Saturday, March 31, 2012

Two of My Favorite Tools







A lot of my patterns feature applique. I like the quickness of fusible web but I find that it is not that durable for pieces that are going to be used and washed repeatedly. I failed at needle turn so I now do all my hand applique using a freezer paper template on top. The fabric is cut out 1/8" to 1/4" larger than the paper template and snipped in the curves to allow the fabric to be folded to the back of the applique piece along the edge of the paper template.
My first favorite tool is Roxanne's Glue-Baste-It which I use along the outer edge on the wrong side of the applique shape.
I then use my second favorite tool, my Clover Awl, to turn the overhanging fabric edge to the back. For me this is a quick way to prepare applique shapes which I then sew down to the background with a slip-stitch.
Try it...you just might like it!