SuzSLO

I use Karen Kay Buckley’s heat resistant template plastic, an iron, and brushed on spray starch to create shapes with pre-turned edges that I then hand appliqué. Template plastic is especially good if you are doing multiples of the same shape. I did a couple hundred of the same leaf shape recently and had to make a second template to finish after I accidentally warped the first one with my iron.

I also use Applipops to make circles. I use the same method as for the heat resistant template except I use a silicone finger protector on at least one finger because the metal Applipops can get hot.

I also use a stiletto to hold, and a wood orange stick to push, reluctant allowances in place.

nanna-up-north

I wrote a tutorial on my blog for the basics of needle turn applique. Well, I don't use a needle, I use a toothpick. But if you are interested, go to the applique section on my blog.

jdquilts123.blogspot.com

And here's a picture of the LBB borders I've been working on. Lots of applique here.

Onebyone

AAshle333 your way is like the way I do applique. Years ago I bought the book Fat Quarter Fonts. It was all reverse applique. I l loved it. It is so easy my two 12 year old nieces made lots of reversed appliqued pillow tops and make up bags .They use coloring book designs. Intricate designs are no problem as long as you can stitch around them. It's the only way I do applique for large projects. I have used the Appliquick tools and they are great for hand applique.

Onebyone

Back basting applique is my go to appliqué method. I have tried several and this one seems to work best for me.

I took a class for back basting applique. I never finished the design. It was very difficult for me. The class was at my guild and I one guild member finished her project a couple months later for show and tell. No one else did. It looks so easy but for some reason I could not baste it right. I spent hours on the first flower.

aashley333

I search coloring book pages, too! Also, try stained glass pattern pages for applique ideas!

Suz

My preference is backbasting appliqué. Placement is accurate, however the pattern is reversed requiring you to turn it around. Needle turn is the stitching method. This method makes me very portable. I have done some raw edge if I wanted texture (my ggd is blind).

I had surgery on my hand and manipulating a needle had been awkward. Recently I had to hand stitch a label onto a quilt and it went pretty good resulting my seeking a pattern to try.

Jo Belmont

I use either used dryer sheets or one-sided fusible interfacing (very light). I will rough cut out that which I want to applique', leaving a good half inch or more around it eventually to be trimmed away. Then lay the dryer sheet or interfacing (glue side down) on the RIGHT side of the applique' piece.

Carefully stitch around (a bit smaller stitch) the edge of the applique'. It's quite easy to see through either the sheets or interfacing. Trim to a quarter-inch. Now is the time to put little clips in the curves if needed, carefully avoiding the stitch line.

Cut a slit in the sheet/interfacing the turn it so that the sheet/interfacing is on the back of the applique' piece. Gently push the edges out and finger press. I like to trim the sheet/interfacing at this point so that there is only a half-inch or so on the back. This eliminates any bulk and/or stiffness because of the fusible under the entire applique' piece.

If you have used fusible interfacing, press it in place on the foundation. If a sheet, then pin in place with a pin or two in the center of the applique'.

Now stitch down in whatever manner you choose. You'll have a turned-edge applique that will wear well and look quite nice.

ValFuto

I just deiscovered a wonderful new applique techique called Draw-Sew-Trim by Katalin Horvath. Check out her YouTube Videos or her website for recent courses offered. DrawSewTrim Workshops I am just a fan and am registered for two of her workshops. She is an excellent teacher of this unique applique method.

RedGarnet222

If you use the interfacing method, you can cut away the middle of the facing without the piece dietorting and use a wooden chop stick to get the edges to lie perfectly. You just need to leave the edge of the interfacing to get your shape right. after sewing, just pull it away from the fabric, cut a small X and insert the sissors in to begin the cut out to the size you intend to leave on the back side. Ithink this is a good iedea to reduce the bulk that would occur and facillitate quilting ease.

RedGarnet222

That is funny Jo, you and I had the same way of doing this and we live in the same city. What are the odds? LOL...