Question about applique patterns. Please help!
 

Hi,

I am just getting into needle turn applique and have been looking for patterns. It seems like most of the patterns are for machine or fusible applique. Does anyone know if you can use machine or fusible applique patterns for needle turn applique? I'm thinking that you could, but wanted to ask before I spend money on a pattern that I may not be able to use. I don't want to machine applique, only needle turn.

Thanks.

Yes, you can absolutely use those patterns and do needle turn applique. They may not have seam allowances added to the pattern pieces, so you may need to add about 3/16"-1/4" all around the pieces. I would not suggest any patterns with very small details along the edges of very small pieces (like many of McKenna Ryan's patterns), because you just would not be able to execute something like that in needle turn. But for needle turn applique, you can use a sketch of anything at all, even coloring book pages, just as long as the pieces are complete shapes (not open on a side).

i use anything. just be aware of need to add seam allowance. and be certain the pieces, especial w points or sharp inside curves are not too small to applique neatly. stay w sizes easy to stitch. i also hand baste, tend to do small and sometimes, even the nice little pink glue stick, is too fat for narrow seam allowance.

Ditto what JustaBit said. You might want to look into back basting. I have always wanted to do hand applique and did a bit of needle turn. I just could not get the hang of prepping the pieces! This is the tutorial that got me started on back basting..and I'm off!


http://sentimentalstitches.net/instr...hand-applique/

I am also working on learning to prep pieces...this is the method I will be attempting before I travel next month:

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/photos...ial/index.html
They are not in numerical order, but if you hover your cursor over the pictures, you will get the title and number. You can also search applique tutorial on the home page. (ps. be sure to look all over her page..she is doing a free Christmas BOM! If you want to the medallion, she is selling that , but all the blocks are free to download now.)

Thanks for the help! I appreciate your answers. :)

If you are using a pattern intended for fusing they are usually reversed and ready to copy for fusible. You would need to reverse their already reversed pattern in order to do needle turn and have it be arranged like the original picture. Hope this is clear. :)

Never thought of looking at the pattern to see which method it uses. I just pick the pattern I like and do it which ever way I feel like at that time. I also very often don't worry about doing it the same direction as pattern. It is my project do it the quickest way I can and enjoy it.