Being a non-appliquer, i am always looking for shortcuts.

By golly, I think this is one! Cut out two shapes (example, 2 leaves)

Using water soluble thread in the top and bobbin, sew the two pieces of the fabric together, right sided together. Leave a little 'birth opening'. Turn, press well, put into water, gently pull apart the pieces, iron dry.

Bingo! you now have two leaves with 1/4 inch turned under edges to applique or whatever.

Works for me!

THANKS sounds like a plan to me :thumbup:

good idea :thumbup:

Well, now, aren't you clever!

Sounds like a terrific idea.

OMG!! i have to try this!! I dont like to Applique either!!

Hi, Doesn't the folded 1/4 inch seam flatten out after it gets wet?

That was my first thought too.

you don't have to put it in water. Just iron it, then spritz with a spray of water and use steam to press and the thread will come out.

I like your idea. The other thing I've done is do the same thing you described but using well-used fabric softener sheet instead of a second layer of fabric. Once you turn the 'leaf' inside out, you can actually press it for a finished leaf and then applique it without removing the softener sheet. It is so light that it does not bulk up your applique. I used this method when making a dresden plate. It worked like magic. I hope this doesn't sound confusing.

It doesn't flatten out. The crease from the first pressing does the job and keeps it folded!

Ohh. Didn't know that. i do know that you can't lick the thread and expect to thread the needle that way.... duh!!

I've done that, too, well, not with the dryer sheet but with really light interfacing.

It works really nicely!

Hi, I was at a quilt shop yesterday and there was a wall hanging that had perfect circles using Oriental Fussy cut geishas and the owner told me they used coffee filters sewn to the right side slit the coffee filter, turn right side out, press and then applique. I'm just thinking --you could probably use a non-acid glue stick to adhere it to the background and then blind hem stitch it or blanket stitch it. I just gave myself an idea for one of my next projects. Anne

I love it when we give ourselves ideas!

Thanks for that wonderful tip, I was just going to do some applique on a project I'm working on, and was kind of dreading it, and I didn't want to use fusible on it, so this will really help.

Years ago I found that nappy liners are good too and also for making patterns for several other things like dolls clothes(to make sure the pattern fits) before using fabric and it will for baby clothes too.

Great idea. I'mgoing to have to try this one. Thanks.

Great idea, I am definitely going to try these ideas!

Gal

Woo! :D

I think that's a great idea! I don't like to leave anything on the back because sometimes you can see it once it's appliqued. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

Thank you for sharing

Yikes, Anna K - I love that idea. One question - does that smell make the quilt smelly - like the fabric sheet?

Okay - just re-read and you said "well-used". So - never mind.

What a great idea!!!!!!!

that sounds good - my passion is applique so will try it out - thanks for the tip

Thank you for the great tips :D:D:D

definitely going to have to try this! :thumbup: