starch method of applique
 

what is the starch method of applique? I have never heard of this term before. It sounds interesting as my next project is applique.

I'm sure others will describe it better, and there are undoubtedly other ways of doing it too. This is the way I tried out the technique.

Basically you cut a template out of heat-resistant plastic, cut the fabric larger than the template and clip any inner curves, place the fabric under the template on a piece of aluminum foil, use a small paintbrush to saturate the edges of the fabric, fold up the aluminum foil around the edges, then iron on top of the foil on both sides and allow to dry thoroughly. Can re-use template and foil.

This was an extremely slow and tedious method of applique for me, so I only tested it out and then went back to my usual freezer paper method of doing machine applique. This is the method Harriet Hargrave explains in her books, although I prefer to use paper paste instead of glue sticks.

Lynn, the Alamosa Quilter, has a tutorial on her blog:
http://alamosaquilter.blogspot.com/2...que-photo.html

I haven't done this yet ..... let us know how it goes if you use her tutorial.

I tried something similar to the method in the linked tutorial too. The problem I had with that method was always burning my fingers! I'm fairly clumsy, so others with better coordination may fare better than I did.

thank you, not sure I will use that method

This article also shows some ways to use starch in turned edge applique. http://www.connectingthreads.com/tut...Prep__D48.html As with most things in quilting, there's more than one way to skin a cat.

This how I do it, but don't use the foil. After you do it awhile, you learn how not to burn your fingers!

This is sort of how I do it, too, although not with the foil. I'm not sure what the reason is for using foil...?

Here is a very clearly illustrated and well-written step-by-step demonstration. I basically learned how to prepare my appliques from this post.

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...ng-shapes.html

when doing my dear jane blocks, there are many small melons required. i cut freezer paper melons and iron them to the fabric, cut them allowing a scant 1/4" seam allowance. then i paint the edges with half staflo and half water mixture. then i iron the starch dry and remove the freezer paper. now they are ready to applique to the background. to me, it works great.

I have been using this method for my Affairs of the Heart Quilt. Although it takes some time, I found it great. I use a clover mini iron, otherwise I burn my fingers :) I have used only Batiks in my quilt so I haven't found the need to clip my curves, they sit nicely. Also if your pattern has a lot of circles I highly recommend getting a set of Perfect Circles http://www.connectingthreads.com/too...y__d81770.html as I could never cut a perfect circle.
I stitch down my applique with silk thread which just disappears into the fabric and is lovely to use.

Piece O Cake website has several videos showing how she does needle turn appliqué. They are very informative even if you use another method. I have used the same method as QuiltnNan, and it works great. The only difference is that I use Mylar Plastic Template sheets. The other thing I do is run a basting thread around the circles and draw it up with the template inside. Makes a perfect circle every time. Applique isn't a speedy technique, but so beautiful, I enjoy working on it.
Sue

The only addition I have to the process is I use a stiletto in one hand and the clover iron in the other to turn and press the edges over the template. I do like this process. I sit at the kitchen table with a small shaping board, my pieces and the templates. Once a bunch of the shapes are made they can be stitched to the background. You are right, applique is not a speedy process! One just has to figure out the process that works for them.

I use QuiltnNan's method. Like Nannie to 7, I use a Clover iron and a stiletto. I really enjoy this method for my appliqué. I use tiny dots of Elmer's washable school glue to hold my appliqué in place until I can hand stitch it with silk thread.

I have never heard of using aluminium foil for templates in UK we use freezer paper which with a warm iron b will stick to the fabric while you put starch on the edge. These shapes will stick a number of times after removal.
My friend uses aluminium foil to wrap her cut pieces in. She usually sorts them as well, it stops fraying. Looks like a lovely lunch on her table.