Re: Flower stems for applique

I haven't used them Sally, because the method I use seems to work OK without them (and I can use longer pieces of fabric). However, I'm sure it is the same method. So, once you have done the sewing of the seam, trim it close (no less than an eighth though!). Then you roll the tube round so that the seam is at the 'back', curve your tube to the way you want it, pin it and sew down. If you can manage the width so that you can use a twin needle, so much the better!! I think I have seen three widths of twin needle : 2mm, 4mm, 6mm. HTH . In message , Sally Swindells writes

Sorry, Sally, i do my applique by needle turn, by hand.... amy in CNY

Do you mean the metal pressing bars for Celtic designs and stems? You can make a narrow tube by sewing the bias strips wrong sides together, slide the correct size of bar into the tube, the twist the little seam allowance around so it's hidden on the back and then iron the stem with the bar inside to hold the size and shape. Take the bar out before doing any applique. That's the best I can do this early. I know some of our more experienced members will make it much clearer.

You are partly correct. Cut bias strips and fold wrong sides together. Stitch, making sure that the "rod" (bias bar), will fit inside. After stitching, insert the bias bar, twist the seam to the center, so the raw edges are going to be within the width of the bias strip and press. Move the bias bar along the strip to press the entire thing. I made miles of bias tubes when I did my Celtic knot quilt! When I just need a short stem, I cut the bias strip, press in half wrong sides together. Then I stitch the folded edge to the inside curve of the stem, then fold the raw edges in and stitch the remaining side. If you want a really narrow stem, you can trim the bias after you have stitched the first side. Hope this helps

That's the way I do it, though mine are some plastic that takes heat, not metal. You don't have the bar in the tube when stitching; they are only for pressing. Using a thread with some contrast lets you see where the seam is. I like to run the folded edge along my seam guide, so that it is what stays consistent (I hope). It's easier to stitch if you allow extra for seam allowance and trim to real narrow.

Julia in MN

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KJ wrote:

Oooh, now I see! I wondered why I bought those strips for a class. We never used them when we got there.

I'm saving your directions in my "How To" folder on my computer.

Thanks!

I knew you'd get a much better answer. It's strange though, I didn't see Susan's post, just your response to it. I guess it's not that strange, I think we all somehow lose posts now and again. Some more than others!

Thank you everyone - you see I had remembered it all wrong hadn't I. I will print out the instructions and attach to the rods (they are the plastic ones).

Sally at the Seaside ~~~~~~~~~~ (uk)

Sally Sw> I bought some 'rods' for making these about a year ago, but threw away

Okay. You didn't quite get there. You can stitch with the bar inside your strip while you are sewing. You will probably want to use the zipper foot and move your needle position to the right or left to get everything just right. If you are making strips longer than the bar, you simply slide them after you've stitched a foot or so. I also press with the bar still inside, sliding it as necessary. Apparently it is impossible to melt the strips. The old Rowentas here take temperatures seriously and can usually take out that mylar stuff at a touch. Polly

The directions on the package mine came in specifically says to stitch, then insert bar and press.

Julia in MN

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Polly Esther wrote:

Well, I looked, Julia. The directions on mine say to insert the bar after stitching. So long as you cut accurately *and* stitch accurately, I don't suppose there's any good reason to have the bar inside while stitching. I don't know if I saw one of the SM experts on Sewing with Nancy or on Martha Pullen's Sew Beautiful stitch with the bar inside. I do love to watch them do beautiful things. Polly

I just sew using the side of my presser foot or the markings on my sm and then find the bias press bar that fits. I guess I do it backwards!

Leslie, Missy & The Furbabies in MO.

Well, as I said, I do everything the same except use the bar!!! But then I was always a bit contrary >g< (Nothing changes, do I hear you say?!) . In message , Leslie & The Furbabies in MO. writes