I've a few quilt projects on hand and once I'm done with them, I would like to start doing appliques. Can appliques be self taught? My LQS conducts classes but they are not cheap and I've limited time to travel to attend classes too. I know there are lots of websites and books with lessons on appliques, but I'm not sure if they are easy to follow on my own.

Should I start with hand or machine applique? Any advice would be much appreciated.

Depends on what you want to do.Machine is easy to learn by yourself where as hand,for me, is better if someone shows you.At least that is how I learn best.There are fine point to hand applique that there aren't to machine.

I taught myself hand applique. It was really easy. I think it's totally doable to teach yourself. There are many methods, so I'd start reading blogs and here on the board, to learn about the various methods.

There is a 'virtual' applique area that's been started here on the board for folks wanting to learn. (Click on Virtual at the bottom of this page, and look for the Applique one.) It has many links to blogs that explain and demo the applique processes.

Have a wonderful time!

i taught myself how to applique also. i like it best because i feel i have more control over my project than with the machine. and - i can do this in my recliner with my feet propped up as opposed to bent over my machine. just look at tutorials on this board and give it a try.

I learned needle turn applique from a teacher who was proficient at it. Her input was very helpful. I learned freezer paper applique from reading a book. I learned various machine methods watching TV or videos.

Why don't you try to learn on your own and see how it goes? IF you get hung up on a step or two, just a quick conversation with a pro online or in a LQS might be enough to clarify for you.

I've never yet seen a class project I liked, and as you mentioned, the classes are expensive, so if you can save your $$ for more fabric, why not learn on your own?

RST

I just learned needle turn applique a little less than a year ago, and I love, love, love it! :-D I'd tried many different technique and had people show me stuff, had a dozen books myself and checked out a dozen more from the library. Gave up and decided my fingers were too stubby. LOL

My LQS owner asked me to head up a group doing the Circuit Rider quilt, so I agree figuring a little pressure might help. And one more crack at it to see if it was hopeless!

I checked out of our library a DVD called "How to Applique the Piece o' Cake Way" -- and after years of trying and dozens of methods, this one absolutely worked wonders for me. Now I'm hopeless addicted to needle-turn applique!!

So they are, in my opinion, a great way to learn. The video is readily available at Amazon or Connecting Threads or Piece o Cake's own website.

Best of luck!
Blessings,
Mary Lou

My Circuit Rider blocks so far....and I just learned applique last December!

Machine applique is easy to self-teach. I would recommend the book by Harriet Hargrave:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach.../dp/157120136X

Hand applique (including needle-turn) is also easy to self-teach. A class can be helpful for mastering the finer points of needleturn, but isn't really necessary if you have some good books on the subject.

Hand applique doesn't work for me because of my oddly shaped fingers; my hand cramps up very quickly from holding the needle. However, I love Harriet Hargrave's method for invisible machine applique using freezer paper, so I don't mind.

I just learned machine applique this spring . Did it all at home and with help from here and the internet :lol: If you consider yourself a good learner try to learn all you can on your own and spend the money on fabric :wink: LOL

You can absolutely teach yourself to applique!! :wink: There are lots and lots of online sites that have written instructions and video tutorials. Applique is a wonderful, relaxing thing to do, and I absolutely love it!!! :thumbup:

I found hand applique boring and time consuming. There are lots of ways to applique by machine, and they don't have to be raw - edge. Eleanor burns has some good tips if you can watch a few of her demonstrations on TV. Lots of library books would give you some ideas and if you have a good library in your area, you could probably get a video of it. I paid a lot of money to get hand rolled applique lessons once and all the teacher did was give us the pattern and then went and sat in a corner whilst everyone sewed by themselves. I was considered a 'nuisance' for asking questions, as the others had done it all before...it was a waste of $$ ,time and effort. I had a better time with the books.