yankiequilter Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 For the first time I am quilting applique. My questions is how close should the outline stitching be in relation to the applique? Is it OK for the stitching to show or does it need to be next to the applique so that it does not show? Thanks for your help! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Busy Quilting Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Depends on what the customer is paying for and the purpose of the quilt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted April 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 It is my quilt and I want it to be the best possible. This first applique quilt is practice for one that I intend to enter in a show so would like to know what the judges are looking for. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted April 19, 2015 Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 In an ideal world, just like your applique stitch, the outlining stitching should be invisible. It's hard to get right up against the applique---sometimes the applique has several layers with some bulk to it and stitching up against it is difficult. And be careful because your hopping foot (half on the applique and half on the background) will beat up the applique a bit, sometimes leaving shadows or crush marks. Use the thinnest matching thread you can find, or invisible. You all know I'm a big fan of invisible thread. Go slow with a template in your hand to steady the stitching. I have a small arc template that fits my hand and I use the side that matches the curve--inside curve or outside curve--when going around curves. And a straight one for stems and flatter curves Background fills should be in a matching thread color unless your goal is to do elaborate micro-fills, which can be stitched with metallics or you can go one shade darker if you dare. I've also stitched the background fill first before the outlining, to push any fullness under the applique. Start out a ways and work your way in to the applique. Then if you're using the same thread, stitch around the applique. This ends up looking great. Don't be afraid to stitch on the applique as well. You'll be able to tell which elements need some stitching. Have fun and learn a lot---and you'll be ready for that show quilt! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted April 19, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 19, 2015 Thank you, Linda! I am using invisible thread and a template to help guide the hopping foot. I did not consider that the foot would beat up the applique and I probably have a bad combination with batiks along with 80/20 on the bottom and polydown on top of it to give the applique loft after the background is stitched. So far the fabric does not show wear. I would not go so far as to call this fun, but at least I am not hating it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CindyT Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 I've also seen in "show" quilts where the outline stitch is 1/4" away from the edge of the applique and it gives it a totally different appearance. Like everything else, the more you do it the easier it gets. The only one I've found that I didn't care for was stitching right next to wool applique that had blanket stitches with thick thread. I look forward to seeing your "practice" piece! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bonnie in Ok Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Question for Linda. Where did you get that small of an arc ruler? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Question for Linda. Where did you get that small of an arc ruler? Hi Bonnie. Dennis makes a set of curved crosshatching arcs. Here's a link to a photo. The smallest one on the right is what I use for outlining applique. It's about 4 inches long and easy to hold. I use them all the time for marking spines and big CCs. The set is $39 which includes shipping in the US except Alaska & Hawaii. Email Den if you're interested. dennisrech@comcast.net He's working on your crosshatching rulers today. https://www.flickr.com/photos/larech/17211691271/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yankiequilter Posted April 20, 2015 Author Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Linda, I sent a message to Dennis asking if he can send a set of the arcs with you to Paducah. If not too much trouble, I would love to buy a set! Makes me want to try new and exciting things in my quilting. I will see you at the Pizza Inn Thursday evening, if not before. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ffq-lar Posted April 20, 2015 Report Share Posted April 20, 2015 Oops---we're leaving for the airport in less than two hours! I think I have an extra set and I'll bring it with me. See you soon! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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