Where do I start? I've never done it before, hand or machine. I did a search, but I didn't see anything specific about where a beginner should start.

I would do a sample blocks and see what you like best. I like raw edge machine. I don't do much of it but some times the quilt I like calls for it.

What is raw edge machine applique. Does someone have a tutorial?

You can start with any method. You might want to search the internet or get a library book that explains the different techniques and then decide which you would like to try first. Just pick a simple design without a lot of teeny little pieces to start with. Try you tube for some videos.

I went to YouTube and keyed in "appliqueing"....here's a lot of videos that will help you.

http://www.youtube.com/results?searc...pliqueing&aq=f

look at the pics on this site--decide what you like the look of--investigate the tecniques--then start with something small--table center,lap rug,cot blanket----ask questions-- no question is silly--[it took me 2years to find out what a fat 1/4 was]--dive in the water is fine++++

here is one place to start , right on our board :wink:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-5967-1.htm

then i just used the search here on the board and came up with this :

http://www.quiltingboard.com/search....plique&u=&s=10

if you have specific questions just ask :lol:

raw edge machine applique you draw your design on the paper side of paper=backed fusable, iron to the wrong side of the fabric, cut out on the lines, fuse to background then stitch the edges using what ever stitch you want...no turn under, some people straight stitch them down, some zig-zag, some use a blanket stitch, what ever. there are hundreds of books and tutes out there for hand applique and lots of different techniques. trial and error works too, lots of us have learned that way.
needle turn applique, templates are used for the pieces, you add a turn under seam allowance around the piece when you cut it out. Becky Goldsmith offers some pretty clear pictures, help on their website. piece of cake quilts

My suggestion is to take a beginning needle-turn applique class and get the basics. Once you have tried that, try a few other methods. Always start with the basics.

I'm hesitant when it comes to appliqueing. ("Intimidated" might be a better word, heh-heh...) My sis-in-law showed me a method recycling used dryer sheets for the simpler shapes: Lightly iron a used dryer sheet and place it on top of your cut-out fabric shape (secure to center with a pin, if you like). Machine stitch the sheet to the fabric, very close to the edge. Cut away the excess dryer sheet. Snip a small cross in the center of the dryer sheet and turn the thing inside out. Slide a knitting needle around the inside seam to pop out the corners and points, then iron so the edge of the shape is crisp. Voilla! I've never done the beautiful, heavily appliqued quilts, so this works for me. Takes away my hesitation. Of course, using this method you'll never learn the Real way to do it. lol...

Raw edge machine applique is just that, no turned edges, just the raw edge and then sewed with a machine stitch of your choice. Blanket stitch looks nice on a simple design. If I do raw edge I use a fusible web to adhere it to my fabric; also helps to keep if from fraying. This is a huge topic to deal with here. I am lazy and do my applique on the embroidery machine. Some people are purists and would only do applique by hand with the needle-turn method. Alex Anderson has a great book about applique. It is called "Alex Anderson's Hand & Machine Applique". Very concise and informative.

I disliked all the traditional applique methods - needle turn, freezer paper, raw edge etc.
A good friend and great appliquer taught me a new and very easy way.
I'm not the world's best instructor so bear with me.
Use non-fusible web.
Trace your design on it.
Cut it out leaving a large seam.
Place on the right side of a large enough piece of your fabric.
Sew on the line you made on the non-fusible web. If you do this by hand, make tiny stitches.
Trim to 1/8th or 1/4" around the design
Make a slit in the web and turn it so the right side of the fabric now shows.
Use an orange stick or something like that not too sharp to even out the fabric
Iron flat on the fabric side
Ready now to applique to whatever surface you're using.
The method is best with curves and smooth edges, not so hot with points.