Tutorial Tuesday – Machine Applique – Part One and Day two of Easter Mini Quilt Along

So today’s post begins with some big fat excuses. First of all, I have a cold in my sinus area, that is making it a constant challenge to remain vertical. Second of all, my two oldest darling daughters are away on a school trip. That means that 98% of the chores in the house need to be reassigned. (Dear daughters, Mommy misses and appreciates you so much more than you will ever know!!) So now that is out of the way, I should tell you I did not get nearly as much done as I wanted to last night. But not to fear, I still have part one of the machine applique tutorial ready for you my quilty friends. So let’s get going k? 🙂

These are the letters we will be using for the applique. The letters have to be backwards because we will trace them onto fusible web then attch to the back of the fabrics.

Place the fusible web on top of your letters and trace around the shapes. Leave about half an inch space around each letter.

Cut the letters apart from each other. Leave about quarter inch of paper around the outside of each one.

Set your iron to the silk setting with no steam. While it heats, move the letters around to decide where you wnat them on the fabric. I made mine very flowery and colorful. Remember you are placing the fusible on the BACK of the fabric.

Once you've decided you like the letter orientation, press the fusible, paper side up, onto the fabric. Hold it for about 3-4 seconds then lift iron to see if it has attached. Do not hold the iron on for longer than that. If the glue overheats, it loses effectiveness.

Cut out the letters including the centers where necessary. Leave the paper on the back for now.

Phew! Are you relieved? It's not backwards!

See how flowery and pretty they are? Carry on with this method until you have all the letters for Hoppy Easter.

Some of your scraps will still be usable. Toss them into your tash, or use for more letters.

This is where you can download the words for the Easter mini quilt. There is no need to reverse the letters or resize, they are ready to use. So your homework for today is to print out your letters, and trace them onto the fusible web. Press the letters onto the back of your fabrics, and then cut them all out. If you keep the paper on the back, it will protect the glue until we are ready to put these on the quilt. We still have a couple of applique designs to do, attach borders, and stitch down the applique shapes. Now don’t forget, if you have any questions, be sure to either leave a comment or email me. bradie at quiltcetera dot com.

I’ve also started an Easter Mini Quilt Along flickr group for everyone to add their photos. Be sure to join and share with us!

QuiltersDaily Blog-Along

Have you been blogging along with us? Don’t forget that blogging along can earn you a chance to win $200 in long arm quilting services, so make sure to join in! I will see you all tomorrow for Day 3 of The Easter Mini Quilt Along!

Quilty Hugs,
Bradie