A LQS sent a newsletter out not long ago with a link to a tutorial for a different method of hand applique where you don't have to use freezer paper or anyting like that. It looks right up my alley. Here's the link for anyone interested.

http://sentimentalstitches.net/instr...hand-applique/

Thanks, I have been working on learning applique techniques and the back basting method is something I want to try. I've only done the freezer paper way, but with back basting you get to the sewing part sooner.

Thanks for sending this. I'm trying to improve my hand applique and this will really help.

Great tute ... thanks for posting :-)

This is worth trying. thanx

thank you. Interesting new technique I will have to try.

Thanks for posting, that was a great, clear illustration of what to do! I've watched a few you tube videos trying to figure applique out and got only more confused, now I think I understand how it works!

That is a great idea. I am going to try it on my next applique block.

Thank you.

This looks like a great technique. I'm going to bookmark this page since it will a little while before I can start a new project. Thanks!

I love this method

Thank you! I haven't tried hand applique yet but this doesn't look too bad. Looking for a new "train" activity for my commute....

Thanks for posting...I'm always looking to improve my applique skills. I had never heard of back basted applique until I signed up for a Jo Morton class in 2010....unfortunately she had to back out of the class ...but I did a bit of reading on the method.

I love this method. I learned it when I was making my Baby Jane...its great for the smaller pieces!

I do a lot of applique and this is the way I do it. It is sooooo much easier and quicker. Eliminates all the tracing and making of templates. Give it a try and hope you like it.

I could not get the hang of this, I think when I tried it, it was a too complicated pattern. I like the "in you face" method where the pattern is applied to the right side of the fabric with water erasable pen and then pieces are traced on freezer paper. It really doesn't take me long to set up a block and when I have all my pieces I can take it anywhere. I don't cut my freezer paper templates out, I just iron the whole thing to fabric and then add 1/8" when I cut them out...saves time. may have to try this method with simpler pattern again

Here is another excellent tutorial for back-basting. Go to www.appleblossomquilts.com/tips. She has the best tutorial that I have found on back basting. She also tells how to line a patch so the background won't show through. And how to use Glad's Press N' Seal for dark backgrounds. She came to our guild and taught a class with these techniques and I learned so much, even though I had been doing back-basting for several years. I use a Sanford Pigma pen(usually brown) to mark the lines on the back and I hope that they go through to the front a little too, as I can see the line to follow. If the lines don't show enough on the front, I sometimes go over them again on the front, sure makes it easy to needle turn and follow the pattern exactly. Hope you like the tutorials, they are excellent.

I think this tutorial was very informative. Thanks for sharing.

Carmen

what a great "tute", thanks for sharing.
Michelle G. in El Paso

If you subscribe to the Apple Blossom Quilt newsletter, she always has a free pattern but you can only get it if you subscribe. Last year she had a really nice pieced and appliqued BOM. I saved it but haven't made it yet. Also, for more experienced applique, here is a link to appliquing multiple layers. Very good. http://decafplease.wordpress.com/bac...ultiple-layer. She also has a tutorial on single layer that is really good. This blog is now longer current so I would suggest printing this as I don't know how long it will be there. Can you tell that I am an applique fan?

Both these sites are very good. I really like the way this method looks and I will definitely try it. Thanks

I love "back basting"!!! That's how I was able to make these letters turn out so even!!!

I prefer back basting applique to any of the other methods I've tried. Precision is so easy. I couldn't get the pieces spot-on with other methods. Love it.

I have yet to do any applique, but this looks easy. I can't wait to try it! Thanks!

Wow - that is amazing - your letters are fabulous. I am going to try that for wording on a quilt. Very inspiring. Gorgeous.

Sue Nickles as great books on machine applique and amny ways to do it!

Does she also cover hand applique in any of her books?

I am anxious to try this method. Thank you for the clear pictures and easy to understand directions.

thank you

Thanks. When I get time, I am going to try this.

Interesting technique... thank you for posting the link!

I love the crossword quilt. It must have taken a long time to complete.

Wow, thanks. I love appliqué and will try this method. Hate making templates.

wow, what a unique wonderful quilt...back-basting would be the way I would have gone too. Great pattern.

I have used this method for some time and love it. First saw it demonstrated at at quilt show a few years ago. It makes it so easy to get all the pieces placed in just the right spot. Here are a couple of quilts I have done using this method. They are among my favorites.

Thanks for sharing.

thanks for sharing

Those are truly beautiful!
Sorcha

Wow, your appliques are beautiful!

Thanks for posting this tut. I've never seen this method. Very helpful...as usual!