Saturday 8 February 2014

Trying...

It may now be February but I have finally got around to trying (being the operative word here), some appliqué. I wanted to trial rough edge (left) and needle turned versions (right) and here are my first attempts:
The rough edge version (at least it should be once washed to fray its edges), used two strands of embroidery thread (in three different stitch styles) and the turned version had a single strand of sewing machine thread. I struggled in the preparation but the sewing side seemed relatively easy. I think I prefer the right version the most.

I certainly found it difficult to turn it in situ so cut it free, and tacked around its edges. The template was put back in and the sides drawn up, before ironing it roughly into shape. I have no idea if that is how you are supposed to do it but it worked for me. There is a slight pull on the background material in places but I guess that would disappear once its backing and background stitching is in place?

The rough edge version on the left had a small 1/2" wide circle of bond-a-web ironed into place, 1/4" from the outer edge, very fiddly!


4 comments:

  1. I too like the right hand side best. have you tried the 'nappy liner applique' technique? My friend showed me and I love it! Get a pack of cheap NLs. Draw your circle [finished size] on one. and then sew it on the RIGHT side of your patch fabric [handstitch or machine] on the exact line you want the finished patch. Now make a hole in the centre of the NL [carefully, don't cut your patch] Cut round the outside of the patch, with minimum turnings, clip curves where necessary. Turn shape out thru the hole and press neatly. You now have a lovely little patch, no raw edges, which you can stitch down however you like- hand or machine, invisible or decorative. It looks neat and wears and washes well. Hope the above explanation makes sense! blessings xx
    PS I love those candy stripe sheets- had ones like that on my bed when I was 17. I wonder what my Mum did with them when I went off to Uni?

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    1. Thank you for that Angela, have read just now of something similar with twice washed tumble dryer sheets but nappy liners sound better.

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  2. OR, sew running stitch round near edge of circle, pull end of thread and allow edges to turn under - rather like making a Suffolk Puff, and then press flat - superb circle with a turned edge ready to slip stitch in place. Oh, you can remove running stitch thread once you've pressed circle.

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    1. Thank you for that - I can see I shall have to experiment. Perhaps I ought to just concentrate on doing a square of a quilt and see how I go. Onward and upwards!

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