. The nice thing about bloggers and blogland is that there is soo much help and advice available. Don't give up! Hugs, Finn
ReplyDeleteMmmm, not quite my thing either, I had better read what your commenters suggest...only a few more days until the world cup, what will the telecast be like?? Tracey
ReplyDeleteMe again, I agree with Diana, that method with the interfacing was the best result this inept appliquer ever had. Tracey
ReplyDeleteHi! Tripped over your blog and couldn't help but comment. Iron freezer paper shape to the top, trace around design (I use a yellow quilting pencil), glue in place with Roxanne's glue (no nasty pinpricks!). Turn under applique with the tip of your needle and carefully stitch in place. If the paper comes off (I pull mine off and re-use) the line is marked. For curves, sweep the needle through the curve towards you and this should nicely turn it under. Patti's instructions are always really, really good, well worth a read!! I hope this helps
ReplyDeleteJac (Victoria)
Try out several different methods, and give them all a chance. In other words, try them a couple times and see what YOU like best. We're all different! Personally, I love the "freezer paper under" method because I can get nice edges, points, and valleys. I also like to design my own, so I can design right on the freezer paper. Since taking a class with Gabrielle Swain, I've done what she does--cut away the underneath layer of fabric so I have a 1/4" or so seam allowance and I have no problems with that. The prep time might be a bit longer with the basting, but I think I make up for it by being able to actually do the applique quicker. But find a method you like--applique is a lot of fun!
ReplyDeleteWow, I haven't seen that many comments on one blog entry. I say, keep trying. I think hand applique is more fun to do than machine applique.
ReplyDeleteThere are lots of different methods. Since you don't like the prep work (I don't either), I would practice finger pressing the fold down before appliquing. Just a little section at a time.