I don't know what I was thinking. I have tried the starch method of applique before and failed totally. For some reason, I thought if Joanna Figueroa made it look so easy ("It's the only method of applique I do", she said) I thought ok, I can do it too. Not. What a mess. I wasted lots of freezer paper, burned my fingers trying to turn the edges over and completely failed. It was a disaster.
The only method of applique that has worked for me in the past is fusible machine applique. So, I started over. I traced my shapes onto fusible applique material and ironed it onto my fabric. Then I cut out my pieces exactly to size.
There is no turning edges over, no burning fingers. You just iron the fusible onto your fabric, cut it out to the exact shape, and then when the time comes, remove the paper and iron it onto your background fabric and applique on the raw edge. I got all my pieces prepped and ready to blanket stitch onto the background squares.
Only, I realized that my BerninA 740 is still in being serviced. My back up machine doesn't have the blanket stitch I need for this applique process. So, I packed everything up into little baggies to be appliqued properly when I retrieve my sewing machine from the repair guy.
So, I moved on to Month 7 of the Halloween Figs Block of the Month.
So there we are. We do what we can. The first block of month 7 is done! I'll finish those applique blocks from month 6 when I get my Bernina 740 back. For now, I will move ahead and do what I can.
Hope you all will have a great weekend!
51 responses to “Starch Method of Applique-Not for me”
I think I almost remember your post of this applique method years ago; maybe I’m wrong here, too. Anyway, I have done your method of applique and love it. However, I use a smaller stitch and sew close to the edge of the fabric piece. For me, it’s easier especially when getting close to where I turn a corner.
I think I almost remember your post of this applique method years ago; maybe I’m wrong here, too. Anyway, I have done your method of applique and love it. However, I use a smaller stitch and sew close to the edge of the fabric piece. For me, it’s easier especially when getting close to where I turn a corner.
I think I almost remember your post of this applique method years ago; maybe I’m wrong here, too. Anyway, I have done your method of applique and love it. However, I use a smaller stitch and sew close to the edge of the fabric piece. For me, it’s easier especially when getting close to where I turn a corner.
I’m with you, I cannot master any form of appliqué except the fusible method.
I’m with you, I cannot master any form of appliqué except the fusible method.
I’m with you, I cannot master any form of appliqué except the fusible method.
Appliquik is great for turned edge. You cut a paper shape the exact size of your piece, then cut the fabric 1/4” larger all around. Then you use a glue stick to turn the fabric and adhere it to the paper. The paper stays in— it washes away. It also add a little bit of dimension to your pieces. So your pieces are all ready to hand or blanket stitch down. I always wanted to do turned edge— appliquik finally allowed me to. Fusible method is just not for me. Love that quilt! Halloween colors are my favorite.
Appliquik is great for turned edge. You cut a paper shape the exact size of your piece, then cut the fabric 1/4” larger all around. Then you use a glue stick to turn the fabric and adhere it to the paper. The paper stays in— it washes away. It also add a little bit of dimension to your pieces. So your pieces are all ready to hand or blanket stitch down. I always wanted to do turned edge— appliquik finally allowed me to. Fusible method is just not for me. Love that quilt! Halloween colors are my favorite.
Appliquik is great for turned edge. You cut a paper shape the exact size of your piece, then cut the fabric 1/4” larger all around. Then you use a glue stick to turn the fabric and adhere it to the paper. The paper stays in— it washes away. It also add a little bit of dimension to your pieces. So your pieces are all ready to hand or blanket stitch down. I always wanted to do turned edge— appliquik finally allowed me to. Fusible method is just not for me. Love that quilt! Halloween colors are my favorite.
I’d like to try this starch method or the appliqué I method, but I haven’t. I love the look of appliqué but I do not enjoy the prep process. I haven’t done fusible appliqué in a long time, maybe hwith some of the new fusibles the appliqué wouldn’t be so stiff. Thanks for the inspiration to try again. 😊
I’d like to try this starch method or the appliqué I method, but I haven’t. I love the look of appliqué but I do not enjoy the prep process. I haven’t done fusible appliqué in a long time, maybe hwith some of the new fusibles the appliqué wouldn’t be so stiff. Thanks for the inspiration to try again. 😊
I’d like to try this starch method or the appliqué I method, but I haven’t. I love the look of appliqué but I do not enjoy the prep process. I haven’t done fusible appliqué in a long time, maybe hwith some of the new fusibles the appliqué wouldn’t be so stiff. Thanks for the inspiration to try again. 😊
Oh boy – I feel less guilty over my preference for fusibles. I don’t have the patience for turned edges. I can needlepoint tiny counted patterns and details ’til the cows come home, but applique – nope.
