Here’s just a peek of three new doll quilts I’m working on — a feedsack dahlia, a scottie and a butterfly.
The butterfly and dahlia blocks are traditional applique using the baste-pin-stitch method (although needle turn would also work). For the scottie quilt, I’m using a technique I developed for the Charley Harper Water Drop Quilt. First I trace the finished size template on the wrong side of the fabric, then I paint a tiny bit of permanent fabric glue on the penciled cutting line. The function of the glue is merely to prevent the edges of the piece from fraying. After the glue dries, I cut out, press, and hand stitch the piece to the fabric with embroidery floss using a blanket or buttonhole stitch (no turning under required). These stitches work well with the process because the glue is only on the very edge of the fabric and it doesn’t interfere with the hand stitching. The glue technique maintains the intricate outline of the shape, but the piece itself remains soft and flexible. I don’t like using fusible web in my quilts because of the stiffness factor, and it’s hard to push a needle through.
With your applique method, are you turning under the raw edge, or cutting along your pencil line and then doing the buttonhole stitch? All three are wonderful Martha!
All three are goimg to be absolutely adorable! 🙂
I get so excited when I see a piece of fabric that I have, too (the pink with the blue flowers and white flowers and rings of dots in the petal applique) – love that feedsack!
Oh how cute! I’m very intrigued by your glue method, Martha. Does the glue wash out? I use fusible, but usually use a donut method, where you cut away all but the outer edge of the fusible.
Such sweet blocks!
I’m with you on the fusible. It just isn’t a real quilt with it. I love your methods. Everything turned out so beautiful. And to think when I started quilting I thought I would never enjoy applique!
So the purpose of the glue is to keep the edge from fraying? And you are not turning under the edge, but using the buttonhole stitch to attach the applique?
Beautiful blocks! Could you share how you made your petals with the traditional method. I have the same Dahlia pattern, but not sure how to get such a smooth curved shape with the template. Thanks so much! Heather