I have just assembled all of the pieces for my tumbling block quilt (48x60 wallhanging actually). The disign has three large blocks, two medium sized blocks, and about 30 very small blocks. I would like to applique these by machine but since this is my very first quilt project, I have lots of doubts and questions.
I have read Harriet Hargrave's book on machine applique and several others but I have not found instructions on how to applique completed "blocks" (pieced squares, diamonds or other shapes to the base fabric.
All of my completed tumbling blocks have little fabric tags at exposed seam ends. Should these be cut off?
I read about turning the outside seam allowances under freezer paper or other stabalizer. When I tested this out with one of my blocks, there seems to be too much fabric bulk where seams touch the outside edge. What do I need to do in order to turn my edges under without getting this fabric lump at all the seam jointed edges?
Can I just use a rotary cutter to trim away my exposed seam allowances (1/4") and then applique my raw edged blocks to the base fabric?
All help and suggestions will be greatly appreciated. This is my first quilt project, it looks great on the design wall, and I sure do not want to mess it up. I,m apprehensive to say the least.
Jerry in North Alabama