Hand applique
 

I usually hand applique by making the stitch behind the background and come up to catch just the edge of the applique and then on to the next stitch. Well I had an epiphany today! I can take the stitch under the background, come up 1/8 inch away with my needle and thread and then go down through the edge of the applique and on to the next stitch. It is so much easier to stitch down through the edge then up through the edge. Am I the last appliquer to figure this out?
My butterflies are coming along much faster in the border of my Dissappearing Hourglass now[ATTACH=CONFIG]523848[/ATTACH]

Thanks for your illustration. I have never appliquéd your new way; but I am going to start doing it today. Thanks a million!

I have never done it your way either, but makes much more sense to me. Am going to do your way from now on. Thanks Tartan.

Yes, I was shown this technique about a year ago. One of the quilter's went to a class at the local quilt guild and was taught this and other little hints during the class.

Hmmm, will have to try that.

Tartan, thanks for sharing this tip. I'll have to try this on the applque project that I'm about to start.

Never done hand applique, but will keep in mind if I ever decide to, I love hand sewing. Your butterfly is so cute!

Thanks for the tip, I'm going to try it the next time I have an appliqué pattern.
Sue

Great tip! Can't wait to try it! Thanks, Tartan.

So smart and so simple. Thanks for the idea. I'll have to give it a try.