Friday 10 June 2016

Machine needleturn applique

Last week I started a new class at Nancy's Stitch Studio.  Fyvie Murray is teaching us how to do machine needleturn applique.  We are making a design inspired by the Russian lacquer boxes from Mstera.

Photos from the class sample made by Fyvie Murray

Fyvie kindly provided us with a template to trace from, so we didn't need to design our own pattern.

First we made the stems and learnt the techniques involved in securing the fabric to the background with tiny machine stitches in monofilament (invisible) thread.

Update: We are using a vari overlocker of blind hem stitch (number 3 on my Bernina) and have reduced the stitch length and width right down to 1.5 each. It takes 3 straight stitches and then jumps across to catch the stem.  It's very hard to photograph monofilament thread!


thread options

I stopped at Spotlight on the way home and bought these special applique scissors.  I was scared I would cut a hole in my backgroud fabric as I was trimming away the excess fabric.
 


In the second lesson we started to make the leaves.  We are using water soluble applique paper to trace the leaf shapes.  Apparently it will dissolve with water later on. Batik fabrics are very good for this type of work.  They have natural shading and variations within them - just like real leaves do.



Fyvie's finished leaves

We are to have all the leaves attached before our next lesson, and the berries too.  You can see how small the berries are in this photo.  They don't use applique paper, but 50 cent coins make perfect templates to starch over.



I'm really enjoying trying something new.

14 comments:

margaret said...

you have taken to this technique like a duck to water, very impressed, I want to learn needle turned hand applique but to do it on the machine must be so much harder, enjoying watching your progress on instagram too

Annemieke said...

I can see you are having fun. I just discovered invisifil thread from Wonderfil. It works very nice too. Very nice pictures!
Groetjes
Annemieke

Annemieke said...

I can see you are having fun. I just discovered invisifil thread from Wonderfil. It works very nice too. Very nice pictures!
Groetjes
Annemieke

Oops-Lah said...

It's always good to try a new technique. And what a beautiful design you are working with. Can't wait to see how you like to work with filament thread.

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

what kind of machine stitch is that around each shape. I have thought of trying to learn how to do machine applique for something different but no where around here for lessons - one has to do it on computer classes or travel which I am not doing for that.

Raewyn said...

Looks like a great class Wendy... and so much quicker than doing all that stitching by hand!!

Turid said...

Wow, this is beautiful. I've never tried needleturn. Have to, one day.

Julie said...

Looks as though that is a great class. Batiks are also great because they don't really fray, which I guess is a plus with applique. Have a great weekend.

Rochelle aka Bella Quilts said...

I would never though of the water soluble paper to use for the applique. Great idea. I enjoy seeing your progress.

Pam said...

This is a very exciting post. I am an appliquer. I use the freezer paper and starch method which works very well. However, I am very impressed with what you have done. The stitching is perfect. I agree with one of your other commentators wanting to know what stitch you used on your machine.

also two other things:
1- what brand and weight of soluable paper did you use?
2- show us the finished block-I bet it is fabulous.
You did good!

Jenny said...

Your new project looks beautiful - but much too fiddly for me with my fat fingers! Your teacher does wonderful work - I have seen her quilts at many a quilt show over the years.

Lyndle said...

Hi Wendy, I'm doing the same class but in the evening! To the person who asked what stitch we used, Fyvie recommended a machine overlock stitch, or if you don't have that, a blind stitch. But experiment. Use normal thread in the bobbin and the monofil in the needle. It's my first quilt. Lots of fun!

Unknown said...
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Granny Maud's Girl said...

Do not try an Australian 50 cent coin for the berries - you would end up with very oddly shaped berries. Is the shading painted on?
I did a similar class with Mariya Waters a couple of years back. We also used monofilament but with a zigzag stitch. The thread is so fine that you can barely see it no matter what you do. Otherwise, the basic process looks the same.