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How To Appliqué (Tutorial on Appliquéing, page 2)

Step 4

Pin piece through outside border with glass head applique pins

Pin the piece onto the foundation fabric every half inch or so with glass head applique pins. I prefer these tiny pins as the thread does not catch so badly when stitching. If you want to be thorough you can baste instead of pinning. However life is too short and I have found that distortion is minimal if the pins are inserted carefully where the fabric extends beyond the freezer paper.

You can also use brass sequin pins which are only half an inch long.

Step 5

Applique stitch approximately one sixteenth of an inch apart

Thread a straw/milliners needle. I use Jean Lyle's straw needles and YLI silk heirloom thread. Make a knot at the end.

You will be removing the freezer paper so you need to decide the best spot to start stitching. In this instance the decision is easy as I will be adding the brim over the top part of Sunbonnet Sue's hat. There is an open end which will eventually be appliquéd over.

With your finger fold the fabric to the back of the freezer paper and gently crease it under. Bring the needle up through the foundation and just catch the edge of the fold. Silk thread virtually disappears when you stitch so you don’t have to be absolutely perfect with your spacing but I usually make stitches about one sixteenth of an inch apart to ensure that there are no fraying bits and the piece is secure.

Step 6

Needle turn the fabric under the freezer paper

Holding the piece firmly with your thumb close to the border, gently turn the fabric under with your needle. It will make a nice sharp edge ready for your next few stitches.

Take tiny stitches by pushing the needle down at a 90 degree angle and then about one sixteenth of an inch along up through the backing fabric and a couple of threads into the edge of the folded appliqué piece. Keep going in this way until you come to the end and then fasten off at the back of the foundation fabric.

How to Appliqué page 1
How to Appliqué page 3

Rose Rushbrooke
Artist, Quiltmaker,
Fractalist and Character Animator

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