Hand Applique Question
 

This may be a stupid question, but does hand applique need to be done in a hoop?

It doesn't I prefer not to. . The hoop gets in my way and annoy me but some fin holding the hoop keeps fabric taut while sewing. Personal choice. Try both make your own decision.

I believe it is the recommended method but not necessary. For me, it is easier to use a hoop though not a large one.

I don't use a hoop (and I've actually done quite a bit of hand applique altho I am a quilting newbie).

For designs with a lot of detail -- long skinny pieces that stick out, etc. -- I do like to baste on a nice flat surface before I start appliqueing. Some folks use wonder under / fusible instead of basting.

I never use a hoop. I do thread baste and that helps a lot. Nancy chong has a great video on needle turn appliqué. I have watched it half a dozen times.

I think most hand appliquers do not use a hoop. When I took a class from Patricia Cox years ago (the one in MN who is an expert on traditional quilts), we did not use hoops.

I use a hoop for embroidery but not for applique.

I don't use a hoop but then I never thought of using a hoop! Huh! The things you learn on this board.

I taught myself how to applique. When I first started I thought a hoop would help me get the applique flat. It turned out to make it more difficult. Once I read Ellie Sienkewicz's book "12 Ways to Applique," I started using freezer paper. That helped a lot.

Janet