learning to HAND applique!
06-26-2011, 04:43 PM
#51
Super Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Maryland
Posts: 4,449
Originally Posted by mojo11
I use straw needles #11 because they fit my hand better that applique needles. I get better stitches. I also use 60 wt cotton thread. I like the silk, but couldn't keep my needle threaded. I would certainly use what the lady uses. Later you can figured out what works best for you. After I started needle-turn applique, that is all I have been doing. I love it. Enjoy learning.
06-26-2011, 06:57 PM
#54
Junior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Posts: 199
I LOVE needleturn applique! I use the foxglove straw needles and YLI silk thread for all of it. The thread is a little more expensive than regular cotten but I ony use it for applique so it lasts a long time. Also, I only use 2 colors! The light beige and kind of a khaki brown. I've done more than 2 queen quilts using a spool each of these two colors or less so it's really a minimal investment for thread. All the comments about how well it hides are absolutely correct. I can do needle turn applique in the car and not a single stitch will show. There is another brand the local quilt shop carries and I bought it in a pinch and promptly gave it away! It was much heavier that the YLI. Only brand I'll buy again.
06-26-2011, 07:24 PM
#55
Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 79
Originally Posted by JCquilts
Everyone has a different combination of needle and thread that works for them. And each has their pros and cons.
You should try what she suggests, but also try others, so that you can decide what you are most comfortable with.
I use a number 11 applique needle and Mettlers 60wt cotton thread
A very thin needles really helps to make the invisable blind stitch but the straw needle is too long for me to be comfotable to sew and to get the accuracy that I want. But, I know many who are more comfortable with the straw needle than the shorter applique needle.
The silk thread must be knotted on the end of the needle to prevent it from slipping off all the time. I dont enjoy sewing with the silk thread, but others swear by it as you only need one or two colors for all your applique.
You should try what she suggests, but also try others, so that you can decide what you are most comfortable with.
I use a number 11 applique needle and Mettlers 60wt cotton thread
A very thin needles really helps to make the invisable blind stitch but the straw needle is too long for me to be comfotable to sew and to get the accuracy that I want. But, I know many who are more comfortable with the straw needle than the shorter applique needle.
The silk thread must be knotted on the end of the needle to prevent it from slipping off all the time. I dont enjoy sewing with the silk thread, but others swear by it as you only need one or two colors for all your applique.
06-26-2011, 09:46 PM
#57
Super Member
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Port Lavaca, TX
Posts: 1,276
Originally Posted by jaciqltznok
I have a lady who is willing to teach me to do hand needle turn applique...she uses ONLY silk thread...is this a must???
also straw needles...
what do you all use..pro's, con's...
I love to do handwork, but applique the traditional way scares me to death!
also straw needles...
what do you all use..pro's, con's...
I love to do handwork, but applique the traditional way scares me to death!
Those tools just make the best looking appliques. Do not be frightened by applique. Just try it, with a tutorial here or in a class, and take it slowly at first, a stitch at a time!
You will be amazed at how soon you will be fast after a bit of careful practice! I really enjoy appliquing fanciful flowers on blocks!
( five appliqued blocks + four plain but coloful blocks make the center of a wall hanging!)
You can use whatever needles you have, and whatever thread you have and whatever cotton fabric you have to
make beautiful applique!
Jeannie
06-27-2011, 03:12 AM
#59
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Morganton, Ga
Posts: 944
I would use what the teacher suggests. When I took a class on needle turn, silk thread was very hard to find so the teacher suggested we use Mettler silk finish thread. Love it!!! She also suggested we use thread magic on cotton thread for hand work.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
moonwork42029
Main
80
10-20-2022 12:35 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
0
09-10-2011 02:35 PM
craftybear
Main
22
07-06-2010 05:51 PM
