Hawaiin Blocks

I teach Hawaiian applique. While it's true that some people do the cut as you go method; that is _not_ the traditional method at all. The fabric is folded into eights or quarters, the design is placed on top, traced around, paper removed and the design cut out all at once. While some modify this a bit, the whole design is always cut out at once first. Since it's a Hawaiian class and not simply applique I would stick with tradition.

There are lots of cool traditions and folklore associated with Hawaiian applique. You've been pointed to quiltshawaii.com and Elizabeth does have a nice write up there. Her free patterns are nice and basic for a beginner.

Skip the glue stick, keep it simple and I'm sure you'll be great and your ladies will have fun.

marcella

You are welcome. There are a couple of web sites with pics and so on, but I can never remember them. If you do a search for "back basting appliqué" you can find them. I love the technique. It is relatively fast and leaves no marks on the right side of the fabric to worry about. And no pins to catch thread as you are working. (Okay, pins while you are "basting" but that is very different. )

Pati, > Thanks Pati.A good explaination! I must a least start one of these blocks to

The only thing I can think is that you fold the 12 1/2" square into 4 along the two diagonals, trace the pattern and then snip it out. When you unfold it looks like a giant snowflake. You then iron this onto your fabric and cut it out.

According to the books I have, you fold the 121/2" square of fabric into 4, trace the pattern direct, then pin the fabric onto other fabric after cutting it out and then needleturn applique.

Thanks Sharon. Thats the way I will go I think!