I find a satin stitch done on the machine incredibly washable, but have some concerns about the blanket stitch done recently. I'll have to keep an eye on my daughter's quilt. I would like to learn the needle turn method of hand applique. I do like a pretty satin done on a machine even if it's a little out of style.

I taught myself needle turn many many years ago. Applique is my very favorite method of piecing/quilting. Recently I learned a new method which has become my favorite: back basting applique. I know there is a YouTube video out there but I do it differently. I'll do my best to explain the method to you here:

1. Using a light box or window, trace your complete pattern to the wrong side of your background. Use a light pencil line or the new FriXion pen by Pilot (mine is navy).

2. Determine which piece needs to be appliqued first (one that another piece will overlap). Cut a piece of fabric approximately the size required.

3. From the wrong side of the background, stick pins at 3 or 4 places thru to the right side. Make sure your applique fabric covers the pins right side up. Hold up to the light and make sure your shape is covered.

4. Move the pins to the right side and then baste from the wrong side all the way around your shape. Use 1/4" stitches being sure to have a stitch at a point (as in a leaf). Leave thread tails (do not use any knots because you will be removing these as you stitch).

5. Using either the Pilot pen, the white Clover pen, make a dotted line between the stitches on the right side of the applique piece.

6. Very carefully, trim the applique piece to 1/8" along the dotted line. (Scarey, but if wider, you will have trouble turning a nice curve.)

7. On a straighter edge, begin to turn the edge and start stitching, pulling out 3-4 basting stitch ahead as you go.

8. Take an extra stitch at the point of a leaf to secure before starting down the second side.

NOTE: The Pilot pen and Clover pen inks will disappear with the touch of a iron. The Pilot is available at a stationery store although I purchased mine at the LQS.

Also, where you can see there will be an overlap, you need not needle turn. Just baste is in place with your applique thread to keep it flat.

Also, be aware of a negative/positive pattern. If you need to reverse the direction of a pattern, trace it first on tracing paper, turn over and continue.

Needle turn applique makes you very portable. I also find that I no longer struggle to place my pieces exactly where the pattern says they should be.

Hope this is clear. Ask, if not.

I've used the freezer paper method to applique but I've been thinking about trying the "back basting" method. Here is a short tutorial about it:

http://www.allaboutapplique.net/2008...hand-applique/

It looks pretty easy.

ETA: Here's another: http://sentimentalstitches.net/instr...hand-applique/

Will the back basting method work on really small pieces, or just larger ones?

I have done several different methods of applique and for quilts that will see some use and washing I have discovered that the satin stitch or the blanket stitch with fusible wonder under (or similar) seems to last the longest. I sometimes incorporated several methods in one quilt if it seems appropriate for a better look. I have made 10 or so applique quilts for my grandchildren and most have been surviving quite well. I think they all use them on their beds. When I can I also use the Eleanor Burns method on larger pieces, but not on small ones.

Trial and error were my teachers...each time I make one I do something a little different.

Regarding really small pieces, i.e., a small circle. I have tried to use the back basting to make them and was not satisfied with the results. For these, I will use the template, yoyo, starch approach. It works for some other small shapes but a circle needs to look like a circle.

Cabbagepatch, thank you for the tutes. I had not seen these two. Their illustrations are very good and should work better than the lengthy explanation I tried above. The one I had seen had basted on all of her pieces which to me was too confusing. I would rather work with one or two pieces at a time.

Used many methods of doing appliqué. The. One methods I did not like was using an invisible thread to machine down. It was the machining and the finished result. Also I felt this thread would not be suitable for a baby quilt/rug. I was also not sure about how long it would last with frequent washing. I usually hand turn but at present due to a wrist operation I have to machine or Elenor Burns method.

I make a lot of applique baby quilts and I hand applique. My favorite method is using fusible web. It turns your raw edges under so you don't need to do needle turn applique. If you want to know how - just send me a pm.

I am an obsessed needle-turn appliquer very relaxing to do and haven't had any problems with repeated washing only thing I will comment on if you want to wash any quilt with applique on don't use the fusible method whichever way you do it - enjoy

I do needle turn applique. I fell in love with all the gorgeous quilts that were appliqued, so I got some books and videos and taught myself. So relaxing. Have not tried machine applique.