Gayle8675309

I've just started trying to needle turn applique and am finding that I'm not very good at it. I'm trying to applique a flower and my smooth edges all have points on them. I am clipping the curves so I don't know what else I'm doing wrong.

How long does it take to get good at this method? I'm willing to keep practicing, but am a little frustrated right now.

fien777

been there, done that!!
I know the feeling......thought I would never ever become good at it.
But...keep on practicing...really...one day you will wake up and know you nailed it!!!!!

dunster

As with most things, it's practice and more practice. Some fabrics also will turn more smoothly than others. Perhaps you're turning under more than you need to, which also results in more points.

mike'sgirl

A tip I got from a class is to make sure your fabric is cut on the bias so that it will turn under smoothly.

Tartan

I can do needle turn appliqué but I prefer fused machine appliqué. There are great youtube videos that might help. Sharon Schamber has a good method. It depends on what kind of material you are trying to needle turn as well. Cotton quilting fabric turns better than batiks or fabric that contains polyester. You also want to be turning under just about 1/8 of an inch not 1/4 inch.

MargaretH

Pieceocake web site has some very good tutorials on needle turn applique.

happyquiltmom

I suspect your seam allowances are too deep. I usually cut my shapes with about 1/4" extra and trim them to 1/8" or less as I go. Also, don't try to turn too much at a time.

AliKat

I no longer do needle turn applique. When I did the best way for me to learn was to just sit with someone who I can bond with and watch and do, with a few helps along the way. My first was at a quilt camp with a great teacher!

I need that person to person contact.

Prism99

Are you clipping all the curves? For a flower, you should not be clipping the fabric around the petals. For those you need to "sweep" your needle underneath to push the little ripples towards the area that has been sewn. If you are clipping those outside curves, that would explain why you are getting points.

It is *really* helpful to take a class with an instructor showing you all the ins and outs (pun intended, of course!) of needleturn. Barring that, check your library for a good book with lots of photos.

Edit: Here's an online tutorial with photos that might be helpful:
http://appliquetoday.blogspot.com/20...-tutorial.html

Jackie Spencer

Erin Russeck has a great tutorial on her Blog. I learned alot!! One piece at a time, lots of free BOM's and patterns too!