[quote=mades]What is back basting? Thanks![/quoteAf
It is a way to hold the seam allowance in place.
More often than not applique is a collection of individual pieces. (Yes, there are repeats like tulips...in blocks sometimes. In that case, pin the pattern on a stack of paper and cut those all out at once - at least in bunches - or print as many as you need!)
After you draw the applique shape, and add the seam allowance on the paper pattern. then cut it out and use the larger shape to cut out the applique from the fabric.
Now, cut off the seam allowance on the paper pattern and pin it with safety pins to either the outside or inside of the applique - try either way - see which you like.
Then bend the seam allowance down to the "back" side of the fabric and using an iron - or not - first.
Stitch with large stitches the bent down seam allowance in place. It is OK to stitch through the paper pattern. To remove the paper, tear it off, or out, and if it is tough, dampen it a little, or scratch tearing lines with a pin to make the paper come off easily without pulling out your stitches.
Leave the basting stitches in until you have sewed the applique down to the background.
Use the edge of the paper as a guide if you have it on top.
In any case take out the pins, and paper from the inside now, before you forget and sew them in!
Then pin the applique - all edges that will show should be folded under nicely - and stitch it in place, using invisible stitches right along the edge.
The last thing you do is take out the basting stitches -
from the front.
The stitching is so much faster without having to needle turn! ( I personally can't stand the snail pace of needle turn!)
Jeannie