Thread: Help with Applique - tight inner curves

I'm about to start my first applique project. It's the Flower Garden by Kim McLean. Oh and it's BIG.

My plan is to hand applique. The technique I'd like to use is where you use a double layer of freezer paper and starch the seam allowance, then press the seam allowance into place.

I got my first piece ready - and thought I was doing well... BUT I clearly don't have the knack for tight inner curves. I cut into the seam allowance but when I starched and turned them over they frayed something horrible. Not much fabric is left to sew down. Not sure if you can see it in the photo (first time posting a picture with the new forum layout).



I've read about fray check and how you can apply this before cutting into the seam allowance. I've also heard that it yellows with age. Does the yellowing seep through into the front??? I'd hate to invest this amount of effort for it to be spoiled. Some other people recommend using a basting glue instead - given that it is water soluable.

I'm just not sure what I should do - and how I can get good tight inner curves without fraying that will last the test of time.

Appreciate any help that you can give me...

One thing you can do, is (before you clip or turn) machine stitch just short of the seam/turn line (like a thread's width and with a very small stitch). The easiest way is to trace shape onto your fabric, then stitch, before cutting out your shape. Clip JUST to that stitching line; don't cut the stitches. Then when you turn, you'll just catch that stitching, within the turned seam. The stitching will give you a guide, on which to turn, and will also help keep the seam from fraying too badly. As you sew into the tight inward curve, take tiny stitches.

I've never had a problem with Fray Check yellowing BUT I don't generally use it, where it'll show. It does make the treated area just a tad stiffer.

It does look like you have enough to sew done with a lot of tiny stitches. Another hint for inside V's is , as tempting as it is to snip the bottom of the V for turning, don't do that. It is better to snip on either side of the V and it will still turn but you will have a little more fabric to turn under at the V. This is the method I use but it is not the only way it can be done. Do what works best for you.

When I get to a valley like yours, if I can't "cut in" a little more, I use the June Taylor fray block. It does not stiffen like fray check, but don't know about yellowing over time as my quilts are not that old yet.

Thanks for this question as the information is very helpful but sorry for your problem.