Appliqué Lesson 2: Making Shapes

This week I am going to share my very simple appliqué process with you. These are the directions I am adding to my patterns so if anything is unclear or misspelled (Debbie) please let me know so I can refine.

First I have a few more supplies to add to my list from Friday.

1.    Roxanne’s Glue Baste: Can’t live without it

2.    Sharpie Fine Point Marker

3.    ThimblePads: I’m a wimp when it comes to pain. You can find these at many quilt stores.

 Making Appliqué Shapes

To make your appliqué shapes you must first make a template using heat resistant Mylar or Templar. I trace the pattern onto the Templar using a fine point Sharpie. After your shape is traced cut the template out. At this point it is a good idea to check the template for smoothness. I usually run my finger over the edge until I find any bumps. These bumps can be filed off with a finger nail file.

Once you have your templates made it is time to use them to make your fabric shapes. Use a washable fabric marker to trace around your template onto the wrong side of your appliqué fabric. Cut around this traced line giving yourself a ¼” turn under allowance. Clip any inside curves.

Now it’s time to press. I generally use my iron on its cotton setting with little or no steam. Place the template on the wrong side of the appliqué shape. Using your stencil brush apply the liquid starch to the turn under allowance of a small portion of your shape. Let it soak into the fabric. With you iron, gently press the turn under allowance over the template. Repeat this process until all the turn under allowances are pressed (parts of the appliqué shape that go under other shapes need not be pressed). Some shapes will need to have their points pressed further as shown.

Comments

[Karen]

I can't live without Roxanne Glue baste it either!
Karen
http://karensquilting.com/blog/

[Frummie Sommers]

Hi,
First I want to thank you for the tutorial. I have been appliquing (sp) for about 60 years, that said, you can always learns something new.
Thank you,
Frummie

[LINDA ARNOAUT]

Hi Erin:
I would like to know what type of fabric are you using for the background on the Florabunda quilt and if you are using the same manufacturer for all the other colors. I am going to get my fabrics together and start making this quilt with you. Can't wait to start.
Thank you for all your help.
Linda

[Cindy C]

I love that you are doing this tutorial. Just found your site the other day. I love your patterns. They have such nice clean lines and are soooo pretty and intriguing. Two questions: 1) when you first trace the shape on the fabric you said to trace on the wrong side, but your picture has the right side. Which is correct? If on the wrong side, would you also need to place the template with wrong side up (facing you)? 2)When do you remove the template? After pressing shape or before appliqueing?

[Megan]

How do you keep the template from sliding around? Mine just moves all over the place as I try to press the edges over. And the edges fray. And the starch washes away the outline that I drew. And the steam from the iron touching the wet starch burns my fingers.

I don't think I'm cut out for this.

[vonda]

Thank you for all the great tutorials they will come in handy. I am new to quilting and need all the help i can get.

[dahliene]

Wow amazing tutorial! You just answered sooo many of my questions I have had! Thanks!

[films porno]

Plan cul sur annecy du cul encore du cul

[Angela]

I'm really enjoying the theme/design of your site. Do you ever run into any internet browser compatibility problems? A small number of my blog readers have complained about my website not working correctly in Explorer but looks great in Opera. Do you have any recommendations to help fix this issue?