Applique Techniques

A quick and easy method for cutting out your farbric for the english paper piecing hexagons is to add 1/2inch (2 x 1/4inch seams) to the width of your hexagon and cut out fabric squares to suit. E.G 2inch hexagon, cut 2 1/2inch fabric square. Baste the fabric to the paper piece as normal, then trim the excess from the back allowing for 1/4inch seam allowance all the way round. Then you can piece your hexagons as normal.This saves hours of time cutting out exact hexagon fabric shapes.

Cheers Cheryl

An easy way to make sure your appliqued design is centered on the block before adding sashes is to make an outline drawing of the design on tissue paper or typing paper. Cut the paper to the size of your block. Place the drawing over the appliqued design and mark the edges where the sashes belong.

When you're first learning to machine applique, don't be discouraged if you have a few irregular gaps in the stitching. Rather than give up and leave the project unfinished, take permanent marker  as close to the same color as your thread and lightly "fill in" the gaps until it appears to be solid stitching. Not only does it enhance the look of the applique, you don't feel so bad. The more you quilt, the better you'll become. And before you know it, those permanent markers are used strictly for embellishments!

use postage cylinders for storing iron on applique material to keep in good condition between uses.

for all applique I use freezer paper as templates as it is very accurate if you trace your design and add turn-under edge, it can be re-used several times. Using an iron on vlisofix etc. can make a stiff applique, this avoids that finish.

If your applique does not lay perfectly flat, the piece may end up with lumps. Before you begin the applique process, ensure the piece is entirely flat. One way of doing this is to pin the piece together. Another way to ensure the piece is absolutely flat is to glue the piece down using a fabric friendly glue stick. Be careful when applying the glue that you stay away from the edges of the piece.

If you prefer not to sew your appliques, there are several options available to you. Products are available that allow you to permanently bond two pieces of fabric together. These fusibles are activated by the heat of your iron and are easy to use. Remember to place the fusible on the wrong side of your fabric. Also, attach the fusible to the fabric first and then cut out your design. If bonded correctly, the applique will be quite durable.

An excellent way to hide the raw edges of your applique is to sew around the edge of the appliqued fabric. This also provides you with an excellent chance to create more interest in your design by using a contrasting color of thread. You can use a zig zag stitch or a button hole stitch to sew around the perimeter of the applique, but the edge will not be completely covered. To entirely cover the edge, use a satin stitch.