Needle turn notes..

I am working away at my Needle turn appliqué tulips..as you all know.... by the ongoing posts of my gradual progress.  I am learning and getting better, but thought I would share a few tips that I have learned along the way.

First...I am not an expert! So take anything I say with a that in mind! But I did learn a lot on line from other bloggers.
This is a really great post about Needle Turn Appliqué..over at Cabbage Quilts.

I have to admit, I thought I was "cheating" by finger pressing the pieces first! But Cathy assures me I am still "legal" LOL
Finger pressing the edges makes it so much easier to fold under the edge with the needle.

Next...learning to tie a "quilters knot" made a huge difference. Who knew??  It is larger, and doesn't pull through. There is a great instruction post here..so I won't repeat the directions.

When I started, I would hide the knot in the fold of the appliqué piece..

But I found that sometimes it would pull through, probably because it is usually at the raw edge of the material. So I find that it is better to come through from the underside, going through the background fabric as well as the appliqué piece..

I like to hold the work on my lap, as I usually do this when I am watching TV, but found that I had some trouble keeping it level, and not poking my finger. So I started using the plastic template sheet under to stabilize the work, and find that works great. This is just a plastic loose leaf divider page.

I work from right to left (I am right handed) and take small stitches, trying to just catch the edge. Remember that you don't need to stitch any parts, like the ends of the stems, that will be covered by another appliqué piece...

I am still having some trouble with the points! They seem a bit bulky and difficult to tuck under.
First, cut off the end of the point..

I stitch to the point...

add a stitch at the very end of the point..

Then turn the corner and tuck under the other edge..

It works, but sometimes looks and feels a little thick and bulky..

So...there are a few of my tips. Hope this helps any of you that are trying out needle turn. And you should...it is fun, and relaxing!!

Linking up now to the Needle and Thread Network...

and Freshly Pieced WIP..