needle turn vs. raw edge applique
 

I'm working on a pattern that called for needle turn applique. Since I've never done that, but I have done raw edge I did that instead. I had to adjust in places to make pieces meet neatly, but ... what else would determine whether these techniques are interchangeable? My pieces are large and not detailed. The only things I changed were the size of the circle in the middle and the purple/plum pieces needed to meet at the seam in the leaf so I trimmed those edges. I hope the blanket stitch I used really secures these pieces, but my hand sewing lacks a lot so figure it worked as well as that would have.

The background square is 12.5".

I am the exact opposite I prefer needle turn. Next year it may have changed. As you can guess I do both and of the 2 prefer needle turn as I can sit and sew any time.
I do love the block I can see no reason to think it is wrong it is beautiful.

I think your block is lovely! Your stitches look amazingly uniform to me! I do both needle turn and raw edge applique. I was a hand quilter only until about 3 years ago.. I have done the technique where you sew like an interfacing to the applique piece, right sides together. Then u make a small clip in the interfacing part and turn the applique piece right side out. Presto...no raw edges, applique is ready to stitch. I also recently saw the technique where you use the interfacing, make sure it's fusible..putting the fusible side to the right side of the applique piece. Stitch around, clip curves if needed. Then make slit opening in fusible side and turn it right side out...the fusible will then have the sticky side out, ready to be fused to your block fabric then stitched. Lastly I have seen where people use used dryer sheets in place of the fusible..great idea for recycling! Again, love your block!
K

Beautiful block!

it is beautiful

i think the final look that you want to achieve would be the deciding factor for the method used. if you don't want the stitches to show, you have to do needleturn. to me, this is a more finished/formal look. raw edge is a more casual/primitive look. both are great methods.

I think your block looks great.

I love your block. You did an awesome job with the appliqué. Your stitches look perfect!

I also think it looks beautiful! Love the color and the shades of dimension it brings out.

Your stitches are even and look great. Nothing wrong with that, I wish I could do it so nicely. You did great!

I think whatever you choose is fine..... it's your quilt. I hardly ever stick to a pattern.... always changing something to make it like I want it.... and I never have had anyone say,..... wasn't that supposed to be something else??? So, don't fret about your choices..... just do what you want to do.

I have done that last technique you described with the fusible interfacing...only on a couple of blocks for a BOM and on a few practice Sunbonnet Sues. I like the method. I've tried needle turn but wasn't pleased with my work.
Jan, your block is beautiful.

it looks very nice. as long as you've secured the edges you're good to go.

As everyone has stated, your block looks great. Usually appl designed for needle turn has 1/8 to 1/4 turn under allowed whereas raw edge does not. You would cut away that allowance if changing to raw edge. Check your pattern to see if it has the extra allowance otherwise proceed as you are doing.

I love your block! The colors are great. The pattern looks familiar. Designer?

wow.. the block is beautiful! I've taken classes on both, but have not practiced enough... I plan on getting a project using each technique ready, THEN take the class, so I can get right to work on it! Your work is lovely!!

Your block is beautiful and your stitches super even... I had a quilt I dithered about on for 2 years because I was not sure my stitches were ok. As others have said finished is better than perfection. I love your fabrics/colors. I am very drawn to those greens and purples at the moment.

The pattern is called Plumeria and it's from a Quiltmaker magazine

http://www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/d...html?idx=15102

I think your block is beautiful. I love the colors.

That's a really good looking block!

For me, the choice between needle-turn and machine applique would be the size of the pieces; if the pattern has any tiny and/or very pointy pieces that might not adapt well to machine applique, then needle-turn is the way to go. However, I'm thinking that McKenna Ryan has some really tiny pieces in her kits and I think that hers are all designed for machine applique.

I prefer the interfacing technique, too. It's a lot quicker then turning each edge by hand, and I'm always afraid to do raw edge since i DON'T LIKE THE FRAYING even with the blanket stitch. I love your block and the colors!

You can do appliqué that is sewn by machine but looks hand done by using an invisible thread and a very tiny blanket stitch. Karen Kay Buckley teaches this method. You prepare the pieces with the edges turned under by any of the methods metioned above or by the startch method. Then glue them to the background and go around with the machine. Looks great.

Love love your colors and block. What is that pattern?

also love theses appliquÉ methods. Read what the pattern was once again, love your colors!

I normally applique using the blanket stitch because I love the country look of the blanket stitch. I tried needle turn once, but it seemed really hard for me. I like your idea of using an interface, and I'm going to give that a try. Most of my quilts have appliques.

Your block is very pretty, no matter how you do/did it.

Great block. I do raw edge applique.

I love this block..it's beautiful...and the color combination just pops....but maybe someone can help me understand raw edge...I have never tried it because I don't understand how it doesn't fall apart when washed. I just assume the edges will unravel...even if you use fusible. If someone who has done it a bunch can explain, it would be very much appreciated.

Beautiful block - I think it turned out great!!

This block is beautiful.

you can do needle turn on the sewing machine........with invisible thread and a very small zig-zag stitch.....use freezer paper to keep those edges turned under, then as with hand, slit back and pull out freezer paper.....or take off before beginning the sewing down of the piece. I think that is more secure that fusible/blanket stitch for a piece that will be washed often, like a table runner, place mat or bed quilt....a wall hanging would be done with blanket stitch and be safe.

I am sure there are some tutes somewhere that will help you with the freezer paper process if you are interested.....

This block is the perfect one to practice needle turn. the angles are gentle and not tiny units. I've started studying Baltimore Album quilts and have kick up my techniques for needle turn. It's challenging, but gobs of fun.
SandyQuilter

I really like what you have done. The choice is always yours. Do what makes you happy

Have you checked into back basting for your needle turn? it really makes applique portable. REALLY love the block.

Your block is beautiful! Nicely done! I wouldn't worry about the type of applique used. I've done both needle turn and raw edge, and frankly, I'd use whichever type works best for both me and the project. For some very formal blocks, I have also used the satin stitch on my sewing machine. That can be very pretty, on the right block.

Your block is beautiful!! Love the fabrics!

Block is beautiful! And you should stick with you are comfortable doing. That's not to say that we shouldn't try new things and try them seriously (not just once). But if you like one way over another, go for it!

I see no wrong at all on your block, needle turn or raw edge applique, it all depend the design or quilt block your making, they both can be beautifully made. prefer both I love to applique and I love embroidery, lucky to do both beautifully!
You did pretty good on your bock. Thanks for sharing.

Really love your block and the colors you used!