Need help on appliqué
 

Hi All,

I joined a block of the month for the Baltimore Liberty. I have read all the instructions prior beginning . It say to cut out fabric leaving 1/4 seam allowance around each template. Ok the pieces are so small I am having trouble turning the seam allowance. Can anyone tell me if there is a easier way to turn the seam allowance on small pieces? Thanks labug

Try edging with a few small pin head spots o glue to fold on. Also you may need to snip curves.i find it easier to fasten applique piece onto background and then needle turn as I hand sew.

I confess I don't do much needle turn - I like to get my pieces pressed into shape before I start to stitch....but what I really wanted to say was I googled this pattern - and WOW....I wish you the very best of luck - it's beautiful! ...definitely A LOT of detailed pieces. Please make sure to post your progress - i'd love to see it.

It depends on the piece but lots of times I skimp on the 1/4 inch seam allowance. Not by a lot, but enough to be able to turn the piece. If you cut it too closely, you risk causing the fabric to fray. Sometimes it helps to use a toothpick to turn the fabric.

Janet

Needle turn takes a lot of practice - that is the stage I'm in - practicing!

I use a lot of Erin Russek's advice for needleturn applique. http://erinrussek.typepad.com/

She suggests using a template, clipping curves and applying starch to tricky areas. You can also use some Fray Check to help prevent straggly threads.

Are you doing needle turn or the preturn method? I needle turn and use 1/8 to 1/16 inch seam allowances. If the pieces are small I cut out 1/4 to 3/8 in seam allowance, pin or tack it in place and trim the piece as I turn under the edges. As other have said, it takes practice. If you are doing the preturn method, I'm not much help. I've tried but I seem to be all thumbs. I have read but haven't tried that if you mark the turn edge of your applique piece with a hera marker, it's easier to turn. (Just run the hera marker around the template.)

You can use freezer paper as the template and a glue stick to stick the seam allowence down. This is how Sharon Schamber is doing hers. She says it's the only way she can do needle turn anymore with her tremors. She actually leaves the paper in there if the piece is very small. She has a You tube tute showing how she does hers.

I also use Roxanne's glue to help baste down the edges (and very small appliqué pins).