KarinSt

I am doing a mini with lots of stems. Stems are coming out ok. I was wondering, should I use a more lightweight fabric for a smoother look? I am using 100 % cotton and it does seem a bit bulky. I have cut to the seam as close as possible. Squares with appliqué are 4x4 inches. Thank you

Nammie to 7

I'm just learning to applique myself but I did find a really good book by Jeanne Sullivan called Simply Successful Applique which has explicit instructions on everything to do with applique including how to make 1/4" wide stems. The book contains about 100 pages of instruction with good pictures included along with a CD of patterns. I highly recommend the book--I've certainly learned a lot from it.

Tartan

Is it needle turn appliqué or fused appliqué? My favourite way to do tiny appliqué stems is part machine sewn and part hand sewn for regular appliqué. I fold a bias strip right side out and place it on the background. I machine stitch a slightly less than 1/4 inch from the fold by machine. I trim the seam allowance close to the machine stitching and then push the fold over the machine line and hand stitch the fold down to the background by hand. I can get my stems quite narrow doing this method.

KarinSt

Does it make a huge difference what kind of fabric you use? It seems slightly bulky to me.
Needle turn appliqué.

KarinSt

Thank you Nammie to 7. I will check it out.

SueSew

That is really tiny! Good for you!
I am an applique beginner having only done one raw-edge and one needle turn so are, but have found that a batik, or other fine, many-thread-to-the-inch weave fabric works better than a regular cotton print. More malleable, less fraying, not so bulky when turned over. The Sullivan book is very good, overwhelming to me, and I have the Eikmeyer also for her back-basting technique.