Turned Edge Applique - A Tutorial

As I've been doing a lot of hand applique lately, I thought perhaps a tutorial on how I was preparing my appliques might be in order. 

This tutorial explains how take the shape that you are planning to applique and create a turned edge with your machine as opposed to ironing the edge with starch or needle turn applique.  This method will give you a clean edge, something that won't fray or add bulk.

Ready?  Let's begin.

You will need your shape to be appliqued, a lightweight interfacing or stabilizer, sewing machine, thread, and iron.

 This is the shape I will be using to demonstrate the technique - one of my extra diamond shapes from pattern testing.

 For my interfacing I am using Pellon Soft-N-Stay.  It is very thin/lightweight so that if I choose not to cut it away later, its not a big deal.  Note that on the instructions, this particular product should not come into direct contact with an iron.

 First you will need to cut a piece of the stabilizer the size of your applique piece.  It doesn't need to be perfect.  Pin it in place - on top of the right side of the applique.

 Sew all the way around your applique piece, 1/4" from the edge of the applique piece.  This method is great because you can see through the stabilizer, so corners can be exact and you will be sure not to cut off any points.

 Trim up the stabilizer and cut off points.  If you had curves, you would want to clip them for easier turning.

 In the center of the stabilizer, cut a slit.  It doesn't need to be small - no one will see it and you want to make turning easy.  You don't want to cut it all the way to the stitching, either.

 Turn your piece right side out - I like chop sticks to help with points.

 Press your piece - from the right side!

 Lay your applique piece onto the back ground fabric where you want it.  Pin in place.  If you are going to use your sewing machine to secure the applique, keep the pins on the front.

 However, if you are planning to hand applique, a really neat trick that I learned is to pin from the back.  This will keep your thread from constantly catching on your pins as you sew.

 All pinned and ready to go. 

 Here is a shot of what I've been appliqueing lately.  3 diamonds done, 5 to go.