Good idea Linny!

I don't know what the name of my method is, but I print pattern pieces on freezer paper. I cut them out exactly on the inside of the pattern lines (so there's no black line to bleed into the fabric) and iron them onto the back side of the fabric. I then cut them out of the fabric, adding seam allowance of course. I then clip/notch for curves. Then I spray starch into the cap of the starch can and apply it to the edges of the seam allowance with a small craft paint brush and iron the seam allowance around the freezer paper shape. I have one of those mini irons that makes it easy. I use a babmoo stick to position the fabric and I get it perfect before I press.

I use my printer settings to mirror the pattern pieces before printing onto the freezer paper. This is really important.

I also have a way to avoid transferring the pattern onto the background fabric. I also print a copy of the design onto regular paper. I loose cut around it as close as I can. I take a piece of freezer paper as large as my background fabric and iron the cut out face up onto the shiney side. I quarter crease both the pattern/freezer paper piece and the background fabric to give me placement lines. Then I iron the whole thing to the back of my background fabric. While I'm working on it, if the freezer paper seperates from the fabric, I press it down again. I am pretty agressive with it as far as folding and rolling it so I can get to where I'm stitching and usually only have to press it down again once or maybe twice in the whole process. I get perfect placement without marking on anything. It is also nice because I don't stitch through any paper, just the fabric, and I don't prick my fingers underneath with the needle at all.

This all may make me sound like a control freak, but, you know, maybe I am. I just like the precision of it.

I also cut away any overlapped pieces a 1/4" to eliminate bulk.

I love needleturn applique and have tried most of the other methods too with sucess. A friend gave me a present of 'Quilting' DVD's a couple of years ago which contained a DVD Applique the Piece o Cake way, I was really impressed and have played it a number of times. Suzanne Marshall also gives a great demonstration on applique on a previous Quilt Show episode. I can also vouch for the Pefect Circles by Karen Kay Buckely that Judymc recomends, I only wish I had discovered them earlier. My advice would be to try different methods until you find the one's that suits you Best Wishes Pam in Scotland UK

TAKE A CLASS... even if it is from a friend or guild member who does applique. There is nothing like having a teacher to go back to ask questions of... I learned from a DVD but really hone the skills I have by taking a class from a teacher.

DVDs
C& T Publishing has Elly Sienkivich beginning and advance classes on DVD... about $20.00 but I use my 40% JoAnn Coupon to get them for $10.00 each.

More DVDs are being created every month.

Anna

i love both of the following teachers and it works for me:
Ami simms and Thimble lady

I love needleturn applique and usually finger press the turn under just ahead of the needle as I'm appliqueing.

I just read a response I entered quite a while ago. Have to admit I haven't done the Hawaiian applique yet. I still want to do it. I have learned a lot about raw edged fused applique in the last two years and love doing it. I finished a Rhapsody - Blowing in the Wind- see my profile. And I have done a number of BOM's - both Sue Garman's and Erin Russek's. I love raw edge applique (never thought I would even like applique) and come up with a lot of my designs. I think that each person needs to try a number of techniques and decides what works for themself. I know my skills and my dislikes so I will stick with what I am doing. Hugs, Ann

I've also bought the POC dvd: "Learn to Applique the Piece O'Cake Way". I like that I can keep going over the same thing until I get it.

The original 2008 Bomettes who followed my Webshots tutes will remember that tip! It makes a huge difference!

Also, Becky Goldsmith was recently on and she demonstrated her "pinching" the edge of the applique - it was an eye opener to me!

The best advice I have is to buy this book: "The New Applique Sampler: Learn to Applique, the Piece O' Cake Way" by Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins. The tips they have and their method is the best I have used for hand, needle turn applique. Their best tip is to finger press the turn line. Hope this helps. As well, the Perfect Circle templates are wonderful.

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you for the applique instruction. I am going to practice the stiches on some general shapes for practice before I try it for real.'

Lisa

Nancy thank you so much I wish I had talked to you before I started my Mom's quilt. It is all Applique and I deffinately cut it way too close. So I was thinking about maybe doing simple embroidering around the edges of the roses. For the next one though I will deffinately use your techinique and go buy another book. Of course I will sneak it in so DH won't see it. He says I have met my quota until winter. If he only knew . I now have a subscription to all those lovely magazines Anyway if you have any suggestions about how I should stitch the roses down on my Mom's quilt I would love the in put. I tried a few different stitches on the machine last night but decided to wait until today to do it do to fatigue. Rachel

I have quite a bit of applique experience, so here are some of my tips:

Use freezer paper to trace your shapes from the pattern with a pen or pencil. Leave a little more than 1/4" extra when you cut them out. Press them to the right sides of your fabric and cut out with a 1/4" seam allowance. Do not go much bigger or smaller than 1/4" or you'll have trouble.

Get a folder or baggie or something to keep all your pieces. Cut your background piece about 1" larger than necessary all the way around. Fold in 4th's and press little registration marks at the center and on each side. Use a blue wash-out marker or chalk to also mark the registration lines.

Get upholstery vinyl at your sewing store. Cut a square the same as your background and trace the entire block's design in a bold permanent marker. Use another color to mark the registration marks. I always find a remnant for 50% off.

Get yourself a pressing board or a kids lap board and place the background with the plastic on top. You can also sit at a table. Some people also trace the entire block design onto the background. I don't find this necessary. It can cause you to worry too much about lining up with the exact lines.

Get yourself some small applique pins. I use the smallest, sequin pins, but they are too small for a beginner. Look for the ones that are about 1/2" - 3/4" long.

Analyze the block or read the directions to decide what piece goes on first. Often, it's the stems or vase with the top edge left open to insert the stems. Place the piece under the plastic overlay with the freezer paper still on and line up the lines to position it. Carefully set the plastic aside and carefully remove the freezer paper without moving the piece. Put the plastic overlay back on to check the placement. You'll see seam allowance all the way around outside the marker line.

Place your pins 3/8" back from the edges. This will allow you to begin turning under the edge before removing the pin. Use a pin every 1/2" or so around the piece.

I often fold under and crease the edge before I stitch it. The act of actually "needle turning" works great, especially on curves. You sweep the needle under the edge making sure there are no folds or tucks.

Knot your thread and come up from behind the background. I hold the edge of the applique piece with my left thumb, bunching the whole block up in my palm. Take tiny stitches 1/8" apart, coming up from the back and through the applique piece right at the edge just catching a few threads. Then go down right next to that into the background. A little tug to tighten the stitch and it nearly disappears. On the back, you'll see little diagonal stitches. Remove the pins as you need to.

Just practice and relax! Try different techniques and find the ones that work for you. It helps to look at the pictures in a book that explains it. Good luck!

Nancy in NY