Layout for Applique

Layout for Applique

Candy handquilting

I've never really been taught how to do proper applique
and have just attended the school of "trial and error".

Often my quilts have vine, leaf and flower applique.

When laying out a section for applique, trace the pattern onto paper.
Use a light box and attach the pattern to it with removable tape.

(This is a special tape with the "tackyness" of a post-it note and can easily be removed.
I find it at office supply stores.)

Place the background fabric on the light box.
Begin with the vine fabric cut on the bias and folded into thirds to hide the raw edges.
Secure the vine to the background fabric with scotch tape and manipulate the fabric
around curves using tape at regular intervals as needed to keep the vine flat.

Continue placing leaves over the areas determined by the paper pattern.
Use a piece of tape to hold them in place.

In a border, I usually work with just the vine for the entire length of one side,
applique it down, then bring it back to the light box for placement of the leaves.

Using the tape to hold pieces in place is only temporary.
Baste with pins or thread after taking the fabric off the light box.
It's much easier than trying to baste while using the light box
as your needle or pins tend to stick into the paper pattern.
Also, the background distorts easily as you baste.

Remove the tape after completing the basting if you're not going to applique right away.

I sometimes leave the tape in place and remove it when needed if I can get the section done in a day or so.

To remove the tape and avoid frayed edges, slip the point of your scissors under the tape
in the center of your applique piece and cut the tape in two.

Peel the tape off from the center outward.

Also, if I listened to my own advice, I would remember to cut the background fabric larger
than the finished block and trim to size after the applique is complete.

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