Hip, hip hooray – it’s applique day!!
Now that we have our table runners all quilted, it’s
time to prepare our applique shapes so that we can
try out our new couching skills!! First thing we need
to do is trace the leaf shape below onto the paper
side of your fusible web three times. Leave about
½" between each of the shapes.
Trimming and ironing your applique shapes
Cut apart your three fusible web leaf shapes (leaving
about ¼" around the shape) and iron them to the back of
the three fabrics you chose for your leaves.
Wonder under shape ironed to back of leaf fabric
Once the shapes are cool, cut out the shapes along the
drawn lines and peel off the paper backing.
Arrange and stitch
Lay your fabric leaf shapes onto your quilted table runner
and move them around until you like the arrangement.
Iron them in place, following the fusible web’s manufacturer’s directions.
Cutting the applique shapes
Placing the applique shapes on the quilt top
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Getting ready to stitch
Now that your shapes are secured, you need to decide
which threads you‘ll use to stitch them down. Instead of
using a blanket stitch on the edges, we’re going to couch
some Dazzle threads along each raw edge to secure
and embellish the leaf applique. For my first green leaf
I decided to do two threads of green Dazzle couched
with the black and white variegated Mirage thread. I’ve
still got the Deco-Bob in the bobbin. I tied the two green
threads together with a knot and then laid them along
the edge of the leaf. Like with the stitch-outs, I held all
of the thread ends (Mirage, Dazzle and Deco-Bob) in my
left hand while I used a short straight stitch to secure the
beginning of my stitching. Now we’re going to zigzag
over the Dazzle thread along the edge of the applique
until we get to a point.
Let’s get right to the point
If your machine has a needle down position, make sure
that you are using it. When you get to the tip of the leaf,
put your needle down on the edge of the appliqué
shape, raise your foot and turn your table runner around
on the bed of the machine. Have the Dazzle thread go
around the BACK of the needle and put your foot back
down again. Start stitching and the point of your appliqué shape should still look nice and sharp. Do this on
all of the points of the leaf.
Photos by Christine Baker
.com
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winter 2014/2015