Last week, I decided I needed a project that was just for me, and that hand work would be better than machine sewing for right now. So I went to my library, and pulled all the books I could find with some hand appliqué projects included. I was a little shocked to find so many books already in my stash! (I’ve listed them all below)
Fresh Picked Posies: 12 Quilt Blocks to Applique from Piece O’ Cake Designs
The Rose of Sharon Block Book: Winning Designs from the EQ6 Challenge
A Batch of QuiltSoup: Fun Patchwork and Easy Appliqué Patterns
Home Sweet Quilt: Fresh, Easy Quilt Patterns from Jillily Studio
Scrap-Applique Playground: Turn Quilting Scraps into Fun Applique Fabrics
Hand-Appliquéd Quilts: Beautiful Designs & Simple Techniques
Hand Quilted With Love
All of these books have a slightly different method, and directions – I’m learning that it really is about what works for me, and can see how some variations might come from what I’ve learned, and done so far. After looking through all the books and being overwhelmed by the options I went to my Craftsy classes and watched again Big Techniques from Small Scraps with Sarah Fielke. I’ve also referenced Jill Finely’s videos with Fat Quarter Shop, for a slightly different approach, but really loved the small project in the Big Techniques from Small Scraps class to get me started.
I printed the directions, selected a background, and fat eighth bundle from Momo, then proceeded to stay up much too late cutting out pieces, and pressing them with starch. But it was so fun!
Here’s everything prepped and laid in the proper places. I then glue basted everything in place and got started stitching.
I’ve been using a tiny needle, 50wt Aurifil in a variety of colors, and Thread Heaven to keep the tangles to a minimum. I’m loving the act of sitting and stitching the pieces into place. The texture and feel of the fabric, as it melts into the background is so fun to see and feel.
I’m not sure why I resisted so long, I’ve always love hand stitching my bindings in place. I think hand appliqué just seemed too time consuming. But coming and going from a project as I am able, is a nice way to approach a project, and a project without a deadline is quite addicting!
Have you tried something new lately?
Already love to hand appliqué?
I would love to know your tips and tricks!
Thanks for stopping by –
Amy
I am not fond of hand applique though I love hand work. I keep thinking I need to give it another try.
been doing it for years and it is addicting and soothing, hand piecing is too – you might want to try that next!
I have been doing hand appliqué for a long time. I needle turn and use quite a few techniques that Piece of Cake uses. I think the best trick is to find what works for you. I have tried different ways and found what works best for me. I can tell you that Blackbird design is one of my favorite designers. Their pieces are fairly large and makes for easy yet beautiful results. I have done them in both colors they show in their book and also bright fun modern fabric. Amy Butler fabric has been so much fun to use for their designs. If you like I can email you some pictures of some that I have done. It is slow but the results are well worth the effort.
I hand applique every chance I get! Try the back basting method. You cut down on a lot of the prep work like starching and cutting out templates. So much fun!
Hand appliqué gets me through the kids games and doctor’s appointments. Don’t leave home without it!
Your project is so pretty! I love to appliqué by hand. I do needle turn and have been doing it for many years. I love to handpiece also. Hugs,
I also love hand stitching, but never had the nerve to try hand applique before. I have been waiting for the perfect Craftsy class to take on needle turn applique. To do it by machine is not as much fun, I think. Your project looks beautiful!
Hand applique is my favorite quilty past time. I find it very relaxing. However, I am a bit selfish on who I will give a hand appliqued item. People just don’t appreciate the time and effort. My favorite is pieced with hand applique. It will grow on you!!
I love hand sewing, although I admit I’ve never tried hand applique. I’m more of an English Paper-Piecing or similar style kind of girl. Maybe I should give hand applique a try, though!
I love hand appliqué and I’m glad you’re enjoying it. My tip is to use two layers of freezer paper when making templates. Then I skip the starch. I just iron the template edge over and let it cool completely. Cotton retains the crease! It’s a bit easier on my hands too since I don’t have to push (and dull) my needle against a crisp starchy edge.
Thank you a lot for sharing this with all people you really realize what you’re talking about!
Bookmarked. Please also seek advice from my website =).
We can have a link exchange arrangement among us