Applique Techniques

When working on an applique that has multiples of the same template, scan it in to your computer and print out as many as you need.  You can cut freezer paper to 8 1/2 X 11 and print on it. Also, if the template is a small leaf or circle (like for berries or grapes), simply use a draw program to duplicate the template.

When using freezer paper for applique, remember that the paper can shrink when high heat is applied. This may cause problems with tiny pieces in a tight tolerance area. To prevent this, pre-shrink your paper by ironing it to either a teflon sheet or to another piece of freezer paper BEFORE tracing your outline and ironing to the fabric. Also, using two pieces of freezer paper, one ironed on top of the other, gives you a more definitive edge, and makes turning the fabric much easier.

Keep your used dryer sheets as a backing for applique.  Sew the dryer sheet to the right side of your applique shape (remember to add your seam allowance).  Cut a small slit in the dryer sheet and turn inside out.  Your applique is already turned in and no raw edges!  Continue sewing your applique as desired!!

Lay your applique piece face down on a used dryer sheet and stitch around the applique close to the edge. Slit the dryer sheet and carefully turn right side out. Your piece is now ready to be appliqued down in your desired meathod. Cheep and easy.

If you store your glue sticks that you use for applique in the refridgerator, it will make them harder. They will then be easier to use (because they aren't mushy) and they will last longer.

Often times I have found myself in groups trying to learn another applique tip!!  For some reason, when using freezer paper as an applique tool, most people have a great bit of difficulty removing the freezer paper from small pieces or those awful angle points.  I have found that rolling the fabric with the freezer paper attached between your thumb and forefinger - back and forth - will usually cause the freezer paper to loosen it's grip.  Then simply remove the freezer paper and you are ready to go. 

Just thought I would share this with anyone who might need a little help with freezer paper removal.

God bless,

Jaleena

I have been doing alot of blanket stitch around fusible applique on a quilt for my sister.  I take apart the six strands of embroidery floss, wax each one, fold it over so it's ready to thread and then wrap it around a floss holder.  That way I have six strands ready to go.  The wax makes my tread easier to handle and I don't have to stop so often to get my thread ready.  Also- if you want some free floss holders, cut them out of empty plastic milk cartons. Great way to recycle!

Fusible web backing is often hard to remove. Just score the sticky paper with a pin, slip the pin under the scored paper and remove the backing easily.

No matter what applique technique you use for a a landscape quilt, it is necessary to choose the elements you want in your picture.  One easy way to have a library of these elements is to take your camera with you when you go walking.  Take pictures of the foliage and flowers for that particular season.  Take some that will show the general shapes, and then a few close-ups of flowers and leaves.  If you have a digital camera, this can be saved to a CD and then printed as you need a certain element.

I have found a very good use for used dryer sheets.  When doing applique work,  cut out your design  and the same thing out of a dryer sheet.  For example:  You want to applique a heart.  Cut out your heart and a heart out of the dryer sheet.  Put the heart with the right side toward the dryer sheet heart.  Sew completely around the heart.  Then cut a slit in only the dryer sheet.  Then turn the heart through the slit.  Press it out and voila!  Perfectly turned under edges.  Press it and applique it to your item.