help needed with hand applique stems
#11
I agree with the other ladies, make the seams flat, but remember you are dealing with bias and it will stretch if you are not careful to press not scrub on those seams while flattening them. Also, the fabric could be your problem. Use a good quality soft fabric. It your fabric is as stiff as a board before you begin, that is the wrong choice. While making your seam, take the true bias path to sew on. If you get off, it does make a difference when you turn it around to use it.
I hope some of this rings a bell and helps a little.
I hope some of this rings a bell and helps a little.
Last edited by RedGarnet222; 03-18-2015 at 08:25 AM.
#12
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: ontario,canada
Posts: 474
I really should have asked first instead of getting all excited and just going for it. Perhaps careful leaf placement is my solution if I want to continue with my bias tape.
The pattern calls for a 3/8" bias strip to be stitched down on the wrong side and then finger pressed in to the stitch line. Which is what some of you do. I thought that I would struggle with keeping it even and wanted to be able to focus on my hand stitching (not beautiful yet) so I made 1/4" bias tape. Maybe I should try your way before I decide that it's too hard to do.
The bias bars look wonderful and I will definitely pick up a set at my LQS next visit. Thank you for pointing them out.
The runner is 40" long with a stem running up the middle so there was no way to avoid a seam. I did press it open. It is just a lot of fabric in so skinny a strip.
And yes, I tried stitching a few pieces down before I got going and I am very surprised at how much I am enjoying the hand work. It will be so nice to have something to take with me and to sit outside with in the nice weather.
Thank you for all the ideas. I will see which way I can have the best success with.
The pattern calls for a 3/8" bias strip to be stitched down on the wrong side and then finger pressed in to the stitch line. Which is what some of you do. I thought that I would struggle with keeping it even and wanted to be able to focus on my hand stitching (not beautiful yet) so I made 1/4" bias tape. Maybe I should try your way before I decide that it's too hard to do.
The bias bars look wonderful and I will definitely pick up a set at my LQS next visit. Thank you for pointing them out.
The runner is 40" long with a stem running up the middle so there was no way to avoid a seam. I did press it open. It is just a lot of fabric in so skinny a strip.
And yes, I tried stitching a few pieces down before I got going and I am very surprised at how much I am enjoying the hand work. It will be so nice to have something to take with me and to sit outside with in the nice weather.
Thank you for all the ideas. I will see which way I can have the best success with.
#15
Super Member
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Pacific NW
Posts: 9,378
That's how I would do it, but that's just me.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Woburn, MA
Posts: 711
Try using bias bars. I have tried all methods and really like the bars the best. By using the bias bars, my stems come out beautifully. Welcome to the world of hand applique. I just love it and find it very relaxing. Have fun.
#17
Member
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 73
Hey, just curius, if Im having success with my stems the Clover 1/4" bias tape maker, should I be worried the raw edges may become exposed when I wash the quilt? Perhaps the key to my success is a tip I learned to spray starch on them before I iron. In any case, I have the bars, but this is so much faster and easier. When using the bars I need more fabric, struggled with sewing the width correct and the raw edges peeked out anyway, so what am I missing?
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
borntoquilt
Main
24
06-08-2009 07:29 AM