Bluebonnet Applique Update

I am working more on my bluebonnet applique block. As I work on the block, I thought I'd blog about some of the techniques I'm using.

Today's Topic: Marking the pattern.

Hand-applique involves turning-under the raw-edge of fabric in a precise spot to create the pattern. There are several different ways you can mark where you should turn under the fabric. I will be using at least 3 different techniques on this block (in order of complexity):

• Cut the shape & turn-under.
• Back-baste along an outline.
• Freezer paper on the top.

Turn under 1/4" inch:
The easiest way for me to applique is to cut a shape, attach it to the background, then just turn under 1/8" to 1/4" of the raw edge as I sew. The leaf section pictured below gets this technique. Too bad there are only 4 small leaves in this block: I can breeze through applique when it's done this way!

Advantages of this technique: fast, no extra work
Disadvantages: not for highly-detailed sections



Back-Baste along an outline:
For the bluebonnet floral sections, I am using a technique I learned a few years ago. It doesn't have an "official" name as far as I know, but some people call it "back-basting." This tutorial explains it pretty well. Basically, you draw an outline on the back, baste along it, then remove the basting stitches as you sew. The basting thread leaves minuscule holes, which you follow, stitching dot-to-dot.

In my case, because I traced around a thick cardboard template, I had to baste just inside the lines I drew, as you can see in this picture:


With this technique, one bluebonnet floral section takes about 1 hour to stitch (there are 4 sections total). Here's how it turns out in the end:



Advantages: Can help you sew complicated sections accurately. No templates get in the way of your stitching.
Disadvantages: You have to sew everything twice.

Freezer paper on the top:
I haven't started the other sections (there will be 8 sections, each with 2 small flowers with 5 petals each, on a narrow stem). I intend to use the freezer-paper-on-top technique for them. Freezer paper is waxy on one side, so if you put it against fabric and iron it, it adheres temporarily (then removes cleanly).

This is a very standard applique technique. So standard, in fact, that regular everyday freezer paper you buy at the grocery store includes the directions! (Right next to directions on how to actually wrap food to store in the freezer!)

Advantages: good for detailed sections; the pattern is on top so you can see it easily. Allows you to shift the pattern a little more than back-basting allows.
Disadvantages: the paper can get in the way of stitching, and can be time-consuming to cut out, and can be a pain to get off (if you stitch through the fabric, which you WILL do).

This is not my favorite technique, so I only use it when I really have to. But, I hope it works to help me produce sharp points on the 5-part flowers.