The first 12 baskets were appliqued using the back basting method. I decided to check out some other ways to do hand appliqué and searched for freezer paper applique methods. I found a few different tutorials.
The following are what I used for these six baskets (I have six more to do, but I'll wait until I have sewn these down to decide which one I like or don't like.
1. Magic sizing method. You iron the freezer paper (FP) on the back and then use magic sizing that you spray into a little container and then paint on the edge to stick down the seam allowance and then take out the freezer paper before you appliqué. I didn't like painting the magic sizing on - it was quite messy, but might be the easiest to sew down. (Bottom 2 on the right).
2. Iron the FP on the back, then fold the seam allowance back and sew it down with a basting stitch. When you have about half of the appliqué sewn down, you take out the FP and then continue sewing it down. This might be a problem because of the reverse appliqué parts. I used some of the applique glue to turn under those areas. I doubt I will ever use this method again. (Bottom left).
3. Place the FP on the back with the waxy side up and then iron the seam allowance down. You are supposed to leave the FP in until it is sewn down and then cut it out from the back. Maybe I should take the FP off before I start stitching because of the reverse appliqué. (The top three baskets).
I also have seen a method where FP is ironed on top of the fabric, but I couldn't find a tutorial for that.
Any ideas, advice or suggestions are welcome! I'm not sure I like any of these methods, but to be fair, I will try them. Numbers 1 & 2 were awkward to implement. Number 3 was the easiest so far.
I admire you for trying so many methods. I'm afraid I have just avoided applique. I'll be interested to hear if you try anything else and what you decide you like best.
ReplyDeleteTry this one. Cut out the basket and use stitchwitch or some other iron on tape. Iron the basket in place but only in the center. Pin down the rest and then do needle turn applique or blanket stitch around the raw edge. Easiest if you use an embroidery hoop!
ReplyDeleteLiri
I wouldn't know where or how to begin! On just one larger basket, I'd probably prefer needle turn, but on a dozen little ones? ....I'd give up before I got started! But I know you will persevere! ---"Love"
ReplyDeleteI don't do applique, so I have no advice. I'm just impressed no matter how you do it. : )
ReplyDeleteIf those pieces are as small as I think they are, then they might be a candidate for needleturn.
ReplyDeleteCute blocks! It is fun to be trying different preps too.
ReplyDeleteWell, whatever you did, it must have been right, because they all look great. My method is to use WOOL! I'm no good at needle-turn!
ReplyDeleteI learned using #3 and after you use the freezer paper about twice, it doesn't hold much and you end up turning the edges under anyways - basically needle-turn at that point. And I didn't like it because it's so hard to get nice even curves - ended up unsticking and refolding those as well.
ReplyDeleteI've also seen a technique where you use lightweight non-fusible interfacing and cut both it and your fabric 1/4 larger, sandwich and sew them with right-sides together, snip the middle of the interfacing and turn the whole thing. Press and sew that down. That may not work with hand-applique and probably not so well with the reverse section in the middle...hmmm...
Good luck with whatever you decide works for you. My experience has convinced me that needle-turn is easiest for me, but sometimes I mark either the fabric I'm sewing or the fabric I'm sewing to to make sure placement and shape are correct. So far it's looking good, though!
Your post has just listed all the reasons that I usually fuse and blanket stitch. Tried all of those methods and had the same feelings you did.
ReplyDeleteI love your baskets and would like to make a similar quilt one day. I look forward to seeing what method you end up liking the best.
I've done #3 before. Maybe do your reverse applique first, then put the fp on and continue.
ReplyDelete