On my design wall today is the mystery quilt I sewed last weekend from Quiltbug. It was lots of fun to sew and a great mystery, since I had no idea how it was going to come together until right near the end.
When my quilt top was together, I decided that I wanted to applique flowers in some of the blank spaces.
I have been trying to sew these cutout flowers to the empty spaces using some needleturn applique, but am having a terrible time with it.
I have been trying to sew these cutout flowers to the empty spaces using some needleturn applique, but am having a terrible time with it.
How do you applique on a large piece of fabric/quilt? Do you just bunch it all up and try to hold it in your non-sewing hand so you can hold the part you are stitching? Do you use a hoop? There has to be an easier way!
All suggestions are gratefully accepted!
To see more design wall postings, hop over to Patchwork Times.
All suggestions are gratefully accepted!
To see more design wall postings, hop over to Patchwork Times.
23 comments:
Great looking quilt! If I have to applique into a big quilt top like that, I tend to use fusible web and then make sure that I stitch it well with the machine when I'm quilting. Otherwise I tend to prepare the pieces over freezer paper so that I can whip stitch them on from the top - that way I don't have to have quite as much fabric held in my non-needle hand.... Good luck with it!
Generally applique is done on the block before assembling. I have never seen anyone use a hoop to applique. It would almost be impossible to make the applique stitch that way. You might be able to roll up the area that you would hold in your hand. Your mystery quilt is gorgeous, what fun fabrics.
I love the quilt and the colors.
Needle turn requires a third hand.
Can you order one online ? : )
I started using the double freezer paper plus starch method then glue basting in place / easier than needleturn at least for me! :)
I would try a hoop-one of those huge ones some people use for hand quilting.
This is so pretty, Kathy. The thumbnail of your post made me catch my breath. The flowers are a very nice touch. I don't applique, so I have no advice. I hope you get some answers that work for you!
Adding the flowers is a wonderful touch. It's gorgeous!
Sorry I don't do applique either, so I'm of no help with your question.
I bunch it up in my hands if I decide to add a little more applique - I never use a hoop for applique
try laying your applique area out on a work surface (like a cutting mat??) and working only from the top... you should be able to get it more evenly sewn and see what you are turning under... also mark where you want it turned under on the RIGHT side of the piece... the marks should wash/spritz away when in place but you will know your applique line is followed well... hope that helps! Love your blog... and love this quilt top on your design wall! Kathi
I try to applique on smaller things, where I can bunch it all up in my hands, but I have done applique on big quilts, and kind of just have one hand underneath the quilt and one hand on top. The underneath hand holds a fold of the the quilt top to stabilize it while I applique. Wait...I will just come over and show you what I mean...hee!!
The flowers add a bit of whimsy to the top. I would use a machine applique method on this large of a project. Stabilizer on top as you tack it down, maybe do a basting stitch just inside the pieces then turn the edges to hand stitch, see if it makes it more even, then pull out the basting stitches.
I am facing this on my current project! I like to use a lap-sized work-surface....I have the clover "patchwork board". One side of it is leather so it creates good traction for the fabric. Years ago, I would use something as simple as an over-sized book! Keep at it, needle-turn is so worth it!
What a cute, cute quilt! I'm sure you will figure out the best way that works for you to applique. I'm no help at all since I prefer to use the machine. ;)
Beautiful quilt, border fabric reminds me of 70's prints!!
I would fuse your flower on the quilt. It will make it much easier. Now, if you wait till next week, I'm sure you will have 18 openings on the best way to add your flower to your quilt.
I've never done hand applique - though I need to learn. I usually just fuse it on and stitch it down with my machine. Good luck!
I have no tips for you for how to add appliqué to your quilt top, but I love your decision to add it. I have more than one quilt top that is waiting for the appliqué I planned to add after the blocks were assembled, so I am reading everyone's comments carefully ... and I soon may be walking in your shoes :-)
What a great decision to add the appliqued flowers to your quilt. I can't imagine it without them!
This top just sings those 70's songs! I love it! And the addition of the flowers is a wonderful idea...really adds interest to your top. I don't do a lot of applique so I can't offer any earth-shattering tips, but I don't use a hoop as it pulls the fabric a little too taut for me to make my applique stitches. Good luck.
Cute, cute quilt with great POP! I've never done needleturn on a finished top, so no great advice. Don't be afraid to change your process (to fusible, perhaps?) if the needleturn is too aggravating!
I encountered the same problem last year, when I added the final mitred border to my quilt and then tried to appliqué on it. I tried a hoop. It did not work! The quilt was too large to bunch or fold up and hold in one hand. I eventually had to twist and turn and scrunch around the edge. It was slow, tedious and frustrating. But I got it done. You've got an even harder problem with the flowers in the middle. Good luck!!
lots of different advice, best of luck, the quilt is looking great. Sorry cannot add to what has already been said
I love Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow's suggestion! While you're at it, can you order me a third hand too :) Your quilt turned out so cute! I love the colors and that happy border fabric - makes me smile!
Wow what a vibrant quilt. I have not mastered the needle turn applique but hope to learn soon. I think adding the flowers to the quilt give it character. Good luck and share your finished quilt.
Debbie
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