large applique?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2019
Location: North Idaho
Posts: 1,703
large applique?
I have a large applique piece (about 4'x4') that I will put as a center focus on a quilt. however, I have never dealt with such large applique. I cannot do raw edge, because I need the edges to fold under 1/4". what is the best method to use for this? and the edges are not straight, they are irregular and with curves. Thank you
#2
Super Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
Posts: 1,488
Could you try using interfacing, iron-on or not (sticky side to main side of fabric), stitch around the edge, trim - then put a cut in the interfacing and turn inside out. You will have the correct side out and can either iron your applique to the block or just pin and sew.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
Depending on the shape, you can lay light weight interfering over the right side of fabric, trace the shape on the interfacing, stitch on the line, trim, cut a slit in the centre of the interfacing and turn the shape right side out. (Be sure to clip almost to the stitching line in tight V ‘s before turning) press the shape once it is turned right side out and sew down.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Posts: 706
If you will be doing hand appliqué, you might try Jeana Kimball’s backbasting needle turn method. This method allows you to turn the edge on just a small section at a time. With that large of an appliqué, after marking the design in reverse on the back, I would probably glue baste the appliqué on the front to the background to make sure everything lays flat, even if that means sometimes have to fight the glue when trying to turn the edge. Best of luck.
#5
Junior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Virginia
Posts: 238
Is this something you definitely want to machine applique? If you're thinking of doing it by hand I would encourage you to look at Hawaiian quilting videos on YouTube. The method would be the same. Not for the cutting out, but for the placement, basting, and stitching.
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Michigan Thumb
Posts: 1,956
When using the fusible interfacing, when you trim curved edges, it will work much better if you use pinking scissors. Then when it is turned right side out the pinked edges give you a better edge to work with.