Preparing circles for needleturn applique
#11
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: OFallon, MO
Posts: 2,281
Hi, I have been following along but not contributing as I am trying to get caught up with "things". I am going to try the circles. I am not really good with applique but love the effect. I think with practice and patience maybe even I could get better.
Thanks for all your input!
Phyllis in Mo
Thanks for all your input!
Phyllis in Mo
#14
Thanks you guys :-)
I love needleturn, love the effect, and love that I'm good at it! LOL
Some of the tips I've picked up....
- use a wet toothpick to turn edges under instead of the needle, it's much easier. Just hold the toothpick in your mouth to keep the end wet.
- use applique needles (the really small ones). Although they're difficult to thread and tiny to hold, they DO create tiny stitches.
- use very fine thread, the finest you can get, not your normal sewing machine thread. You WILL notice the difference.
- don't pull the stitches tight, it creates hollows along the turned under edge and makes it lumpy.
And as much as I hate to admit this one..... wear glasses, magnifying ones if you can. I have a pair that I perch on the end of my nose so I can look over them to the tv, and then down through them to my handwork. It does make it easier to get tiny stitches.
:-)
I love needleturn, love the effect, and love that I'm good at it! LOL
Some of the tips I've picked up....
- use a wet toothpick to turn edges under instead of the needle, it's much easier. Just hold the toothpick in your mouth to keep the end wet.
- use applique needles (the really small ones). Although they're difficult to thread and tiny to hold, they DO create tiny stitches.
- use very fine thread, the finest you can get, not your normal sewing machine thread. You WILL notice the difference.
- don't pull the stitches tight, it creates hollows along the turned under edge and makes it lumpy.
And as much as I hate to admit this one..... wear glasses, magnifying ones if you can. I have a pair that I perch on the end of my nose so I can look over them to the tv, and then down through them to my handwork. It does make it easier to get tiny stitches.
:-)
#19
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 15,639
I purchased a circle template set called "Perfect Circles" made from a heat-resistent plastic. The circles are very thin and are not affected by the heat of the iron. I use the same method you showed, blue, and I use starch on the turned edge. The circle holds a nice tight edge.
I have a little bin of the circles from little scraps of projects. I plan to use the as flower heads on a rustic stem.
The templates are available from 7/16" to 2" in one set (4ea) and a bigger set from 2.25" to 4.5."
I have a little bin of the circles from little scraps of projects. I plan to use the as flower heads on a rustic stem.
The templates are available from 7/16" to 2" in one set (4ea) and a bigger set from 2.25" to 4.5."
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