I love pre-making my flowers! It makes placement and stitching so much easier.
I used the circle technique to make a pink circle for my flower center.
Apply some glue to the seam allowance of the circle.
Place onto the green center shape.
Apply glue to the seam allowance of your green center shape.
Place on the outer flower. It really is that easy!
The center of this flower is a great chance to learn inner curves. Here's how I did it.
As always, trace your template onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Cut your shape out but this time add a SCANT 1/4" seam allowance. This will make those points easier to manage.
Clip the inner curve. I clipped three times on each curve. For bigger pieces you will need more, for smaller you will need less.
Starch the curve.
Press.
Continue until all the curves are pressed.
To help with the points I also tuck them to the back like this.
Then starch.
Then press.
Until they are all done. This will make the stitching way easier!
Here is a download for easy reference:
So many applique flowers have this structure so it's good to practice making sharp inner points and smooth outer curves.
Here's how I do the points.
First, trace.
Then cut out your shape.
At this point I clip the seam allowance at the point. I clip almost but not quite to the drawn line.
Then I like to starch and press all the inner points first. This keeps thing nice and stable.
After all the inner points are done, start on the outer curves. I do them just like leaves.
Once you're done, remove the template.
Here is a download for easy reference:
First off let me tell you about THE BEST NEW PRODUCT EVER! I have been using a variety of basting glues for my applique over the years. The BIG problem with all of them is that the nozzle gets all gummed up and hard to clean. Many a naughty word has been said in my sewing room over this one issue. MANY!
A couple of months ago I discovered Pen + Paper Patterns and she uses glue all the time for piecing (MIND BLOWN). AND she has this little nozzle that you can just put on a bottle of washable glue (yes! it works on fabric) that has a top that KEEPS THE TIP FROM CLOGGING! This is worth every penny!
Anyway...here we go...
Use your template and your favorite glue.
Place the center circle wrong side down and apply glue to the seam allowance.
Place a petal so that the bottom edge is in the glue and the edges are aligned with the pattern sheet.
Continue until all your petals are applied.
Now you're ready to applique them to your block!
Check back next week for another fun flower.
Here's a download for easy reference:
The next step in our fun little daisy is the petals. If you're worried that these tight little curves will give you trouble then worry no more! I have a TRICK!
Here we go!
Trace your template onto the wrong side of your fabric.
Cut your shape out, adding a 1/4" seam allowance.
Using a running stitch, sew around the petal edges.
Holding onto the bottom of the petal as shown, pull the thread to gather.
Dab with starch.
Press until dry.
Pull out your template and now your have a perfect little petal.
Here is a download for easy reference:
Circles are right up there with leaves when I think of applique shapes I make the most. I'm using Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles here.
Trace your circles onto the fabric. I usually trace it onto the wrong side but since I'm being fuzzy here I'm tracing on the right side with a disappearing marker.
Cut your circle out, adding a 1/4" seam allowance.
Using a running stitch, sew around the circle in the seam allowance.
Place your template on the back and pull your thread to gather.
Dab with starch until wet.
Iron until dry.
Pop your template out and you are all done!
Here's a download for easy reference:
One of my favorite tricks for applique is tiny stems. They can be a bit of a fiddle but are totally worth it.
First off, cut a 1 1/4" bias strip.
Fold this in half and press. This will REALLY help you keep things from going crazy while you sew.
Sew slightly wider than 1/8" (@3/16") from the fold.
Trim your seam allowance close to the stitching.
Insert a bias bar into the tube and manipulate the seam so it is centered on one side. Spritz with water.
NOTE: I like these metal bias bars because they are thin and give nice results.
Press.
Remove the bias bar and you are all set!
Here is a downloadable PDF with all the steps:
Hello!
How is it already October!?! Thankfully it is getting nice and chilly here...perfect sewing weather don't you think?
The second set of Applique School patterns are ready to downoad. You can find them here:
appliqueaddicts.patternbyetsy.com/listing/1303152422/applique-school-pattern-set-2
More tutorials and videos are coming soon. I just have to figure out my new phone.
So, big surprise, leaves are the thing I make the most of. Here is how I make them.
Trace your template onto the wrong side of the fabric.
Cut shape, adding a scant 1/4" seam allowance.
Apply starch (or Best Press, or Magic Sizing) to the seam allowance using a stencil brush (mine is size 1).
In small increments, press the seam allowance to the back using an iron on medium heat.
Bend the opposite side over and starch.
Press in the same way.
It should look like this.
Bend the point to the wrong side and dab with some starch.
Press until dry and repeat on the opposite point.
Remove template and you are all done!
Here is a download of this step for handy reference:
Hello Applique Friends!
Applique School is now in session. Here are the details:
Size:72" x 72"
Small block size: 12"
Center block size: 24"
There will be 4 sets of 4 patterns for the small blocks. Each set of 4 will cost $5. The center block will be $10 and comes out at the end of the year.
The first set of patterns is available here: appliqueaddicts.patternbyetsy.com/listing/1285772926/applique-school-pattern-set-1
All the fabric details are in the patterns.
Be sure to check back later this week for a tutorial on making your templates.
Onward!
