It was very common in the '30s and '40s originally, and is actually fairly common with many quilters once again. Usually on simple/large appliqued pieces. Sunbonnet Sue is a favorite pattern to use this technique on, as well as many folk-art type designs. I will look later and see if I can find some more examples...right now DGS is demanding my attention :roll: :mrgreen: .

I'm clueless..lol.. what is DGS?

Kathy,
There are several ways of doing applique. The blanket stitch method your grandmother used is still used today. There is no seam allowance added to the template. You may want to spray starch your fabric before cutting out it give a bit of stability. The blanket stitches are done to match the color of the piece being appliqued or you can do all in a contrast thread (2-ply embroidery). Black is often the color choice to do this. -- Some folks will fuse to the background fabric. It gets a bit stiff which is not appealing to me.
Some sewing machines have a blanket stitch that is often used to achieve the same result. Obviously, it is much faster. If you choose this method and come to curves, you will need to stop every stitch or two, reposition and continue stitching. Also, practice doing a few points before attempting it on your good project. They are tricky.
Blessings. Suzanne

Ok, I tried to post this once...pardon the duplicate if it shows up later :oops: .

Hi Kathy, sorry this has taken so long. I got distracted by dirty dishes and laundry :-) . I realized as I was posting a picture of one of my quilts that I had done blanket stitching on it. I used pink floss on 1/2 the blocks and blue on the other half. Here's a pic of one of the blocks...

I saw where someone said they had no problem with points. Well I for one do and sharp corners. Please advise. I like applique but would certainly like to improve as I have several projects developing which will include some. :-)

I really relate to your question about getting sharp points. I have tried several different methods, the one I always get the best results with is freezer paper and a glued under seam allowance. The first time I was not pleased with the glue I used but have now found the best one for my method, it made all the difference for me. I cut my shapes from the freezer paper to the exact shape of the applique, ( I cut several layers at a time) iron to the wrong side of the fabric and use the glue stick to secure the seam allowance to the back side. This gives me the perfect points and smooth curves I want. You will need to cut away your background fabric to remove the freezer paper but it is worth it. I also use 100 weight silk thread to do the applique stiitch with and have found that if I use a very sharp thin needle I do not even catch the paper in my stitches, only the very edge of the folded fabric. The products used make all the difference. Here is what I use, frezer paper from the quilt shop not the grocery store ( it is much stiffer) YLI 100 weight silk thread, John James Golden Glide Milliners needles size 10 or 11, Avery glue pen from an office supply store. ( I will not every use the fabric glue sticks again ). On your points you can trim down your seam allowance to about 1/8in. and fold over very carefully to get nicw sharp points and the glue will keep them that way while you stitch. Hope this helps (sorry to be so long)

Thank you, Ruth. I am inclined to be frugal when it comes to thread, glue and such, and did not realize what a difference it could make. I'll try your advice. Believe me, nothing could hurt them. :wink:

i use a great applique technique that i would like to share.

cut the applique with a piece of fusible interfacing and quilt batting. trim the batting by the size of your seam allowance, ie:1/4inch. stitch the facing and fabric together with the fusable side of the toward the right side of the fabric. turn them right side out, stuff with the batting, and press onto your base fabric. then just stitch 'em down and you're done! no tedious turning and pressing. a really nice look in very little time.

have fun!

Applique tip. For everyone working with an applique project with alot of pieces and all different sizes. Purchase "full sheet" label paper at the office supply. It comes 8 1/2 x 11. Place your pattern down on a copier and print your applique pieces onto the full sheet.

Cut out your newly printed pieces from the label paper and stick them to your various fabrics. Cut at random..no seam amount. The precise cutting you can do to suit your appliquing later whether you need 1/4 or l/18 allowance.

I have found this so much faster than keepng up with all of the freezer paper npieces as I go to and from the iron...just stick the label pieces where you need them. No ironing.

where can i buy freezer paper