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New to applique .. yikes!

New to applique .. yikes!

Old 04-23-2013, 02:34 PM
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Default New to applique .. yikes!

My lqs is doing a BOM applique quilt. There are fusible backed shapes all laser cut for the quilt blocks. I've been purchasing the blocks each month and so far we have six blocks. There are 9 blocks total plus wide side and end borders. I purchased the borders today. So, I have 3 more blocks to go and then I'll have the whole project minus the backing and batting. I am not able to take any classes on this quilt at the lqs because I am home bound with taking care of my mother in law. Do any of you know about on line classes I could take to learn this art? I love applique and thought this would force me to learn it. I think I'm somewhat intimidated. So far, the blocks are being stacked on my shelf waiting for 'someday,' because that's what I'm apparently waiting for. However, I am in the middle of a quilt for my granddaughter that's getting married in June. I just finished a baby quilt for my darling new grandson that is 6 weeks old. (number 19). I also am making a table runner and place mats and just finished a 2 year quilt. (yay!) So it's not that I haven't been doing anything.

I just got the mail and The Keepsake Quilter catalog came. The Applique quilt I'm going to be doing 'someday' is the Spring Bouquet Block of the Month in this catalog. I like the price I'm paying my lqs better the the price listed in the catalog! Anyway, any advice on applique would be nice to have. Thank you my kind quilting friends.
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Old 04-23-2013, 02:50 PM
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i am working on the 'spring bouquet' quilt now- fusable applique is alot different than hand applique---and these are really easy because the pieces are already all cut out for you so a few steps are eleminated. i light box comes in handy---if you have a lightbox, or can make one then you can place the applique pattern down- tape it in place, place the background square over the pattern; tape it in place---then start placing the pieces...the laser cut pieces have a fusable that is kind of sticky-but can be repositioned- so you peel the paper backing and place the pieces...when you have them all placed the way you want them you take the block to your ironing board & press everything (once pressed they are no longer re-positionable) then you stitch everything down -- i am using invisible thread on top, cotton in bobbin and a small zigzag)
if you do not have a lightbox (which i don't so this is how i'm doing it--) i tape my pattern to a window on a bright day- then tape my background square over the pattern and i trace the pattern onto the fabric with a pencil (lightly-i'm using one of the fine-line ceramic lead pencils)
then when i have it all traced i put it on my table-with the pattern beside it so i can look at it as i go- then place the pieces same as using the lightbox-then press-then stitch.
if you visit Edyta's website she has hints, tips, free patterns, tutorials to help you along the way (she's the designer---her web address is on the pattern pages/ laser cut pieces package)
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Old 04-23-2013, 03:09 PM
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My avatar is Reaching Out by Edyta Sitar - it's the second appliqué project I ever did. I think it's fear that's holding you back - just go for it!
If you feel you need to practice machine appliqué, then cut out a few hearts and do those. A heart is a good shape to practice on as it has curves, straight bits and inner and outer angles. You can also then decide what finish you like - satin, blanket or zig-zag and if you want your stitches to show or be invisible. I like to use a rayon in a blending colour so the edges have slight definition.
To centre your block for positioning the pieces fold in half and lightly press - you can half again for quarters.
I would also advise assembling your unit on a silicon sheet before fusing onto the fabric - check out some of the YouTube tutorials.
Good Luck!
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Old 04-23-2013, 04:19 PM
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Does each pattern give a layout? I assume so.

In that case, you cut the background fabric. ( I like to cut it bigger first and then trim to size when everything is in place.)

You will need to follow the pattern layout and you can either eyeball the alignment or you can use a light table.

Some people transfer the pattern to the background fabric using the light table. Other people use a transparent overlay to trace the pattern on.

Remove the backing paper from the interfacing (assuming it has not been removed). If the paper doesn't want to come off, I score the paper with a pin and that generally releases enough so I can grab it.

Place the shapes into their appropriate spots on the background fabric - per the pattern. You always lay those pieces that are farthest back first and lay the other pieces on top. Pay attention to where they overlap - it will be your guideline.

When you are happy with placement, iron the pieces down following the instructions for that particular type of fusible. Be careful that you place the fusible side DOWN or you will have a mess on your iron.

At that point I do the outline stitching. My favorite is the blanket stitch but I have done zigzag or even raw edge.

If you get glue on your iron, you can run the hot iron over some USED dryer sheets. Works for me like a charm.

If you want to put some pieces together before adding them to the background, you can do that on a teflon sheet - it will release the applique. If you were to just do this on your ironing board, you would have a lovely pattern on your ironing board, and NO, it won't come off.

So now I don't know if I helped or confused you more. It really isn't that bad once you sort out the placement order and get the paper off.

Last edited by MadQuilter; 04-23-2013 at 04:33 PM.
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Old 04-23-2013, 04:30 PM
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Thanks for your quick replies! The info you gave me really helps. I am happy to hear I don't have to use freezer paper when doing this and that I can use my machine. Ckcowl, I do have a light box so I'll take your advise and I am happy to know you are working on the same project. Knitette, you are right with the fear thing. I'll have to tame that one a bit and btw, your avatar is a work of art. Wow! I think it is beautiful.
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Old 04-23-2013, 04:37 PM
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MadQuilter, yes each block has it's own layout. Thanks so much for your tips and no you did not confuse me. I appreciate your help very much. It sounds like experience talking regarding the ironing board. lol
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Old 04-23-2013, 05:00 PM
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If you ever want to do hand applique, here is a link that was discussed earlier today in another thread.

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...lique-lessons/
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Old 04-23-2013, 05:19 PM
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When you decide to start your project start at the beginning, read the instructions completely, then follow them line by line. Don't concentrate on how many you have left to do but concentrate on the one you are working on.
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Old 04-23-2013, 05:41 PM
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I hope you will soon start Spring Bouquet. I have finished block 6. I had never done this type appliqué before but I find that I really enjoy it. My light box is too small for the pattern so I trace the pattern on very thin paper which I pin to the top of my fabric. I lift this paper pattern up and place the applique pieces on the fabric. Because the paper is very thin, I can see that my pieces are in the correct place. I often use a mini iron to tack the individual pieces in place. I am doing this BOM through my LQS. They give no instruction; but the owner has some completed blocks displayed. She used a small zig zag stitch and matching thread. You can purchase a box of Aurifil thread that matches the colors used in Spring Bouquet. I got mine from my LQS; but I have seen the thread on-line. To sew my pieces down, I use a buttonhole stitch and the matching thread. I love the way that looks! I hope you will enjoy making Spring Bouquet as much as I.
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Old 04-23-2013, 07:31 PM
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I think craftsy has an applique class if not quilt university should
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