sajackson

I think the one I have is 1/4" width. The material goes into the tool, the tool folds over the "seam" allowance as you pull the tool across your strip of fabric...it's totally easy!

I believe there are directions but if you want 1/4" I think I cut the strips into 3/4" width. That gives you the two 1/4" seams and the 1/4" bias strip.

To start it I cut the end on an angle - for me it was easier to slip the material into the tool. Like I said before Spray Starch the strip and let it dry THEN iron it. (letting it dry before ironing will stop the scortch on your iron) Slip the angled end into the tool - gently pull the fabric and let the sides of the curl over the strip of fabric... As you pull it out of the tool run your iron over it. You'll pull the tool over the strip as you run the iron behind the tool on the fabric. Make sure your strip of fabric is laying straight on the ironing board and when pulling the tool across pull it straight! Watch your seam allowances...if one side become less and the other side more...slide your tool BACK up and iron that section straight and try again.

(I think the bars are much would result in many more burned finger tips )

ON SALE!!! maybe I need to buy a couple more! HUGS and good luck!

Dragonomine

I love to applique! I don't use the invisible stitches though. I prefer to show my small stitches around the edges. I dunno..I like the country feel of it. I use fusible pellon for the backing, iron it on, then just make small stitches around the applique.

sajackson

Dragon...Do you have raw edges ?? or do you somehow turn them under?

k3n

I do hand appliqué with freezer paper and baste the fabric onto the paper. If they're really tiny pieces I baste them to the background as well - pins distort too much; I agree about the Clover thingy for bias - I used to use bars but have since got these and they're much better. Also you get a flatter finish because there's no seam on the back.

K x

Dragonomine

I put the applique on the quilt top before I do the back.

sajackson

I'm sorry - I meant around the piece you are appliqueing. Or do you do a satin stitch? or Buttonhole stitch?

MadQuilter

Ethel, here is my current applique project. http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/20510.page

I use steam=a-seam2 to fuse the fabric and then do the embroidery stitch around the piece. This sample is done by hand, but another quilt (wish I had taken a picture) is done all by machine using a blanket stitch.

@sajackson
thanks for the tip about starching the strip for use in the bias-puller. I was never able to use it and struggle with the bars.

sajackson

oh Martina...What did you struggle with? I need to find mine and do some pictures of the way I made it sing! the starch helps so much ... Let me find mine bias maker and I'll show you...

PS I saw your heart & hand project...very cute!

MadQuilter

All I can say is wonky and frayed..... I'll try it again WITH starch.

Dragonomine

Oh sorry..I didn't read this carefully the first time. lol

No, no raw edges. I cut the fusible pellon to the pattern. Then I cut out from the fabric making it a little bigger so I can fold the edges over and iron.