I know of at least 30 ladies that do needle turn applique. I do needle turn. I baste a lot as pins always get in my way. I have learned a lot from those who have been doing it longer. I sometimes use the back basting technique and have yet to do reverse applique. Practice is the key and picking patterns that the curves and points lend to your success at the level that is comfortable.
I can’t say that I like it more than machine piecing, but it is wonderful to pack up and take it with you. There are many also that do hand quilting.........and that’s another subject.
There are many hand techniques on the web and you tube that are valuable. Find the technique that suits you and preserver. Nancyellen a great resource. Found this long after doing applique and was happy to see her technique similar to mine as well as thread and tools. I tried to copy the link and had difficulty. Do a google search of Nancyellen hand applique You Tube.
Good luck.

I love needle turn applique. I just don't have the time or patience to do it. Plus, my carpal tunnel acts up so much that it's uncomfortable to do. :(

I belong to a group of 6 needle turn appliquers. We all have done at least 0ne of the piece maker calenders, and
our oldest member 90 has done 2 of them and working on her 3rd. Love doing needle turn applique

I do it. I like needle turn better than any other kind of applique.

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: That "fusible junk" is the only thing i use for my applique and i am extremely happy with it

I have just started to do it. I love handling the fabric and finding the silkiest threads.

[quote=BeeNana]I know of at least 30 ladies that do needle turn applique. I do needle turn. I baste a lot as pins always get in my way.

I enjoy doing needle-turn applique - have done a few Hawaiian pieces, a Masonic and a Scottish Rite "Baltimore Album-style" for my husband, all the Baby Jane applique blocks, and working on my Baltimore Album blocks. Just never enough hours in the day.

If you use tiny safety pins and pin from the back where-ever you can it helps avoid getting your thread caught on the pins. Elly Sienkiewicz suggested that in a class I was in where she was teaching. Using a round toothpick to turn your fabric is also helpful, and keeping the amount of fabric you are turning to less than 1/8th inch also helps.

[quote=Janquiltz]I have heard of a pin on the back, but not a small safety pin. Good idea. The rest plus silk thread does the trick. Some of the ladies are doing Ladies of the Sea...........I just shake my head. I have the DJane book...........and have not done any of the blocks. Have fun.

I have done many of these some are still waiting to be finished. I do these in the evening while watching t v. Have to keep my hands busy. working on the Pella tulip block right now. will I ever finish it who. Know. it will be pretty when it does get done.

I have done many of these some are still waiting to be finished. I do these in the evening while watching t v. Have to keep my hands busy. working on the Pella tulip block right now. will I ever finish it who. Know. it will be pretty when it does get done.