Mar 18, 2008

Easy applique method

I'm still working on my teacup quilt. I decided to applique a few scattered flowers and leaves on the side edges, as the border looks rather wide. I think that appliqueing on the top and bottom edges of the border would probably be a waste of time, as the quilt is going to be used on a bunk bed. I like to use Eleanor Burns' method of applique. I follow an old book of hers "Sunbonnet Sue Visits Quilt-in-a-Day." ( I inserted those hyphens myself--in case anyone hasn't heard of Eleanor Burns and her Quilt in a Day books.) It 's very easy. I use fusible interfacing (the stuff for sewing, as opposed to the fusible stuff for quilts.) I face each piece. I trace the pattern on the back of the interfacing, and place sticky side to the right side of the fabric. I use a clear see-through foot on the machine and a short sewing stitch. I can turn down the speed of the sewing on my machine. I sew on the traced line. Then I trim the edges, and snip the concave curves. I cut a little slit in the back of the interfacing and turn right side out. I find that the back of a plastic crochet hook and a piece of a soda straw help with the turning. I press the edges with an ice-cold iron. Then I use a pressing sheet underneath, position the appliques and using a press cloth and steam iron, I press in place. And they are all ready to applique with whatever sewing you want. I slip stitch by hand, or embroider with pearl cotton or embroidery thread. Or I machine sew with a fancy stitch on my machine.

1 comment:

jovaliquilts said...

I was taught this method when I first learned to quilt, and I like it. I don't do much applique, but this gives a very nice edge that won't ravel. Have fun finishing the quilt!