Nancy Ingham

A metal bar recycled from a hanging file folder makes a great pressing bar for preparing bias applique stems. Center the bar on a strip of fabric, spray the fabric with starch, and press the long edges over the bar. Repeat the process along the entire strip, then remove the bar and cut the pressed strip into the lengths needed for the stems.

Please forgive me if someone else has previously submitted this idea.

QuiltnNan

thanks for the tip

Gladys

I think it's a great idea. I haven't read it here before but I could have missed it. Thanks!

JulieR

Fabulous idea, thanks!

Tartan

That's a great idea for narrow pressing bars. I use a car oil dip stick for pressing bias stems but try finding one of those these days.

Nammie to 7

Thanks for the info - that is the next step of a quilt I'm currently working on. I've been picking the brains of appliquers in my quilt guild as I've never done them before.

Teacup

Great idea! I have some pretty old folders at work that I will be pitching soon, I'll be sure to save a few of the metal pieces.

littlehud

What a wonderful tip. Thanks for sharing it.

lfstamper

Great idea and you can also use the bias binder tools....they work great too.

luvstoquilt

That is brilliant! I can't wait to try it!