Linny, Great Info! How do you print a PDF file mirror image? Judy

I use freezer paper, but I print the pattern out mirror image, cut it out being careful to cut just inside the lines and iron it onto the back of the background fabric. Cutting inside the lines makes sure I don't get bleedthrough onto the fabric and it accomodates that scant thing that happens in a fold. It's a little tedious, but I get real accuracy with it and the freezer paper stabilizes the fabric, so I can prep a lot of pieces ahead of time and not worry about them getting stretched out of shape and crinkled. I iron the seam allowance over the edge to the printed side of the paper with a mini-iron, using spray starch. I paint the starch onto the seam allowances only, being careful not to over saturate them, otherwise the paper gets too soggy to hold the crease.

On larger pieces, I cut the extra fabric out and take the paper out after the block is done. On smaller pieces, I take the paper out just before I applique them.

The thing I like most about this method is how it works on points. I get the fabric folded just where I need it to be on the point, so I don't have to manipulate it with the needle so much. I get nice sharp points. When there is too much fabric at the point, I sew up to the point and then open the piece and trim away some of the fabric from that seam that I've just sewn. That way I'm not working with a few threads to turn under ahead of the needle.

On inside corners I take a little stitch into the applique piece at the corner before sewing it down, like Margo suggests, to prevent freying.

I'm using this method on the vine part. Last night I spent about 2 hrs preping the piece. My kitty kept trying to help because the thing bounced around as I moved it and fascinated him, lol. It was a bit like handling tumbleweed with all the ends getting hung up on each other, but I got it done and pinned to the background fabric and it's flat, and right on to the pattern. That made me very happy:)

Tonight I will begin stitching. I think I will remove the paper in small sections as I go. This piece has tons of bias and removing the paper too soon would make a wonky, wobbly mess, lol. I've never done a wreath vine all in one piece like this before. It's always been bias strips. It's a challenge. But, I like that.

linny t

I've just been scrolling through all these comments and decided to throw in my 2 cents. I used Sharon Schamber's method with glue and did machine applique on the 2009 BOM Bouquets for a New Day. The quilt is wonderful and I enjoyed it so much. It was my first foray into machine applique and I think I was quite accomplished by the time it was done.

I've tried about every HAND sewing method of applique and am now applying those lessons to my Dear Jane which is mostly by hand. BACK BASTING is by far the most simple and fastest for me. It only requires tracing the patter on the back of the background, basting the chosen fabric to the front of the background, and then needleturn. My first lesson was from Becky Goldsmith also and still use my CrackerBarrel toothpicks if hubby doesn't get them first.

Am just about ready to trace the Ruffled Roses pattern to back of background for the start of this project. Yep, back basting for me if it's by hand!

Guys -- I'm sorry I can't seem to get the link right so you can just click on it. Copy and paste into your address bar to go to the specific lessons. Judy

Thanks for those links, Judy!

Barbara, if you would rather iron than glue, Erin Russek as some videos on her website showing her technique and tips.

A written/slide lesson is here: http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/2010/01/appliqué-lesson-2-making-shapes.html
The video lesson is here: http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/2010/09/appliqué-video-3made-by-a-doofus.html

It is well worth it to look at all her lessons She did a series with photos and then this year as done video lessons.
http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-piece-at-a-time/
Judy

Margo, thank you for providing the link to your tutorial. As usual, your demo's are very detailed and appreciated. I love to hand applique, but I really need to get up to speed on the machine applique techniques, so I can speed up the process a bit.

Kathy in CA

winkydink13 wrote:
Barbara, instead of ironing the edges to the back, you might want to try the technique that I use with Stable Stuff as a foundation. the edges are glued under, and I find that I can get my edges smoother with this technique. Here is the link to my machine appliqué tutorial: [url]learn/classrooms/[/url]

Keep trying different techniques until you find what works best for you!

I am very boring in my sewing process..... I only do freezer paper, needle turn. However, I am proud of the fact that yesterday I managed to sew down twelve leaves. It is very slow going for me, but I will be finished by the end of the month.

I must say that I am new to all this, and have tried on scraps the machine turned applique, it seems that I can manage to do all of the sections that is necessary but for the exception of being able to iron the fabric over onto the back, I don't seem to be able to get it nice and smooth and therefor am not happy with the end result. I would love to be able to do needle turned as I used to love needlework, but it now makes the arthritis in my hands worse, so on to the machine. I would appreciate it if there are any tips to get the edges nice and smooth. I must say that I am enjoying this forum very much Barbara

Yes, please, Margarita, do a sample and let us know! My SS hasn't arrived yet and I won't have my fabric for my heart vine for another week or so, but that's how I'm thinking of doing it. I was thinking of trying a sample, too, but I can't do that until the SS arrives ...

Margarita, I have not done needle-turn with Stable Stuff, but Sharon Schamber uses her stabilizer, and I think it's the same product.

Watch her tutorial here: http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes/AllPremiumClasses/Play/TabId/95/SeriesId/105/Free-Area-Needle-Turned-Applique-Blue-Bird.aspx

Why don't you try just stitching a small leaf or flower on a scrap of fabric for us and let us know how you like it!! Wash it (or just rinse it well) and let us know how you like the effect of having the SS in the appliqué.

Margo, do you use Ricky's Stable Stuff for hand applique, needle-turn, and if so, hos is it to go through Stable Stuff, when you applique. I have the SS, fut have not tried it.

I'm not familiar with the Floriani stabilizers, but Sharon Schamber uses her brand (which I think is just like Ricky's Stable Stuff) for needle-turn techniques.

Here's a free video from her network showing how she does it: http://www.sharonschambernetwork.com/Classes/AllPremiumClasses/Play/TabId/95/SeriesId/105/Free-Area-Needle-Turned-Applique-Blue-Bird.aspx