Many people out there in the quilting world look upon the word “hand” as a four letter word. The very idea of sewing anything by hand just seems to turn people off. People think that if they are doing it by machine that they are going to get it done that much faster. This is true sometimes, however for me I can get so much more done by hand because it goes where ever I go.
Ten years ago I held the same opinion that hand work was too much work. Then something life changing happened to me. I developed a chronic, illness that so restricted my activities that I couldn’t even sit at the sewing machine for even 30 minutes a day. Quilting even then was such a driving creative need of mine that I was left with no other option than to do hand work.
My first attempt at hand work was a fruit appliqué quilt that I saw in a magazine. I pulled all the fabrics from my stash and thanks to instruction from Simply Quilts I learned the basics of needle turn appliqué. Through many trials and errors I have found the techniques that work the best for me. Today I am going to tell you about one.
Freezer paper has become a staple in my quilting studio. I use it for just about every kind of template there is. I really like it for appliqué templates because with freezer paper you can get right up to the edge of the template and make a nice clean line. Here is how I make my templates and mark my appliqué pieces.
Begin by cutting two pieces of freezer paper to the appropriate size. Trace and label two exact copies of your pattern. One will be used as a reference and a transfer for your background. The other will be cut apart and used as templates for your appliqué pieces.
Before you cut the second pattern apart make small dash marks across the joining lines of the pattern to act as registration marks. This will allow you to join your pieces later with ease and greater accuracy. Once this is completed you are ready to place each piece on the right side of your fabric and iron down. Place the pieces on the bias of the fabric whenever possible. This will make the needle turning process much easier.
Now you are ready to take a fabric chalk pencil that is easily seen on your fabric and go around each template. Cut around each piece leaving a scant ¼ inch seam allowance. Don’t remove the template from the fabric until you are ready to appliqué that piece onto your background.
Over the last few years I have tried several different methods for marking my templates. I have found that this way I am more accurate, with less fuss and frustration. I hope that it works for you too.
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