BeeNana

Under topics at the bottom of this page there is a large section with all kinds of information on applique. Recently I saw a site that does applique as I do and for the life of me I can't think of it.
I do A with freezer paper under the fabric [ironed to the back of the piece that is going on to the background]. I trace the design on the freezer paper [dull side] and then cut it out. Iron to the back of the fabric and cut around the fabric leaving 1/4 or less of the fabric. The freezer paper underneath gives me an edge to turn under. I will A almost all the way around and am able to pull the freezer paper out with tweezers from a 1/4 opening or less. Then I finish off the A. I pick a spot to end the piece in an easy curve/straight area as it makes it easier to finish.
I use the long straw needles {milliners], silk thread and toothpicks. When doing this method I have to remember to reverse the pattern if it’s not symmetrical. So what I do is turn the pattern over and trace from the backside on to the freezer paper. Many times I will baste paper and all to the area of placement. Pins drive me crazy.
I hope that I didn’t make matters worse. Yes it does take practice. You can also google freezer paper applique and see what other options there are.
I find it relaxing and able to get up and go with it.
Good luck and do lots of google searches. You will find that you will get several techniques..............just practice and have fun. Believe it or not we were not born with a needle in our hands!

jaciqltznok

this is nothing more than the method that Eleanor Burns has been doing for YEARS and Beth Ferrier also does this....
My friend does it this was even the tiny pieces....then she trims most of the interfacing out to lighten the bulk on the layered pieces!

amma

Have you tried you tube tutorials?
Sharon Schamber free you tube tutorials?
Library books? :D:D:D

BeeNana

http://www.roserushbrooke.com/how-to-applique-1.html
Found this on our tutorial page. I have ordered silk
thread from her.

margecam52

Have you tried using freezer paper and a glue stick? You print one design (or as many pieces as will fit on a sheet of paper), Cut freezer paper to the size of the design page (or each cut out piece) & then you pin about 8 sheets of freezer paper (make sure they are all facing the correct way) with the design on the top of the shiny side of the freezer paper stack (reverses the design). Cut out the design(s) and iron them to the wrong side of the fabric. Cut out the fabric, leaving 1/4" seam allowances, or close to that...now take a glue stick, and run it around the edge of the seam allowance on the wrong side. Fold the seam allowance against/onto the paper, make sure to have the fabric fold right on the edge of the paper...seam allowance on the paper. On tips & corners...fold in the corners first then the sides...trimming the seam allowance if needed so it won't poke out. Before the glue dries...adjust any points, curves as needed.
With this type of applique, you leave the paper in place until you have finished stitching the applique down. Be careful not to stitch the paper, just catch the very edge of the fold and then into the backing. Check placement & stitching...don't like it...take out the stitching and redo. Once you have the pieces all down, you turn the block over and cut out the layer of backing to within 1/4" of the stitching. dampen the paper (I use my finger) and pull it out. If you did catch a tiny bit of the paper, dampen it..count to 10, then pull it out. If more than one layer to the applique...cut one back layer at a time & pull that paper....next cut the part of the next layer to within 1/4" of the next stitch line and pull the paper...repeat until only one layer of fabric is left where designs overlap. Any small bits of paper will disolve in the washing of the quilt.

Do one block and try this, I think you will find it's really a big help.
Here is a link to Beth Ferrier's blog and if you scroll down, you will see how she has her pieces glued. She used an expensive wash away stabilizer...but freezer paper works just as well.

http://applewd.com/blog/?m=200905

Check all her 2009 blogs...I did the Now and Forever quilt...it was a great learning experience.

margecam52

This is the method Eleanor Burns uses. It's nice, but does not work well on really small pieces.

craftybear

thanks for the link

Summer Spice

I think I used most of these techniques on my avatar quilt.
I used whatever seemed to work on that particular piece, but you sure could tell the first block from the last, practice -practice-practice....

hairquilt

I use a square of used up Bounce sheet. Sew on wrong side & then cut small slit in back of bounce to turn it & press. Can't remember where I read about this but it is the only way I an do it now.

trisha

I envy everyone who can applique....I sadly amnot one of those!