Tutorial for easy turn applique for quilting

Here's an the tutorial for an easy way to make turned edge applique.....


Use Whisperlite tracer/foundation to prepare turned edge appliques. By using Whisperlite you can get the same look of needle turn applique, but quicker and easier.
If you are a beginner to applique this is a great technique for you.  It is also great for anyone that has limited hand movement, or hand pain that makes needle turn applique to difficult. 

You can find the products used in the tutorials on my Thistledown quilts website



Here's how you do it - or there is also a video on YouTube if you prefer that. Here's the link: https://youtu.be/UeQJ6oGR-Awor

Trace your applique motif onto a piece of Whisperlite using a #2 pencil or wash-out marker.




Place the traced Whisperlite onto the right side of your applique fabric.

Using a short stitch length, stitch on the drawn line, all the way around the design.


In this example I am using a heart motif. For best results, use a 50 or 60 weight thread to match the applique fabric. I used a contrast color here so you could see it.


HINT ~  If you set your machine to a shorter stitch length, you will get a smoother curved edge.
Trim the applique to a generous 1/8" seam allowance.


Make a slit in the center of the Whisperlite and then, turn the applique right side out. Use a turning tool such as the "Purple Thang" and place the tool in the seam allowance between the fabric layers. If you place the tip of the turning tool between the Whisperlite and the fabric, you'll poke right through the Whisperlite. It's that lightweight.


Continue smoothing out the turned seam allowance, clip inside corners and trim outside points of the seam allowance and then press. Now you have an applique with nicely turned edges that you can stitch to your background either by hand or by machine. Your applique will be neatly finished with no raveling edges and it will be nice and soft, it won't be stiff like fusible applique can be.

To stitch the applique in place you have several options.
1. You can stitch by hand using a traditional blind stitch for the same look of traditional needle turn     applique.
2. You can use a blanket stitch, either by hand or machine. Use a matching or contrasting thread.
3. You can use a straight machine stitch, and stitch very close to the edge with a matching thread.
4. you can use a small zig-zag machine stitch with matching or invisible thread. NOTE....DO NOT use an invisible thread on baby quilts. 




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