Donnamarie

I have been hand appliqueing for years and tried every method. The best method for me is that I usually baste all the pieces down to the background fabric. I then trim a little at a time (~1/8"), slash corners, and then sew down. I also find that keeping a flat toothpick in my mouth as I sew and using the wet toothpick as a tool to grab the fabric and turn under, works wonderfully for me. When sewing, be sure to have your needle come out the side of the fold of the fabric you are appliqueing. If you can see the thread coming out the side, be sure to give it a little tug to hide the threads. Also, keep the thread about an arms length long. When working thread too long they usually fray or knot easily. Try each method and see whats works for you.

Blue Bell

Another method to try. Thank you.

JustAbitCrazy

FYI-The toothpick mentioned previously by other members has to be wooden. Plastic toothpicks won't work, because they are slick and don't grab the fabric.