How do you do it?

are you needleturning, using the starch-template technique, freezerpapering???
what's your key to success.
(as you might tell, I'm a struggling appliquer? and equally bad at all techniques)
thanks for any tips and encouragement you can send my way.
:)

I have severe neuropathy and can no longer do the fine stitching of needle turning or ironing of freezer paper. I have been using LiteSteamASeam2 and having great results. I just finish the edge with a decorative stitch on my machine.

I love the method from One Piece at a time. She has great instructions. I really like using the heat resistant mylar for doing applique. Check out her website:

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...lique-lessons/

I am by far a master of applique how ever, I found I like to use a 1 1/2 stitch legnth due to it being so small I tried a zigzag and it made it bulky, i seen a blanket stitch used but i think it depends on what your making, I also found working on a smaller peice of fabric made it easier for me. here is a photo of my sandpiper i have several more to make , this is part of the pattern from Sue Pritt, sandpipers on parade.
my personal adviceis practice and see what you like and whats easy for you
she is fused.

I am doing machine applique, using light fusible web and a tiny zigzag stitch around the pieces. If you try this, be sure you cut the center out of the fusible web pieces before pressing them onto the fabric. This keeps the pieces from being too stiff from web under the entire piece.

I guess you should clarify if you're wanting to do it by hand or machine. I do it both ways. I have many different variations under my belt and have to say I don't enjoy needle turn by hand. I prefer the starch method by hand as it's much more precise. By machine, I hate invisible thread so use a blind hem stitch or satin stitch with coordinating cotton or embroidery thread.

I use Stem A Seam2 fusible

The DVD by Karen Kay Buckley (I got it from her website) is a really good one to learn from. She is very thorough and the instructions are very well filmed. I got it a couple of weeks ago and it has really been easy to learn appliqué by watching it. Now I just have to practice, practice, practice!!!

yes, yes, yes---
i do needle turn
i do freezer paper templates
i do acrylic templates
i do fusable raw edge
i do machine applique
i do stained glass applique
i do english paperpiecing

it all takes a bit of practice-
find the technique you enjoy and practice- with each new completed block you will see improvement....and with time you will master the techniques you practice the most

All of the above. I used freezer paper in the beginning because it made it easier for me to not have the applique buckle. Now all I need is a line and a seam allowance...and lots of time and practice.

I found Ellie Sienckewicz's book "12 Easy Ways to Applique" a great way to learn.

Janet