ATTEMPTING To Learn Hand Applique
 

Please keep your fingers crossed as I start this journey. I read instructions online, and have picked a simple leaf type shape. I am using the freezer paper method and Connecting Threads since I have more colors to choose from. I do not know if my cutting the 1/4 inch around the paper is accurate, and wonder if it will make a great difference to my little practice project. We will see.

Just think of me from time to time as you work on your sewing. Anne needs all the luck she can get.

All the best in your new adventure, applique is very addictive, and I think you will find the finish of a hand appliqued piece is way better than machine.

I have a pattern that I want to do with freezer paper and anxious to have a friend show me the ropes. She needs help with EQ so we are going to teach each other what the other wants to learn. Should be a lot of fun.

Erin Russek has a good tutorial on her blog. Look for 'Appique Lessons' on the right hand column.

http://www.erinrussek.typepad.com/

Good luck and have fun!! Just remember........ the more you do it the better you will get!! I love applique!

I was taught to use spray starch. Spray a small amount of Magic Sizing in a paper cup or container, use a cheap paint brush, little one, and paint the spray starch on the 1/4" edge. Either iron it or press it with your fingers. I ironed mine. Then applique it. It is not glue but the 1/4" stays put, especially in the middle of the "v" spots. It really helped me.

Good luck with your new adventure and remember applique is very addictive. Teresa of the Fabric Therapy blog uses a glue stick and has posted a tutorial. Check out this method too .... just click the tutorial tab.

http://fabrictherapy.blogspot.com/

Hey Boston, assuming you are trying needle turn. Are you using the method where you apply the freezer paper to the front and use it as your guide (ala Piece 'o Cake) or are you ironing it the back and using it as bit of a rigid surface to wrap your fabric around?

I too am teaching myself needle turn applique. I have tried drawing on the fabric and turning on the drawn line (which would be equivalent to the FP on top like Pieceocake) but I find I much prefer ironing my FP to the back and using it as reinforcement to wrap my fabric around. This method does require I cut my background fabric once my applique is sewn on so I can remove the freezer paper. I usually just cut a slit in the background. I love this method and it works best for me.

I love having handwork to do and I work a little bit each evening. I currently have 4 hand applique projects going. One is prepared applique, where the seam allowance is already turned under before stitching, but the others are all needle turn with FP. They are varying degrees of difficulty. From super easy to more complex. Not as complex as the little brown bird or a Baltimore Album! Not sure I will ever be ready for that.

Hi Feline,
I am pressing the freezer paper to the back of the applique and after stitching, cut the backing the pull the freezer paper out with tweezers. My first leaf had a bit of a pucker when I got done. The second (in progress) was pinned a bit better.

Oh yes I have had that happen because I didn't have the unit pinned well enough. I ended up gathering up some of my background fabric. Have had to take out a couple of inches worth of stitching. Then another time by background folded over underneath and I caught it. Yup more taking out stitches. But at least it is a lot easier than trying to rip out machine stitching. Sometimes puckers are caused by pulling your thread too tight when you take the applique stitch. I have had that happen too.

Isn't it nice that there are so many different methods to choose from! Thus far I've only tried the needle turn, without freezer paper. The instructions in the Piece O'Cake book I read were just wonderful -- clear and detailed, with close-up photos.

Good luck on your new adventure, Boston!

Because of the issues i've had with my thumbs, i have not been able to do needle turn for several years. I spend my pre-applique time making card stock templates which i use to prep all my pieces in advance. Or i use the "stitch interfacing to the fabric and flip it" to get my shapes. It does take time to prep all my pieces in advance - but then the stitching zips along very quickly - so i figure it comes out about equal.
As Joe'smom said...there are lots of ways to get where you want to go with hand applique....and yes it IS addictive.

I'm also learning to applique and I was intrigued with the interfacing/flip method. I did one this AM and although, it looks very nice and clean, my interfacing is way too heavy and the piece is stiff. I'm using featherweight. What are you using?

Thanks, Cindy

I use Pelon's lightest weight, non-adhesive.....once it's flipped and pressed i cut away the interfacing. I have not found it to be too thick. I also look for very very inexpensive ultra light weight fabrics and use those sometimes as well. If you want to look at my place-mats in the pictures section - except for the "MOM" one - they are all done with the 2 methods i described...tho these are machine stitched as i am still not able to do hand sewing til my full recovery from thumb surgery.

Thanks for the tips. Hummm...no adhesive? I like the pieces to stick to the quilt so that they stay in place, but I suppose that you could use pins, or even glue for that. I have also thought about cutting away much of the interfacing after it's sewn to the applique piece. Now, I'm on a quest to find super light interfacing. I don't have many options nearby and I didn't have any luck shopping online with that 'featherweight' stuff. I'll have to keep looking.

~ Cindy