I was just wondering if any of you use a frame of some kind when doing hand applique? I've been ready alot lately and am considering doing the Hop To It quilt by hand instead of machine, and some people say that you really need a hoop. If so what type of hoop do you use.

Thanks

Are you talking about a hoop to do the applique work or a hoop for quilting?

For what it worth. do what works best for you and the project. I have work with and without. just what work for that project. Just have fun.

I am talking about for the actual applique. I'm going to try fusible and just pinning using freezer paper. I have a grace frame lap hoop for when I quilt and I think it is to big for the block size that I'm doing, but I also have a qsnap frame and a few frames I used when cross stitching.

ive never heard of anyone using a hoop doing hand applique- i know there's a way to do machine applique with an embroidery hoop...but by hand--no hoop needed- all you need to do hand applique is a background and applique piece, a needle and thread- maybe a few pins

it would be close to impossible to stitch an applique onto a background square with it held stretched in a hoop

I tried using a hoop when I first started appliquing, but it didn't help. I was trying to keep the background from rippling too much. In the end, I used freezer paper to help keep my pieces flat, and now that I know what I'm doing, I don't even use the freezer paper anymore.

Janet

I do needle turn applique and I don't use a hoop. Hand quilting I do use a hoop. :)

I don't think you can hand applique on a hoop..I could be wrong but I have not seen it in any books...I use needle turn now but when I started I used freezer paper and starched the seams down...I sort of grew into a new phase as I felt more comfortable and it became easier...when I first read to make seams less that 1/4 inch I thought that was crazy ...I thought more would have been easier, now I can handle a very narrow seam...it gets easier and easier...you have to experiment...I have tried pins...1/2 inch pins are good..I have used glue...I have tried the basting down method...I tried big needles, thin needles, long and short...all types of thread..e.tc...I took a lot of advice from Sue Garman's instructions and I found it to be helpful...my first attempt at applique was her Hugs and Kisses BOM on the Quilt show and my first 3 blocks were so bad I redid parts of them over...they looked good in the beginning,then as I got better, I realized how bad they were...

I do a lot of hand applique, no hoop.

I use freezer paper for all but the very small pieces because I really like the nice edge I get from it.

Thanks everyone.

Do you use a stabilizer on the back like you do when you machine applique? Or if I fuse it down will that be enough

I sometimes use an embroidery hoop. My method of choice has no paper or stabilizer of any kind. I prepare the individual pieces by applying starch with a small paint brush on the fold line then press the edges over a heat resistant template until dry (and stiff). These make a great take along project because sealed in a zipper the pieces hold their shape for months.

I don't use a stablizer on hand applique. I don't see how you will be able to turn under your seam if you use an iron on stablizer. I have used many methods but I am not familia
with this. I'm not saying it won't work just that I don't see how.

you seem to keep going back to using fusable- just a word of advice...try something small- that doesn't matter first- before jumping into your project-to see how it goes---fusables are quite difficult to hand stitch through- are normally used for machine applique.
visit the Piece of Cake quilt shop= they offer lots of free tutorials-patterns, dvd's
a great one for beginning is:
"LEARN TO APPLIQUE THE PIECE OF CAKE WAY"
more hand applique tips and tricks are available from:
Alex Anderson
Sue Garmon
Evening Star Designs
Fon's and Porter's love of quilting
Nancy Zieman--Sewing with Nancy
America sews with Sue


there's lots more- that's all i can think of at the moment.

The reason I keep saying fusable is that is what the lady at the quilt store recommended for doing a blanket stitch

Thanks for all your responses. I love this board because you are so helpful for new quilters

I don't use a hoop. One of the ladies who used to teach in my shop recommended having a pillow on your lap to raise the project up higher. ?? Good luck with it! :)

You do not need a frame for doing applique. You are attaching the applique shape to the background fabric with either an edge-turning technique or without (shape sewn around with blanket stitch and embroidery No 8 thread, for example). You only need a hoop when you need to hold a surface "taught" - hand quilting or cross stitch. When you hand quilt, make sure when it is in the hoop that the fabric is not stretched super tight, like with cross stitch. I made that mistake my first time and could not quilt or rock the needle. Good luck.

With machine applique, just fuse it down. I would suggest Misty Fuse. It is a super light fusible web. Most fusibles (wonder under etc) can make the shapes "stiff," especially if you "stack them" - like a circle with another shape on top.

I always put a pillow on my lap, either in the chair or on my lap if I am laying on the bed resting my back. That way you don't have to look down so far and strain your neck. Works great!!