Needleturn applique is my favorite method as it gives a 3d to all my quilts. also am able to take it with me when I have a bit of time on my hands. Then there is reverse applique and that is also great but not my preference.

both sound like good ideas, thanks!!

I recently read about a method to mark designs on black fabric: you turn the pattern to the reverse side and, with white/light chalk, trace around all the parts where the lines are. Then, turn over the pattern and put the chalk side down on the dark fabric and use something--pencil, perhaps--to trace all the lines from the front side. I haven't tried it but it seems like it would work.

Something I have tried, though I don't think it's ideal, is to use dressmaker tracing paper (hopefully the non-wax version) and use a tracing wheel on the pattern side.

Is anyone using back-basting? It was mentioned recently so I've explored how it's done & might try it for February... but one issue I'm dealing with is how to mark the pattern on the back of my dark background fabric, I don't think a lightbox of any type will work... ideas? Florence

I'm using the needleturn method for TQS BOM. I'm also using template plastic so I can see my fabric through the plastic before I trace the pattern on. I'm using a thin pigma pen, a white pencil and a regular pencil depending upon the lightness or darkness of the batiks I'm using. I'm also using my lightbox with the master pattern between my lightbox and my block to keep my pieces where they ought to be. One star point seems a little askew, so I may just add another leaf to cover it up. I'm also making the base of the vase in one piece. I guess all of this adds up to "artistic license"-- Judy in Torrance

I've tried applique many times over the years. I love the look, but I have to get over the instant gratification thing in my head. I know not everything has to be done in a heartbeat, but I need to slow "me" down.
eileenkny

Thanks Jenny.

Thank you so much Margo, I will!

Jenny, you may want to check out the Forum threads under the title Block of the Month. There is a lot of applique info discussed there!
Margo

Jan I just started working on my Monster block and I am appliqueing a bunch of points and corners. It reminded me of your post. Watch the 200 series Suzanne Marshall(right name?)applique show. although the camera angle is a little off she does a great demo and explanation of sharp points. The main thing you want to do is stitch all the way to the point and trim the excess fabric that is going to be turned underneath into your seam allowance. That works well for me. The other option is to say to heck with it and soften the points and make them gentle curves. Much easieir to applique. It's your quilt and whatever it takes to make it look nice and up to your personal standards is perfectly fine. Unless of course you are entering it in a show, then it needs to be accurate. My first applique piece has some pretty atrocious corners and points, but when you don't look close(which nobody does but you)its just fine. The more you practice the better your stitches will get. Hope this helped.

What a coincidence yesterday I put in a request for a lesson on using freezer paper as part of the applique process at my LQS(differently than I describe in my initial message where I use freezer paper as a pattern for marking). They are having a BOM with a class but I really don't need another project. Her method sound different than anything I had tried before. I wonder if the method is similar to the one you are going to learn from you local Master Applique Quilter. What a treat to learn from such an accomplished person! I will post as soon as I take my lesson!

One thing I forgot to mention is before I get started cutting the pattern out I prepare all my fabrics by spraying them with spray sizing and then ironing them. My turned edges come out so much crisper. I had previously used spray starch but learned that roaches and earwigs like to eat the spray starch. I don't have those bug problems here(we just have to deal with scary critters like scorpions and pretty much anything else that stings), but I don't want to attract them either. Also the spray sizing is not as heavy as the starch.
This is so fascinating seeing how you work!

Prior to this project I did very little applique so I am learning as I go and am using the BOM as a sort of sampler to try a variety of things. Currently I am needle turning the January block. I struggled at first but I seem to be getting the hang of it now. I find it rather relaxing .The opportunity has also arisen for me to learn another form of applique from a master appliquer in our area, so I think I will take the February block to her and have her show me how she does it. She told me she does it with freezer paper on the wrong side so I am anxious to see how that goes. Her applique always looks so beautiful and I am thrilled to get to learn from her. I also plan on trying machine invisible applique and raw edge applique at some point too. I love learning new techiques!!

I don't think I have one style either but rather what works best for what I am working on. For the stars on the block of the month, I pressed the freezer paper to the front of the fabric, cut out leaving 1/4" allowance or little less. Then finger pressed allowance to back on all the straight edges and then I basted around the piece. I had already traced the star pattern to my block with washable marker (and I made sure it would wash out before doing), pinned the pieces to my block an appliqued. I like the heat resistant templates but if the pattern is only used one time I use freezer paper but I like the tip Alex gave, iron two sheets of freezer together before cutting out the template, put dull side to wrong side and press seam allowance toward shiny side of template and it sticks like starch.

I'm rather new to applique. I started a class at my LQS a few months ago which is a BOM that combines traditional quilting and appliqué. My instructor teaches needle turn and starch and press appliqué. I've done starch and press for that class and found it works well for corners and points.

For those who don't know, starch and press is where the pattern is cut from a THIN iron resistant applique plastic (purchased at LQS), then placed on the wrong side of fabric and traced with a washable blue or white marker depending on the fabric. Fabric is trimmed 1/8 - 1/4 from the marking, curves snipped. The template is then placed back on the wrong side of fabric, fabric is sprayed starched and pressed onto the template using a very hot tiny iron. This gives precise crisp edges that look great when finally appliquéd. The starching makes the fabric lie flat.

I'm doing needle turn for The Quilt Show BOM blocks and find my corners and points are coming out terrible, but starch and press is kind of difficult for the tightly curved leaf areas.