Vine applique ?, cut on bias
 

I have to do a bit of applique of vines. Am going to raw edge. My question, should I just fuse heat and bond to the square and then cut bias strips. And to make it more visually appealing, is it better to have a bit of variance sp? instead of straight cutting the size I settle on. And if I did not use the fusible to attach would the elmers glue method work? Or would there be too many stray threads popping out of the fabric. Hope I made this easy to understand. Thanks for any help.

:) not an answer to your question, but a suggestion for those who have stayed away from applique work because of the vines and stems and such: use bought narrow double-fold bias tape -- I'm into easy and fast and have used the already made tape in my Baltimore Album quilt (can be machine or hand sewn down)-- good luck -- an answer to your question might be determined by how much washing your project might receive

I've done both bias stems and ones cut to shape from a template, though neither for raw edge. I like the template method much better, though it can be wasteful of fabric if you don't plan it well.

I have done a vine applique on one of my quilts and loved the results.... here is what I did.

1. Cut strips on the bias from desired fabric
a. Remember to allow for seam allowances on both sides -- I used 1/4 inch
b. Make several inches longer than the vine length needed --- may have to join multiple strips
2. Sew fusible interfacing to vine strips with string inside
a. Cut fusible interfacing to match step 1 above
b. Place fusible side of interfacing against right side of fabric, sew one side
c. Cut a piece of cotton <THIN>string longer than strip and place between the 2 layers with about 1/2 inch outside one end.
d. Sew the "string end" of the strip
e. Sew remaining side *** Very important... do not catch string in seam!!! It must remain loose for turning.
f. Trim edges.... do not cut string
3. Turn strip
a. Hold 'unsewn' string end and pull strip right side out
b. Cut off end with "sewn" string
c. Finger press
4. Mark quilt top with vine pattern (I used a pencil)
5. Press vine strip to quilt top (I used a mini iron which was great!)
6. I sewed the vine down by using applique stitch and invisible thread.

I hope this helps!!!

Ihave done a lot of applique and have used several methods except hand work. Most of the time I cut bias and then using the 1/4" bias tape maker I make my own tape. I spray the strip heavily with starch, but am careful not to stretch it when I am making the tape. Sometimes I use fusible scraps and fuse the vine down, but most often I mark the line my vine is to follow and just sew without pinning or anything. This makes a very nice thin vine and since it is on the bias you can make deep curves if you wish. I have used varigated thread to match the tape, or a matching tape, or the monofiliment thread, depending on the look I want. Good luck and have fun.

Thank you for the replies, I like to go easy but, want it to look nice, all of the suggestions are good and appealing. Am just finishing up blocks and I am appliqueing before I put it all together with sashing. One thing I am going to do is use either paper or tear away to make it lay flatter with raw edge sewing. Thanks sure do appreciate your help.

This is the step I'm currently "stopped" on with my quilt. I'm not sure what method I want to try - I'm such a novice! Then I had to put everything away for Easter dinner and haven't been able to get back to sewing yet!

I love to do applique. I always cut bias strips and use the bias bars for my vines and stems. Love doing them that way.

Hmm...still thinking of trying this out on one of my blocks, but am too tired. Maybe tomorrow. Think the green vines and leaves will help fill in quiet areas. Hope so anyways....