When I do needle turn applique, the background fabric has a tendancy to "shrink"/ "pucker" just a little. Should I be using some sort of light weight iron on interfacing or steam a seam kind of thing to prevent this. Am I doing something or is it natural for that to happen??? My stitching is fine and looks good. I just have to press the heck out of it to get the puckers out... thanks in advance!! I KNOW I'll get great answers here. BTW! I use the butcher paper method of appliquing.

I needle turn my applique all the time but don't put anything underneath it. I haven't had any problems with puckering. I am wondering if you are possibly pulling the thread too tight between stitches??? That might cause some puckering

I was just going to say the same thing.....Perhaps you are pulling to tight on the thread.

That's the same reason I was wondering, also are you making nice tiny stitches? Maybe if your stitches were too far apart you might get this as well? I don't put any stabilizer on when doing hand work.

How are you fastening the applique pieces to your background? You need to use at least 2 pins (preferably applique pins, and preferably put in from the back) to secure each applique piece so it doesn't shift while you are sewing.

I agree that it sounds as if the thread is being pulled too tight as you sew.

Are you using freezer paper on the top of the applique piece, or underneath (ironed to the wrong side of the applique)?

Thanks for the tips! I do tiny stitches, attach with teeny tiny little applique pins pinned from the FRONT. Will try from the back. I use freezer paper method to wrong side of fabric. I bet you all are correct abt pulling thread too tight. I do give it a slight "yank" to make the stitch disappear. Will try being less godzilla like on thread... Thanks! (K)