Achieve the Look of Hand Applique by Machine
Get the Look of Needle-Turn Applique Without Hand Stitching!
Fusible applique is a wonderful time saver and produces good results, but sometimes you want a more polished look. Hand needle-turn applique is often used in those instances. However, there’s a third choice for those who prefer to stitch by machine: hand applique by machine.
The method involves preparing applique pieces as you would for needle-turn, then stitching the pieces to the background with a nearly invisible machine stitch.
Pam Buda, of Heartspun Quilts, has written an excellent set of instructions. She says:
“Many years ago, I learned the following method of applique, which gives the appearance of needle-turn. It’s faster, keeps the applique soft and pliable, gives you the option of hand or machine stitching, and removes the freezer paper from the back before stitching it in place!”
Whether you prefer to stitch by machine or by hand, you’re sure to find many helpful tips in Pam’s lessons.
In the first lesson she demonstrates how to make templates and cut fabric to fit.
The next lesson contains many helpful tips for turning the seam allowance. Pam recommends using spray starch, a stiletto and a Clover Mini Iron to ease the process.
In the final lesson Pam demonstrates how to attach the applique by machine. She provides many good tips about glue, thread and stitch type and length.
