JulieR

I am trying back basting for the first time and so far I'm not in love. BUT, I know others are!

Have you tried back basting, and if so, what did you like or dislike about it?
If you like it, what tips do you have for folks just starting out or looking to improve?

Thanks!

Nammie to 7

I'm just a beginner appliquer but I've tried pinning smaller pieces (using the small applique pins), and on some pieces I have basted them down. Guess for me it kind of depends on the size of the piece and how long it might be pinned/basted in place.

thimblebug6000

I've never used this method but found a great tutorial on it, looks like a great way to do it. http://sentimentalstitches.net/instr...hand-applique/

Nammie to 7

That is a good tutorial - may have to try this method sometime.

grammy Dwynn

I have done applique, but have not tried the back basting method . . . but have thought that I might like to try this on my next project... hmm looks interesting AND not having all those pins to poke me.

Traditional Quilter

I've done a lot of needle turn applique, but this is new to me. I think I'll stick to marking my pattern piece, cutting it out, and thread basting it to my background.

soccertxi

I LOVE back basting! It was an ahHA moment for me. I still have to master prepping little pieces that go on top. I can only back baste so many layers.

JulieR

Beth! You are just the person I'm looking for, then. What do you love about it? What makes it a better method for you?

I just finished the block I was working on. It WAS nice not having all those pins, and the whole thing was super portable. But, I feel like I spent almost as much time back basting it as I did actually doing the applique, and that the ol' outline and pin method would have been loads faster.

Next time I try it I'll use thread with more contrast (I was afraid of lint or that the color would "bleed" onto my white background piece) and will use bigger stitches where I can.

Teeler

I like this! I'm still doing my homework on applique' to find what method I like best; this is a nice one!
Thank you!

soccertxi

I like that I can mark from the back , see my progress and get back on track, w/o marking the TOP. I like that I can prep more than one piece at home, esp if they don't touch or over lap. Then all I need is needle, thread and a pair of scissors. I am packing for a weekend soccer tournament, but if you PM I will post a picture of what I'm working on . and YES, I love to use glo day orange, yellow, green thread to baste with! Trifocals need help too ya know!