ctquilter, thank you for the information on the book by Ellie S. I think I may have to add that one to my collection.

brushandthimble, you are welcome. I think you will be very happy with it.

My favorite book on machine applique methods is Harriet Hargrave's. Here is a link to it:

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach.../dp/157120136X

when I taught quilting and applique (eons ago), I did a 4-block "sampler" of applique, using the following techniques: needle-turn, machine satin stitch, freezer paper, and machine "invisible" w/hem stitch. We used 4 different blocks, similar in style, but varied enough that they looked nice together. Each lesson was 2 weeks long: the first week we learned the technique and got started on it, and the second week was for refining that technique and finishing the block. The class was 10 weeks (sessions) long, because we needed to set the blocks together and put a border around them. When finished, each student had a nice 4-block wall quilt to hang that showed the different techniques.

There are other techniques to learn, too, but this was a great introduction for anyone who wanted to learn applique. I'd suggest trying something like this for yourself, as you will learn a lot and discover a) whether you like applique; b) what technique you like to do; c) how much work it is/how long it takes.

Just jump in! The water's fine! And we're here to help.

Odessa

Odessa
Thank you for that wonderful suggestion. I was thinking of doing something like that, taking a heart, for example, and using some of the different applique techniques to make several heart blocks.

Here are my questions:
What are the different ways to get applique pieces on fabric and
How does one know which one to use.

I believe it has to do with how much time you want to invest in something.

Machine applique goes quick. Put fusible on the back of applique piece, iron onto material and then decorative stitch around it.

Needle turn (the one I use most often) takes much longer. Its not something quick, in fact, I know when I'm doing this its going to be a labor of love. For me there are 2 great things about it. One, it is portable, I can take it anywhere and do it anytime (watch tv at night, waiting for doctors, sporting events for child, etc). I have a little bag I carry it in. Second, and the most important for me is that its relaxing. I really don't have to think about it, I just do it (if that makes sense).

These basically are the only 2 ways I do it. I guess I'm sort of lazy, but the less steps the better. I like seeing the finished product. Some applique techinques seem to be more cumbersome than others to me unless there's a specific application (like stuffing) to be used.

Does this help or does it confuse you more? :D :-D

I suggest backbasting applique. There is a great tutorial at appleblossomquilts.com.

I suggest backbasting applique. There is a great tutorial at appleblossomquilts.com.

I do the hand needle turn method. Relaxing,soft and sooo satisfying when finished. To me the fusible machine method is so stiff,but it does go much faster. I just finished a quilt of 14 1/2 in squares of old barns, took me almost ayear but what the heck I would have been doing the same thing on something else anyway . lol Jolo

For the last few months I've been wanting to start some applique projects but like you was overwhelmed with the different techniques. I found the book More! Hand Applique by Machine by Beth Ferrier. I really like her technique and just finished a wall hanging using her methods. I also bought and used the water soluble fusible applique sheets that are on this same link I'm pasting for you. They were really nice because I didn't have to worry about removing freezer paper from the back of my work. Not sure yet if I'd use them on a quilt but they've worked really well for this hanging.

http://www.amazon.com/More-Hand-Appl...2024606&sr=8-2