Oh boy – I feel less guilty over my preference for fusibles. I don’t have the patience for turned edges. I can needlepoint tiny counted patterns and details ’til the cows come home, but applique – nope.
Oh boy – I feel less guilty over my preference for fusibles. I don’t have the patience for turned edges. I can needlepoint tiny counted patterns and details ’til the cows come home, but applique – nope.
It’s fusibles all the way!😁 I just wish I could master a thin satin stitch. I do ok with the blanket stitch. But my satin stitch usually ruins the project!😔 Any hints?
It’s fusibles all the way!😁 I just wish I could master a thin satin stitch. I do ok with the blanket stitch. But my satin stitch usually ruins the project!😔 Any hints?
It’s fusibles all the way!😁 I just wish I could master a thin satin stitch. I do ok with the blanket stitch. But my satin stitch usually ruins the project!😔 Any hints?
Earlier in my quilting life, I tried the glue method, with Roxanne’s glue. Your post brought back memories of peeling dried glue off my fingers, burnt fingers, and a dislike for the fussiness of appliqué. I am always amazed seeing so many beautiful appliqué projects on social media, thinking “I must be missing something”…. But your post brought it all back to me!
Earlier in my quilting life, I tried the glue method, with Roxanne’s glue. Your post brought back memories of peeling dried glue off my fingers, burnt fingers, and a dislike for the fussiness of appliqué. I am always amazed seeing so many beautiful appliqué projects on social media, thinking “I must be missing something”…. But your post brought it all back to me!
Earlier in my quilting life, I tried the glue method, with Roxanne’s glue. Your post brought back memories of peeling dried glue off my fingers, burnt fingers, and a dislike for the fussiness of appliqué. I am always amazed seeing so many beautiful appliqué projects on social media, thinking “I must be missing something”…. But your post brought it all back to me!
I love doing starch appliqué. And then I use a bit of Roxanne glue to hold them in place and hand stitch to the background. I enjoy having hand work while I watch tv in the evening. I use a small Steamfast iron and don’t burn myself at all.
I love doing starch appliqué. And then I use a bit of Roxanne glue to hold them in place and hand stitch to the background. I enjoy having hand work while I watch tv in the evening. I use a small Steamfast iron and don’t burn myself at all.
I love doing starch appliqué. And then I use a bit of Roxanne glue to hold them in place and hand stitch to the background. I enjoy having hand work while I watch tv in the evening. I use a small Steamfast iron and don’t burn myself at all.
After years of doing hand applique, I did my first machine applique. I did the fusible backing but I used my machine’s blind hem. It worked very well and is what I will continue to use.
After years of doing hand applique, I did my first machine applique. I did the fusible backing but I used my machine’s blind hem. It worked very well and is what I will continue to use.
After years of doing hand applique, I did my first machine applique. I did the fusible backing but I used my machine’s blind hem. It worked very well and is what I will continue to use.
Your not-so-successful projects are as informative to me as the ones that turn out as you want them. I do fusible appliqué & thoroughly enjoy the process. Turned, not so much. Thank you for being willing to share whether it’s picture perfect or tossed out!
Your not-so-successful projects are as informative to me as the ones that turn out as you want them. I do fusible appliqué & thoroughly enjoy the process. Turned, not so much. Thank you for being willing to share whether it’s picture perfect or tossed out!
Your not-so-successful projects are as informative to me as the ones that turn out as you want them. I do fusible appliqué & thoroughly enjoy the process. Turned, not so much. Thank you for being willing to share whether it’s picture perfect or tossed out!
I am a freezer paper gal. The prep work is a lot but I love the hand stitching. You do have to be careful with the iron. I just bought some position and press silicone tools from Gypsy Quilter to try out, so as to not to get my fingers close to the iron. With fusible applique I am not good with my stitches and admire the work of those who are.
