This is a set of tutorials for the Pandemonium Quilt. I thought I’d start with a basic applique and then go on to the different applique blocks in the Pandemonium Quilt and after, go on to the pieced blocks.
After you’ve opened up your applique sheets, cut up the big sheets into the blocks, it is probably easier to handle. Number the applique motifs in the block from #1 to whatever, however, instead of numbering the different parts of the shape as #1,#2,#3 etc, use #1/1, # 1/2, # 1/3 and so on.
Do same for the freezer paper templates,this way, when you cut up the different bits, it will be easier to find, see photo of the freezer paper diagram to the left.
I would also put those slash marks as in the photo, you’ll see later why I would do this.
And when you cut up the shape, don’t cut right through, leave a tiny bit of paper hanging, see photo to the right. I use a craft knife to cut my freezer paper templates.
I usually do this as I cut out all my freezer paper templates in the one go and store them in a zip lock bag till I’m ready to do the fabric cutting. Leaving the bird above as a unit will make it easier to find.
Having chosen your background fabric, transfer the design onto the fabric. Use a light box, and if you don’t have a light box but have a glass top coffee table, put a lamp under the glass top. Failing this, go the the picture framing store and purchase a glass sheet, cover edges with masking tape, place the glass sheet on 2 stacks of telephone books and slide a lamp under the glass.
On the background fabric, I also write the numbering ( the same ones as on the paper sheet). It is going to be covered up with the applique fabric anyway and it is going to make it easier for you to find the matching freezer paper templates.
Having done this, we come to the fun part, choosing the fabrics and cutting up the pieces. (I love this part, scissors clipping away!)
Now, you can dismember the bird template and iron them onto the right side of the print fabric.
I don’t know if you’ve ever tried this pen, it is called ‘Frixion’ and on it it says “remove by friction”.
I’ve used this pen to mark around the shapes. It is rather effective and when ironed, the black marks disappear. It also comes in various colours. Perhaps it is best to do a test for yourself, just in case it damages the fabric.
Better safe than sorry. Otherwise, use a 2B pencil.
Notice that I’ve extended the slash markings onto the fabric, I’ll be using these to position the different parts of the bird, like in the series of photos to the left.
I also baste the pieces with a running stitch close to the seam line. Or, you can use the Roxanne Glue with the needle like tip.
See the series of photos to the right to see an example.
I also baste the pieces with a running stitch close to the seam line. Or, you can use the Roxanne Glue with the needle like tip.
Now, you are ready to needle turn applique, it is really easy.
Use a small needle, number 12 or 10, I usually use the silk threads or the Aurifill thread.
Just in case you’ve noticed, I’m a left handed person ! so may be you’ll need a mirror to see the mirror image. Sorry – but I can’t applique with my right hand. I think this is probably why I get lost when I’m driving.
When you get to a point, do a double stitch, then stuff the fabric in, press it with your finger and stitch down, easy peasey.
You now have all the parts of the motif that need to go under the body done. Trim the seam alllowance a little bit.
Using those slash marks as guides, position the body of the bird.
The images to the left show the next part of the process:
- Baste or glue the body close to the seam line.
- Applique.
- When you get to the tip of the beak, stitch down twice.
- And again push in the fabric, press with your finger and continue applique.
It’s not hard is it?
The concave curve – there are a lot of these in my patterns. Fear not. It is really a cinch.
Clip the concave curve and just sweep the seam allowance in with your needle, press with your finger and applique away. That was simple…
Concave curves must result in convex ones as in the tail end of the bird. Push the fabric in small bits at a time, press with finger and sew – repeat this till you have all the bumpy bit sewn up. If you try to push the whole bump in the one go, you’ll probably end up with a lot of fraying, with me anyway!
Voila, the bird is done! Easy isn’t it ?
This ends the first tutorial. I hope you manage to get something out of these ramblings!
Let me know if you would like me to cover other aspects of the applique basic. If I know how to do it, I’ll certainly try and show you.
I’ve tried all sorts of methods when I first started doing applique, I still find the needleturn as described above the simplest.
Please, if you have other methods, post a comment and we can all learn something.
Next time, I’ll start on the Pandemonium applique blocks. I’ll try and explain how I go about choosing fabrics for the block and what aspects of the block to watch out for.
This tutorial was originally posted on the Glorious Applique Blogspot in 2013.
Do you use Kaffe fabrics for this bird?
Such an informative tutorial, It helped me a lot. As “what is Applique Embroidery?” helped me to understand Applique Embroidery Benefits.