Applique help!
 

I just started hand applique. I really like hand work that's why I started doing it. But when I am done my material doesn't lay flat. What am I doing wrong? Thanks for the help in advance.

The background doesn't lay flat or the applique piece is puffy?

did you hoop the background?

No I didn't use a hoop. I thought about that too. So I will try that. Thanks

I meant the applique piece.

How much seam allowance to you have to tuck under? what kind of method do you use - freezer paper etc? do you snip when you sew curves? a picture is worth a thousands words - can you post a picture perhaps?

I have one question for you. What technique did you use to place the applique piece onto the background? Did you thread baste the piece on, pin it, glue baste it or did you use freezer paper templates and starch? The applique piece will not be completely flat anyway. What also might be happening is that you are some how slightly moving the applique piece or the background as you sew. You really don't need a real tight grip on your background material. The applique stitch also should not be so tight that it causes tiny puckers.

I've been appliqué get for a dog"''s age (that's a really long time!) and have never used a hoop - and have never seen any other appliquér use one either. I think that could have a great possibility of stretching fabrics. Anyway, for me I need to use a flat board on my lap - it's a perfect resting place for my left hand and allows me to fold up the piece so I can get to the appliqué and sew with my right. Sort of almost keeping the block flat but not quite. I have many friends who can just hold up their block and appliqué that way - just cannot do it. I've never had a problem with things not flat, but if you're doing needle turn appliqué the motif can get slightly poofy if it's on the large side and/or is not basted to the background well enough. With needle turn you are always just slightly pushing - very slightly - and if you haven't pinned or used some other basting it can really get pushed out of shape.

I could ramble on and on and on about hand appliqué - but I won't - yet☺️

Sandy in Mooresville, NC

Another thought, I usually go to youtube for some really good tutorials. If you have the time and inclination you might find some really useful hints and tips.

If you pull your stitches to tight it will make your background pucker .I have been doing needle turn appliqué since 1983 and have never used a hoop

I love to do applique and never use a hoop. Pulling the thread too tight is not good

Also need to check if you are stitching up and down or with a running stitch. Running, you are not putting your thread in the background same place it came out of the applique piece. Therefore it is moving as you pull your threads.

I too have been doing needleturn for well, a long time, never used a hoop, I think that would cause more problems. I do pin my piece down thoroughly with applique pins. Also when you place the piece to be appliqued be careful you don't stretch it, just lay it on the background and a gently smooth with the finger tips then pin pin pin. Good luck

Once in awhile I use a hoop but not tight. I use a few applique pins to hold in place and gently move it so it just holds. Just depends on my mood and what I'm working on. Haven't done itfor awhile.

Did you use pins or a glue stick to keep your applique in place? I use a glue stick in just a few places to make sure the applique doesn't move!! A photo would have helped us see what the problem was. Hang in there. Just like everything else in the world, practice makes perfect.