Originally Posted by Tippy
Originally Posted by quilterfly
I'm trying to improve my applique skills & this is a great tute! Thank you. I've been working on some blocks which have stems (like flower stems) that are quite narrow and I'm having trouble with the turned under part due to the fact that I can only turn under about 1/8" on each side or they will overlap & you can see it. Any helpful suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I can't really continue the block until I get the stems done & I've been at it for a couple of weeks now.
If I am understanding the problem.. you end up with a "ridge" down the stem from 3 layers of fabric.. am I right?
Rather than decrease the size of the seams and risk them raveling (I refuse to do all that work to watch it fall apart) I will use a slightly wider seam and fold it in 1/3's so the stem may be a little thicker.. but you don't get that 3-d ridge down the stem. Make any sense? If I'm totally off base with what you're asking let me know.
I don't use the glues for the same reason.. my old fingers just won't let me.. and I have trouble dragging the thread through all that. If you do the "3fold" and do my little stitches in the outer edges you're only going through one layer at a time and it is a wee bit easier.. Good luck.. Tippy
I hadn't thought of this tip, but I will try it. Thanks so much for a prompt reply to my cry for help. Your tutorial is very clear & it is appreciated. I used Roxanne's glue to secure the edges on one piece which certainly worked, but it made the seam hard to push the needle through and because of arthritis my knuckles are all swollen so I can't keep a thimble on my finger, & now it's getting pitted & sore. After this I may stick to machine applique. I am pretty good at that.