Hi everyone,
I've been experimenting with applique and finding that I really like it. Skinny stems are challenging, however. I've read about making them using bias strips and press bars. I'm wondering if other people like this technique and if all press bars are created equal - it looks like there are few different types/brands of the bars out there.
Steph
I like using bias press bars- that's my favorite way to make stems, etc. I don't like the metal bars, tho, because they get really hot and hold the heat and burn your fingers. I am pleased with both of my sets of the plastic (???) type ones. There isn't any difference other than the color- the yellow ones are smooth and the white ones have a series of tiny ridges running perpendicular to the length of the bar. But for really skinny stems there is a better technique- I'll attempt to explain it.
Cut the stem fabric on the bias- about an inch wide just to make it easier to handle. Press it in half lengthwise with the wrong sides together. The process is to machine stitch it in place on the background fabric stitching very close to the fold, then trim off the raw edge very close to the stitching line. Fold the folded edge over the machine stitching line and appliqué stitch in place. If you wanted a stem 1/16 in. wide, then stitch
1/16 in. from the fold, trim the raw edge side and fold over and stitch in place to cover the machine stitching and the raw edge. You cannot get a stem that narrow with a bias press bar. Experiment on some scraps and try making various curves- you'll need to stretch the stem fabric a bit to get a nice smooth curve. I also love appliqué- wish I could still do handwork. (sigh)Have fun!
Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.
That is a grand wonderful way to do lovely stems and such. You explained very nicely, Leslie. 5 gold stars. Polly
The second paragraph that Leslie describes is my favourite, too. . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes
Hi Steph, Here is the easy way to do the really skinny applique stems (taught to me by someone at a dear Hannah workshop). Take a piece of bias strip much wider than what you want it to be finished at. Fold it. Lay it down where you want to stem to be. If you want the stem to be 1/4" wide then stitch down
1/4" from the folded edge - likewise 1/8" or whatever. Trim the raw edge narrow, press along the stitched edge and then hand stitch or machine stitch the finished folded edge. Voila. Then you can applique the flower or whatever over the top raw edge.This makes a very tiny or very wide stem - whichever you want. Press bars are a pain after this. hopefully this helps - I do not have a diagram.
Kelly
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