I just tried some needle turn applique and... well, lets just say it didn't go as I'd hoped. So I have some questions:

1. Does anyone know of a good online tutorial for this technique?

2. Do you do applique in an embroidery hoop? (I did)

3. Any other tips/tricks?

I'll be watching this ~ appliquing lots of hanky butterflies for a quilt, will take any pointers to make my job easier! My gram taught me how, but that doesn't mean she taught me right LOL

try it out of the hoop---luxian newman has a good dvd +book she is a great quilter[aussi]

I don't use a hoop.

See, I assumed because it was kind of like embroidery, I'd need a hoop. But then I thought maybe it would have been easier without.

Most people don't use a hoop for hand applique. There are many different techniques, and all produce good results. You just have to find the one that works best for you. Some people use lots of glue, others baste everything, others use fusibles. One of my friends uses none of the above, and yet produces some of the most beautiful applique I've ever seen.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axDBl7lJuJs&NR=1

There are several youtube videos on needle-turned applique. Just need to do a search once you get to the youtube site. I put the link for one from EllenQuilts above. Also Sharon Schamber has an interesting new technique on youtube.

I don't use a hoop. I do use either a straw or millener's needle (long and thin). I have done needle turn both with the freezer paper on top, the freezer paper on the bottom, and without freezer paper. My Hawaiian and my Baltimore Album pieces are basted on to the background, and on the large pieces that I am appliquing down, I only cut my seam allowance for the needle turn two -three inches at a time. That really reduces the fraying to almost nothing. My seam allowance is 3/8" down to 1/16" again depending on what I am doing. I only turn the seam allowance under enough ahead to take 3-4 stitches, and it is held under with my thumb. I use YLI 100 silk or Aurifil 2 ply, or Bottom Line. Silk just melts in to the fabric and is strong. Cut your thread only about 18". My stitches are about 1/16 - 1/8" apart - again it depends on what I am stitching. When I get to a point or an inside curve the stitches leading up to and then away from "the inzie or outie" are closer together to give that area stability. You can pm me and I would be happy to answer any oher questions you might have. Oh yes, Elly Sienkiewicz has a fantastic book called "Applique 12 Easy Ways". Well worth the $ if you can find one (I usually try Amazon under new/used.)

don't use a hoop-
visit the "Piece of Cake Quilt Shop" for some good tutorials and lots of help. there are lots and lots of free tutorials. a round tooth pick comes in very handy to help smooth edges and turn under areas as you go along. use thread that matches the applique fabric or slightly darker. tiny stitches in the fold and directly beneath into the background.

I don't use a hoop.

I use a basting glue to hold my pieces in place. No hoop though!

I don't use a hoop for needle turn applique, but I do use silk thread in a neutral and straw needles.

I had no luck turning fabric with a needle so I also use a round toothpick. The gal who taught the class I took advised us to keep the toothpick in our mouth to keep it wet and it grabs the fabric better. Sounds a little gross, but works for me.

No hoop for me.

Use starch (lots of it)... freezer paper, heat and bond, or drafting your templates onto card stock and spray starching lightly/pressing to hold the shape in place.

Reverse applique gives nicer results when you're working with hard shapes and you can barely see the stitches on the reverse applique.

I am working on Reverse Applique right now, the only complaint it takes too long.

Leave a good seam allowance for your needle turn applique until you feel that you can master the technique, then later you can narrow down the seam allowance for needle turning; and make it a habit to use glue (glue sticks) for holding the applique fabric in place instead of using straight pins or thread basting.

Practice and don't give it up!

Wow! Thanks for these tips. I've usually done the freezer paper on the bottom, basting the seam allowance to the freezer paper and then basting the piece to the background method. But it's so time and energy consuming! I've lately started gluing the pieces to the background and machine sewing the pieces to thin interfacing and turning the piece inside out. I'm going to see if I can graduate to needleturn with these tips, to save time and my poor thumb.

without the hoop, you'll get better results. It takes practice. LOTS of it for some quilters. Be patient. Youtube has several videos.