For lack of a better term, I do a "front basting" technique on my Lollys. I learned this technique about a year ago and I am completely won over. No more freezer paper, no more toothpicks, no more glue. And best of all, NO PINS.
Draw the sewing line on the top of the fabric. Cut out the shape about 1/8- 1/4 beyond the line. Hand or machine baste ON THE LINE to the background. As you needleturn, remove a few basting stitches.
This techinque works well for fussy cutting which is a huge advantage over back basting.
Love this technique! It really comes in handy, especially for applique on the go and around kids & pets so you aren't concerned with pins.
ReplyDeleteI learned this online as "back-basting" even though it's done on the front...not sure why it was called that.
OMG! That is wonderful, I have been a big fan of back basting, with the exception of tracing it, then the patio door doesn't do well with black-this is ingenious!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
I've never seen this technique before. So interesting to see all the different ways people accomplish the same thing! How do you get the pieces in the right spot--with a light table?
ReplyDeleteBecause the pattern paper is somewhat translucent and thin, I pin the pattern to the background in a couple of spots and then can see well enough to postion the pieces under the paper.
ReplyDeleteThe Lollys are mirror image so I only do this on one side and then for the other side, I fold the fabric down the center of the tree, wrong sides together. With the finished appliques face down on the table, I can feel their postion and place the unsewn ones over the sewn ones.
I am a big fan of back-basting, but maybe next time I'll give this a try. This is definitely a better technique for dark backgrounds! Thanks for sharing :)
ReplyDeleteThis technique looks fabulous, I am definitely going to try it for my next block on the flowerpots . A big thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteHmmmm, this looks really interesting. I'm going to have to try it. Thank you for showing this method!!
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Thanks Liza for sharing this one. I had never heard of back basting, or front basting, all new to me. I do confess to using pins! Wonderful to be able to learn new things here.
ReplyDeleteGreat method Liza! I'll have to try this. Kim
ReplyDeletei could never use do back basting or overlays.. but I COULD try this as I can place how I like... I'm going to try it on something... soon.... not sure when soon IS...but I'm going to give it a go!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this hand appliqué method, Liza! I've seen it on youtube and was quite convinced;)
ReplyDeleteI love seeing how others work.
ReplyDeletegreat tip Liza I have seen this done before with great results
Kathie
Neat-o, Liza. Thanks for sharing this technique. It IS interesting and quite amazing to SEE how others work!
ReplyDeleteOne more thing about this technique, the needleturning is very very easy because the applique has a "memory" of where it had been basted. When the needles sweeps under to turn, it just naturally turns on the previously basted line. I cant encourage you all enough to give this method a try. I switched to doing this about a year ago and cant even consider going back to my old ways.
ReplyDeleteLiza - you front baste your applique pieces on the sewing machine? Hmm, I am quite intrigued by this process...
ReplyDeleteHi Pam
ReplyDeleteI do on the Lollys. The pieces are so big, that it is very easy. Hand basting would be simple, too.
This is new to me too...must give it a go..Thanks for sharing..
ReplyDeletecheers
Liza, tried it! Got the machine out and stitch on the sewing line, then baste on the background. ( Can't use pins)
ReplyDeleteI cut away the excess fabric as I'm appliqueing.
IT WORKS GREAT!! Love your Salsa Quilt in the new Kaffe book. Cheers, Kim McL
Hi Kim
ReplyDeleteNot sure what you did by your description. I draw the line on the applique, cut it out, pin it to the background and then machine baste it to the background. Sounds like you did something else?
I'm going to have a little practice at this one. I think it would be good to baste that sewing line and piece directly onto the background then the bits would be attached. Maybe even free motion it so I don't have to turn the work around.
ReplyDeleteYes Liza - heh heh heh - silly me!
ReplyDeleteI machine around the shapes then I baste the shape to the background by hand then applique where the machine stitches are then pull out the machine stitch!
You know what - I've added an extra step to what I normally do - BUT it is easier / faster to applique.
I'm having a blonde moment - as they say!!! Cheers, Kim
Got it!
ReplyDelete