I make things that make people smile. . . and you can too!
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
How to Do Needle Turn Applique
So, this is the "old-fashioned" way to applique. It's definitely a lot more work than appliqueing with fusible adhesive, but you don't get that annoying stiffness, and you don't have any visible stitching. This is the technique used for all those traditional Baltimore Album quilts. It's also the technique I used for my very first quilt.
See all those letters? I hand-appliqued every one of them to the quilt top using this stitch. Crazy, right? That was over ten years ago and now I find myself wondering where the heck I found the time for that. But it's also a reminder that it doesn't take as long as you think it will. If you watch an hour of TV a night and do some handwork while you watch, it's amazing how fast it will add up. By the way - this quilt is over 8 feet tall. Hand appliqued and hand quilted. I don't recommend doing a quilt this big for your first project. I just didn't know any better. :-)
Anyway - in the video I mention a couple of things I wanted to provide links to. This is essentially the same stitch I use to stitch up softies, so you can take a look at the ladder stitch video to get another view of the technique.
One of the weird things about this applique technique is that you draw your shapes on the top of your fabric, so you need to use a marking pen that you can remove from the fabric when you're done. Take a look at the video on how to transfer embroidery markings to see a couple of options. I like the water soluble pens that dissolve when you spritz them with water - but you must test them on every fabric you will use. I'm not kidding here. Test them to make sure the ink disappears when wet - and then let them dry to make sure it doesn't come back when they dry. I've only had that problem with synthetics, but I test every fabric every time.
Wow! So pretty! You are so good! I'm still running around trying to figure some of this out. :) I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to find out the best way to attach small premade faric bows and flowers to fabric. (Say if I was going to put one on a dress or shirt.)I don't know if I am wording it wrong or what, but I can't find anything that fits this. Thanks for any help. Take care. Sorry to bother you.
Kristy - I've never seen a tutorial for that, but I'll add it to my list. In the meantime, here are a few thoughts. This is definitely handwork - so get out your needle and thread. Regular sewing thread will do, but if something is likely to be tugged on (i.e. worn by a child) I sometimes use hand quilting thread. It's a little stronger. When you sew it on, just sew through the back layer of fabric. That way nobody will see the stitches and you don't have to be too fussy with them. Just take a few small stitches in random spots around the back until it feels secure. One other thought - these add-ons don't usually do well in the washing machine. You might want to use a snap or even velcro to attach it, so you can remove it on laundry day. How you do this will depend on how the thing is constructed, but it's a thought. Good luck!
Thank you so much! You are so sweet. I will let you know how it goes! I made my first version of a dog headband yesterday. I'm going to play around with it some more and see what I can come up with. I wish I could show you pics of the stuff I have made so far. (Is there an email address that I haven't found?) They have a lot of mistakes, but most you don't notice. I have only really made dog clothes. (No kids.) Thanks again for all you do for us. I feel so lucky to have someone that is as talented as you help me and give me resources that I can understand. Anything I can do for you, let me know. :)
Kristy Kay - My email is blockhead@wendigratz.com. You can send me any photos you want to show off! You can also email me by clicking on the little envelope icon in the sidebar - right next to the Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, etc, icons.
Thank you! I am a little ditzy with the internet! I will send you some of my creations soon! They have tons of mistakes, but for some reason I am really proud of them. LOL
Excellent hand applique video! I took a class about 8 years ago and we started with hand applique, but with freezer paper behind it. I had so much trouble! It's still an unfinished block because I gave up on all the points of a star. I'm going to try this. As I understand your video, you just alternate stitching a bit on the background, then stitch the piece you are attaching, then back to background, right?
That's right Laurel. You might also want to take a look at this video on ladder stitching. http://wendigratz.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-ladder-stitch-invisible-way-to.html It's essentially the same stitch - but this video shows it from a different perspective, with black thread on white fabric.
Wendi - This is heavenly. :) My kids read the words and all started singing the TMBG song. As always, thank you for your brilliant tutorials. You are teaching me to sew and embroider. Working on your bird sampler at the moment. Luv! :) Aileen Bell
Been doing it wrong for years as I've never been shown what to do. This is very clear. I'm going to watch again with a piece beside me so I can sew along with you.
Great tutorial! That quilt is amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks! It was a lot of fun to make and it still hangs in my house.
ReplyDeleteWow! So pretty! You are so good! I'm still running around trying to figure some of this out. :) I was wondering if you could point me in the right direction to find out the best way to attach small premade faric bows and flowers to fabric. (Say if I was going to put one on a dress or shirt.)I don't know if I am wording it wrong or what, but I can't find anything that fits this. Thanks for any help. Take care. Sorry to bother you.
ReplyDeleteKristy - I've never seen a tutorial for that, but I'll add it to my list. In the meantime, here are a few thoughts. This is definitely handwork - so get out your needle and thread. Regular sewing thread will do, but if something is likely to be tugged on (i.e. worn by a child) I sometimes use hand quilting thread. It's a little stronger. When you sew it on, just sew through the back layer of fabric. That way nobody will see the stitches and you don't have to be too fussy with them. Just take a few small stitches in random spots around the back until it feels secure.
ReplyDeleteOne other thought - these add-ons don't usually do well in the washing machine. You might want to use a snap or even velcro to attach it, so you can remove it on laundry day. How you do this will depend on how the thing is constructed, but it's a thought.
Good luck!
Thank you so much! You are so sweet. I will let you know how it goes! I made my first version of a dog headband yesterday. I'm going to play around with it some more and see what I can come up with. I wish I could show you pics of the stuff I have made so far. (Is there an email address that I haven't found?) They have a lot of mistakes, but most you don't notice. I have only really made dog clothes. (No kids.) Thanks again for all you do for us. I feel so lucky to have someone that is as talented as you help me and give me resources that I can understand. Anything I can do for you, let me know. :)
ReplyDeleteKristy Kay - My email is blockhead@wendigratz.com. You can send me any photos you want to show off! You can also email me by clicking on the little envelope icon in the sidebar - right next to the Flickr, Facebook, Twitter, etc, icons.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I am a little ditzy with the internet! I will send you some of my creations soon! They have tons of mistakes, but for some reason I am really proud of them. LOL
ReplyDeleteExcellent hand applique video! I took a class about 8 years ago and we started with hand applique, but with freezer paper behind it. I had so much trouble! It's still an unfinished block because I gave up on all the points of a star. I'm going to try this. As I understand your video, you just alternate stitching a bit on the background, then stitch the piece you are attaching, then back to background, right?
ReplyDeleteThat's right Laurel. You might also want to take a look at this video on ladder stitching. http://wendigratz.blogspot.com/2011/02/how-to-ladder-stitch-invisible-way-to.html It's essentially the same stitch - but this video shows it from a different perspective, with black thread on white fabric.
ReplyDeleteHave fun!
Wendi - This is heavenly. :) My kids read the words and all started singing the TMBG song. As always, thank you for your brilliant tutorials. You are teaching me to sew and embroider. Working on your bird sampler at the moment. Luv! :) Aileen Bell
ReplyDeleteThanks Aileen! We're big fans of TMBG here - as you've guessed. :-)
DeleteBeen doing it wrong for years as I've never been shown what to do. This is very clear. I'm going to watch again with a piece beside me so I can sew along with you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad it was helpful!
Delete