The "A" (as in applique) word
09-06-2010, 06:06 AM
#41
Power Poster
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 18,726
Originally Posted by IBQUILTIN
I took a class on a technique that combines needle turn and fuseable. I just love it, but don't know what the actual name is. Check out Lorraine's Garden in the picture section. I did the whole thing with this technique. Look at the points!!! It sure simplifies everything.
09-06-2010, 06:54 AM
#42
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 1,148
Hand applique is my favorite technique. It is relaxing and it is so much more forgiving than piecing. I used to call it "ack-i-que" but my best friend taught a series of classes for our guild and I thought I should attend to support her efforts. I was hooked. There are a boat-load of methods
to applique, and while I have my favorite, I use whatever seems to be the most appropriate for the situation. Sometimes I do fusible machine applique but I hate soing the machine stitching...I really mean hate too!
to applique, and while I have my favorite, I use whatever seems to be the most appropriate for the situation. Sometimes I do fusible machine applique but I hate soing the machine stitching...I really mean hate too!
09-06-2010, 09:23 AM
#43
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: Newberg, OR
Posts: 1,911
I do a lot of applique. I've never tried hand applique because I really need to avoid hand work as much as possible. But I do fusing and machine applique. I use Heat 'n Bond Lite and it has never let me down. You might have to reverse the design for some patterns, but many are already reversed for you. It's easy enough to do and a light box helps a lot.
You can make a simple light box by using one of those plastic art totes--they're about 15 inches square and about 3 inches deep. Just stick a flashlight or some other kind of light inside, and there you go. You have a light box.
I have done blanket stitch, satin stitch, and raw edge (meaning I just stitch very close to the edge). Raw edge gives a completely different look. My favorite it blanket stitch. I sew about three straight stitches, then switch to blanket stitch, then cover the straight stitches when I get around to the beginning, and finish off with a few more straight stitches right over the blanket stitch. You can't see them at all because they are hidden by the blanket stitch.
It takes a little practice, and it would be good to read up on pivoting around corners and curves, but it's pretty simple. Really, you'll be surprised how easy it is, and it will open up a whole new world of quilting for you.
You can make a simple light box by using one of those plastic art totes--they're about 15 inches square and about 3 inches deep. Just stick a flashlight or some other kind of light inside, and there you go. You have a light box.
I have done blanket stitch, satin stitch, and raw edge (meaning I just stitch very close to the edge). Raw edge gives a completely different look. My favorite it blanket stitch. I sew about three straight stitches, then switch to blanket stitch, then cover the straight stitches when I get around to the beginning, and finish off with a few more straight stitches right over the blanket stitch. You can't see them at all because they are hidden by the blanket stitch.
It takes a little practice, and it would be good to read up on pivoting around corners and curves, but it's pretty simple. Really, you'll be surprised how easy it is, and it will open up a whole new world of quilting for you.
09-06-2010, 09:24 AM
#44
Junior Member
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Denver
Posts: 233
Going Green--use left-over dryer sheets in place of your iron-on interfacing, and then your glue stick or a glue baste-it product.
Random thoughts--
1. Your applique results will always be only as good as your pattern is--so trace/cut v-e-r-y carefully!
2. Use an emory board on the edge of your template if it has a raggedy edge.
3. Use a double layer of freezer paper for templates, with the ink in the center of the sandwich so it doesn't get on your fabric.
4. Instead of a gluestick, try liquid SPRAY starch with a stencil brush, then press dry the edges. This will cause the edges to conform exactly to your template.
Random thoughts--
1. Your applique results will always be only as good as your pattern is--so trace/cut v-e-r-y carefully!
2. Use an emory board on the edge of your template if it has a raggedy edge.
3. Use a double layer of freezer paper for templates, with the ink in the center of the sandwich so it doesn't get on your fabric.
4. Instead of a gluestick, try liquid SPRAY starch with a stencil brush, then press dry the edges. This will cause the edges to conform exactly to your template.
09-06-2010, 10:02 AM
#46
Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: Blackwood, New Jersey
Posts: 147
I would like to try this way to applique but I never heard of fusible thread. Is that what I ask for at Joann's? I have used the freezer paper but I put the shiny side down and adhere it (gently) to the wrong side of the piece and then iron fold the edges in and press. Your way sounds easier. I am going to try that, also.
Originally Posted by leaha
I have tried several ways, I really like freezer paper. This is what I do. cut out freezer paper just as you want finished applique to be, then cut fabric 1/4 inch larger all around, place fabric right side down, center freezer paper on fabric shiny side up, fold over the 1/4 inch and press with a dry iron, all the way round. after cool remove freezer paper. and lay in bits of fusable thread, and heat with the tip of your iron, Now your applique bit is ready to put onto your back ground, either by machine or by hand, I also put a few bits of fusable thread to hold applique bit to the background.
Hope that is understandable. :-)
Hope that is understandable. :-)
09-06-2010, 10:50 AM
#48
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Southwest Kansas
Posts: 4,820
Originally Posted by lynmh
I do the real deal applique--although if you like the fusible or machine applique there is NOTHING bad about it. I just happen to love to needle turn.
lyn
lyn
09-06-2010, 11:46 AM
#50
Junior Member
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Monterey Bay, California
Posts: 139
Love the idea of using bits of fusible thread to hold things in place! I use a very small blind hem stitch for machine applique with invisible thread on top. Sharon Schamber has great videos on both machine and hand applique and I took a class with her on machine applique. Kay Mackenzie has several books ( and a blog) on hand applique. She draws the pattern onto the back of background fabric, place a swatch of fabric for the applique on the front of the background. Then she does a running stitch thru both pieces right on the drawn line on the background, then appliques the swatch down. She trims the swatch so it is just outside her stitching lines, then needle turn the edge under, snipping and removing her running stitch as she goes. I found this an easy way for a beginner to learn needle turn.
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