I am a freezer paper gal. The prep work is a lot but I love the hand stitching. You do have to be careful with the iron. I just bought some position and press silicone tools from Gypsy Quilter to try out, so as to not to get my fingers close to the iron. With fusible applique I am not good with my stitches and admire the work of those who are.
I am a freezer paper gal. The prep work is a lot but I love the hand stitching. You do have to be careful with the iron. I just bought some position and press silicone tools from Gypsy Quilter to try out, so as to not to get my fingers close to the iron. With fusible applique I am not good with my stitches and admire the work of those who are.
I love the starch method. I found that I too was burning fingers until I started using a mini iron and a stiletto to turn under the tiny points. I use the tiny clover iron, not a mini iron but just the one with the little hot tip. Also, a game changer for me is the Clover Fabric Folding Pen. You fill the pen up with starch and use that around your edges instead of the paint brush. Your block looks great!
I love the starch method. I found that I too was burning fingers until I started using a mini iron and a stiletto to turn under the tiny points. I use the tiny clover iron, not a mini iron but just the one with the little hot tip. Also, a game changer for me is the Clover Fabric Folding Pen. You fill the pen up with starch and use that around your edges instead of the paint brush. Your block looks great!
I love the starch method. I found that I too was burning fingers until I started using a mini iron and a stiletto to turn under the tiny points. I use the tiny clover iron, not a mini iron but just the one with the little hot tip. Also, a game changer for me is the Clover Fabric Folding Pen. You fill the pen up with starch and use that around your edges instead of the paint brush. Your block looks great!
Shoot! I wish I lived closer to you so I could help you out. I used to do a ton of needle turn applique. For some reason, I’ve lost my finesse to do it well. I’ve become a “get it done best way” quilter now. So, starch is the way I do applique now, but only “chunky” pieces. It’s too difficult, for me, to do tiny pieces anymore :(. Just have fun!
Shoot! I wish I lived closer to you so I could help you out. I used to do a ton of needle turn applique. For some reason, I’ve lost my finesse to do it well. I’ve become a “get it done best way” quilter now. So, starch is the way I do applique now, but only “chunky” pieces. It’s too difficult, for me, to do tiny pieces anymore :(. Just have fun!
Shoot! I wish I lived closer to you so I could help you out. I used to do a ton of needle turn applique. For some reason, I’ve lost my finesse to do it well. I’ve become a “get it done best way” quilter now. So, starch is the way I do applique now, but only “chunky” pieces. It’s too difficult, for me, to do tiny pieces anymore :(. Just have fun!
Fusible is the only thing I can do. I use a small zigzag and go around all the edges with Fray Check. I just got an invisible thread I like so things are much easier now.
If someone would fold them over for me ,I would gladly do the hand sewing. Kim Diehl makes it all look so simple too
Fusible is the only thing I can do. I use a small zigzag and go around all the edges with Fray Check. I just got an invisible thread I like so things are much easier now.
If someone would fold them over for me ,I would gladly do the hand sewing. Kim Diehl makes it all look so simple too
Fusible is the only thing I can do. I use a small zigzag and go around all the edges with Fray Check. I just got an invisible thread I like so things are much easier now.
If someone would fold them over for me ,I would gladly do the hand sewing. Kim Diehl makes it all look so simple too
I love appliqué but tired of needle turn and fraying on some parts. I tried the paint brush starch method and I didn’t like the prepping work but the hand stitching prepped pieces was so easy 😻.
I love appliqué but tired of needle turn and fraying on some parts. I tried the paint brush starch method and I didn’t like the prepping work but the hand stitching prepped pieces was so easy 😻.
I love appliqué but tired of needle turn and fraying on some parts. I tried the paint brush starch method and I didn’t like the prepping work but the hand stitching prepped pieces was so easy 😻.
I’m a fuser, too, if you’re keeping count . . .
I’m a fuser, too, if you’re keeping count . . .
I’m a fuser, too, if you’re keeping count . . .
I use the Ricky Tims paper and a glue stick. I agree about the starch and burnt fingers!!! The papers dissolve with a wash!
I use the Ricky Tims paper and a glue stick. I agree about the starch and burnt fingers!!! The papers dissolve with a wash!
I use the Ricky Tims paper and a glue stick. I agree about the starch and burnt fingers!!! The papers dissolve with a wash!