As promised, here are the directions for these cute little cardinals.
First, I traced all my pattern pieces on template plastic and cut them out. If you are new to this blog, just check out the Applique Lessons section for tips on this method of applique.
Next, cut out your bird body (for opposite facing bird, just turn template over)
Here I am using the starch and press method to turn under ONLY the black part that goes on the bird body.
Now, use a little applique glue to apply it to the bird body.
Stitch in place.
Here I have made the little beak and have glued it to the black part.
And apliqued it in place. After this step you might need to carefully trim and excess black fabric away.
Next, place the body template on the back side of the pattern. I used the black stitching line to align.
And starch and press the seam allowance.
From here you can just make a wing and glue it in place, no need to stitch it until it’s on you block. Here is my new little bird all ready to be appliqued to the block!
Hi Erin...I´m triying to use your method to applique but I have a little silly question...When you finish to appliqué, do you remove the template?.
I do it when I use freezer paper, but I have never use Mylar.
Thank you for your help!!
Posted by: Eme | 01/30/2013 at 06:12 AM
WoW you make it look so easy. I noticed in yesterday's post the birds eye. How did you do their eyes?
Posted by: Lee Ann | 01/30/2013 at 06:12 AM
You DO make it look so easy. Okay, I'm going to try AGAIN!! Thanks for such a great tute!! ~karen
Posted by: kaholly | 01/30/2013 at 06:42 AM
I love your magic. I hope to join this years appliqué fun. Thank you for all the tutorials.
Posted by: MaryC | 01/30/2013 at 06:52 AM
yes, I remove it before stitching it to the background
Posted by: erinrussek | 01/30/2013 at 07:29 AM
Hi Erin,
I love cardinals and watch them all year long. We have a couple of families that we've watched the babies grow into mature birds! So my question is about cardinals and up-coming designs: will you be including a female cardinal in one of your blocks? If not, can you think of how I could change one of the males in this first block into a female? The wing would be easy because it's a separate piece but what about the tail?
Thanks!
Posted by: Laurel | 01/30/2013 at 09:59 AM
It´s genious, so easy the way you show, thank you so much for sharing
Posted by: Martina | 01/30/2013 at 10:56 AM
Love the tute..............your work is so amazing.
Posted by: Linda | 01/30/2013 at 10:56 AM
Isn't it easier to appliqué the black part on last because it's bigger than the beak hence more room to tuck all that seam allowance away? Have you tried that or doesn't it make sense (or look stupid)? (I realize you wouldn't be able to preassemble the bird in your hand then but need to appliqué all parts on the block.) I regret there are no cardinals here in Germany. I've never seen one. Bought fabric last week and I'm all set but wait for all your clever hints on how-to first. Block 1 is truly beautiful.
Posted by: Chris | 01/30/2013 at 12:40 PM
Thanks so much for your tutorial. I haven't seen many tutorials on have to deal with tiny pieces and more than two layers. I have always struggled with applique that is 3 or more layers and with tiny pieces. I would have appliqued the bird on first onto to the background, than the black spot, and than the peak. I haven't been happy with that procedure. I it just doesn't look right when I'm done because of all the bulkiness. I'm going try your way of layering. When I think about, your way seems to make more sense. I should have thought of it myself. LOL
Posted by: Theresa | 01/30/2013 at 01:34 PM
I have a question about the center block of this quilt--the pattern for which I purchased. Are the stems on that embroidered or bias strips? I made bias strips, but think the embroidered ones would be better to go with the monthly blocks....
Judy
Posted by: Judith Lawrance | 01/30/2013 at 04:40 PM
thanks for sharing. it is such a great way that you did that.
Posted by: Carrie P. | 01/30/2013 at 05:18 PM
center block stems are bias strips
Posted by: erinrussek | 01/30/2013 at 06:48 PM
Love it! Thanks Erin -- can't get enough of those cardinals!
Posted by: Karen | 01/30/2013 at 08:20 PM
you make this look so easy, I so want to try needleturn. Maybe if I keep seeing how you do it I may even get there.
Posted by: marina | 01/31/2013 at 01:34 AM
You do make it look so easy.. LOL. Now notoriously red and black are colors that bleed horribly. What have you done to your fabrics to prevent this from becoming a catastrophe after all this hard work and effort?
Posted by: Marcia K | 01/31/2013 at 05:22 AM
Wow, nice blog it is!
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