Back Basting Applique Tutorial

Today I am going to share an applique technique that I learned about 5 years ago. I don't know who invented this technique so if any one knows who did let me know so that I can give that person credit. Here is the finished block. I am going to show you how I did the ribbon. There are some pictures that are blurry and I apologize.
The first thing to do is trace the entire pattern on the wrong side of the fabric. I use a mechanical pencil. Use a marker that will not show through on the front side.
I then measure the original design and cut the fabric that size to be placed on the block.
You can see here that I cut a rectangle piece of fabric. Hold the block up to the light to make sure the fabric covers your drawn design.
Next you will use a thick thread like quilting thread that contrasts with the applique fabric and a large needle and sew a small running stitch to baste the applique fabric and background fabric together exactly on the drawn line. The basting keeps the fabric in place and the large needle and thick thread perforate the stitching line, making it easy to turn under the seam allowance exactly on the line. In the photo you can see three colors of thread.
Usually black or white is fine but neither worked for this purple fabric so I use the blue thread. Sorry it is hard to see.
A very important step that I was taught was to spray the front of the fabric with Magic Sizing and iron it. This makes the perforation set into the fabric better.
After ironing the fabric you will begin to trim your fabric a scant 1/4". Clip the inside curves. Next you will clip a few of the threads and begin using traditional needle turn applique. Use an applique needle and a fine thread that matches the applique fabric. You will continue to clip the threads and needle turn the fabric. If you try this technique you will be able to see the tiny perforations which will disappear as you work with the block. Those perforations are what makes the fabric turn easily and you will see them on the background fabric which will also be a guideline too.

Here is the back of the block and you can see the pencil line that I followed pretty closely. I don't look at the back while I am stitching but because of the perforations you end stitching very closely on the pencil mark on the back of the fabric.
The ribbon all done.
I used the Perfect Circle maker to make the circles that are sewn to the center of the bows.

Here are all the blocks finished so far. These blocks came Linen Closet Quilts where Dawn is offering a free BOM. You can still get these blocks on her blog. I am all caught up now.
Sentimental Stitches and Kay at All About Applique also show you how to do the back basting technique. Their pictures are much better than mine so check them out too if you think you might want to try this technique.

I really like this technique when you don't have to worry about the design being reversed. I have taught this in my classes and several of the students use this technique all the time. If you are new to my blog you can check out my other tutorials on my sidebar if you have questions about some techniques. I hope you will try this technique. It really is fun.

With Passion,

Carrie P.

And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at His birth. Luke 1:14