I've tried to read as many of these posts as I'm able (I do have a full time job!) but I've not seen anyone mention using a wet wooden toothpick to help turn "needle-turned" hand applique. It was a trick I was taught during a class and it has saved many bad words. Use a wet wooden toothpick, either from your mouth or for the fastidious, use a small vessel such as a shot glass, and use the wet end to tuck under the edge. It's awesome for those pesky stray threads that won't stay put.

I was given some vintage cut out butterflys and glued them to the muslin and am now machine applique with a blanket stitch. Great !!! Have tried other methods and think I will stick with this one !!! Don't have to use tear away or anthing !!! Yay !!! Goes really quick and looks good too ! have fun ya'll

I have started a sun bonnet sue to applique. I would like to get a Scotty dog started for a baby quilt. I do like to have more than one going at a time, that way I don't get so tired of it and put it away. I just trade off between them.

Use a wet wooden toothpick, either from your mouth or for the fastidious, use a small vessel such as a shot glass, and use the wet end to tuck under the edge. It's awesome for those pesky stray threads that won't stay put.[/QUOTE]

Thanks for the tip!! My gosh, I am trying applique lace for the first time...I thought I would hate it since I do more machine applique but I'm really loving it except for those stray threads. Will try this tip today!! This technique is very
addicting...

I don't know how I'd manage needleturn without the toothpick stuck in my mouth. The needle simply does NOT sweep those edges cleanly underneath like the toothpick does.

I think I prefer preparing the pieces with starch (I use Templar and remove the templates after the edges are all turned) and then gluing and pressing the pieces into place. No pins or loose edges for the thread to catch on, no turning to do as I go - everything is already right where it belongs. It takes a lot more time to prepare the pieces, but that's sort of a trade-off. If I didn't spend all that time preparing the pieces, I'd spend a lot more time in the stitching process.

Great tutorials! The second was especially useful to clear up a couple of questions I had after looking at the first one.

Stephanie-I have a Husqvarna Viking machine that does embroidery and love it. I have to admit though I don't use it much, but really need to.

I just finished the last wreath block for this design - only one X block left - but after all those wreaths, the X will feel like a breeze!

Nuttin' but cookin' for the next 12 hours, though.

Happy Thanksgiving!

That is absolutely beautiful.

I have to thank you for these sites....what a neat way of appliquing.