needle turn applique

I've just completed a block with Sunbonnet Sue, done by needle turn applique, the results are ok, not impressive, but good enough to not need redoing. The doing of it was tricky, frustrating etc. I'm sure I must be missing something, does anyone have any tips for this technique?

Anne

Reply to
Anne Rogers
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How big was the block? The size of the block often dictates the method ...

I usually do needle-turn either on the fly (marking the edges/pattern VERY lightly with a quilter's marking pencil), turning edges under as I sew to the background if they're REALLY small ... or I use freezer paper, baste the edges under and press (then removing the freezer paper

- I don't like to remove it afterwards because I don't like slitting the fabric).

I think it's easier to show than say ... I'm not very good at explaining things ...

I'd get a Mimi Dietrich or Elly Sienkiewicz book ... that's how I learned. Roxanne McElroy also has a wonderful book, too.

One of the best tips I have is to not be afraid to snip the curves ... just make sure that you snip them about two to three threads from the edge. Any closer and you run the risk of them fraying as time goes on.

I'll toss up a quick illy on the process I mentioned above and post it ...

Reply to
Connie

Here is what Pati in Phx had to say in the beginning of May about how she does appliques. I need to try this myself, but I like the concept, this is specifically for Hawaiian applique but I think it would work on almost anything!

Ginger in CA

********************************************* Interesting thread here. I keep wanting to do a "Hawaiian style" quilt, at least a small one and plan to at some point. I personally don't like/have problems doing needleturn appliqu=E9 so plan to do it using back basting. I will use freezer paper folded in quarters/eighths (depends on design) to cut my design. I will fold my background center the freezer paper and fuse it to the wrong side of the background. Trace around the design with a pencil/marker/whatever. Place appliqu=E9 fabric on right side of background, right side up. Using a large needle, and "fat" thread (I usually use hand quilting thread in a light color) do a running stitch, fairly small but not too small, around the design through both layers. Trim outside the basting stitch, leaving a seam allowance. Then all you need to do is snip a stitch, take out a few stitches, turn under on the "perforated" line formed by the basting, line up the folded edge with the "perforated" line in the backing fabric, and do your appliqu=E9 stitch. Keep on going. I love this way of doing hand appliqu=E9, so smooth and easy to get sharp points too. For the larger design, I will probably only trim a bit of the fabric off at a time too. That will make it even easier to see where I am and how much I have done. ********************************************************
Reply to
Ginger in CA

Thanks Ginger. Actually, the backbasting technique is not specifically for Hawaiian style, but I am going to use it for that.

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one link for seeing how back basting is done. Pati, in Phx

G> Here is what Pati in Phx had to say in the beginning of May about how

Reply to
Pati Cook

A skilled appliqué person could probably do okay with a hunk of burlap sack - but if you are a beginner at this, I urge you to be very choosy about your fabric. It's so much easier to turn a fine fabric than it is a coarse one. The UFO that I tossed in the trash without ceremony was a beautiful floral but it was as stubborn and raveldy as could be. Of course you can apply starch or Fray Block but it's just lots easier to build in some success with a really good fabric. Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

Click on my site below my signature have illustrations on how to do this.

Reply to
Rita

I like the "freezer paper on top" method. I cut the freezer paper shape, press it on to the fabric, and cut out, leaving a small seam allowance. Use the teeny applique pins to pin to the background and stitch, turning the ends under as you go. I have found a round wooden toothpick can be helpful for turning some stubborn points under, because wood is just rough enough to "grab" the fabric as you turn it under. I use a fine silk thread that just seems to melt into the fabric; I have one color -- a beige that I've used with everything I've done.

Julia > I've just completed a block with Sunbonnet Sue, done by needle turn

Reply to
Julia in MN

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