As I talked about yesterday, the prep work that goes into an applique project is vital for keeping the project moving. Below is a photo of the fun tools I have been using for making my circles for applique.
In the photo are two sets of the Applipops for the size of circle I am making. One set is on the keeper ring, and one set is still on the fabric circle. I am glad that I bought the larger "pro" set because I can make one while the other is cooling after it has been pressed with the iron. The set was a little pricey, but the circles made are very, very nice. I'm still practicing.
The other metal notion is a trolley needle. I use it to push down starched fabric edges on the back so that I do not have to touch the iron. The metal rings get a little warm. I never heard of a trolley needle until I started watching applique videos. It works like a stiletto on your finger. I have a feeling I will eventually use it while chain piecing certain blocks for another project where I usually use my stitch ripper to push down fabric seams that meet.
I have my starch and water 50/50 mixture using Sta-Flo concentrated starch. The paint brush used to apply the starch (and the trolley needle) fit perfectly in the pen cap taped to the plastic vitamin bottle of the starch mixture for safe keeping.
The little plastic box is from a deck of flash cards repurposed to keep the fabric circles flat after they are made.
Of course my iron is a big part of it. I love the wool pressing mat that I purchased during Covid.
All of my blue sets of circles are now ready for nightly sewing in my chair for watching tv. I'll be using these for my Dicey quilt blocks.
The set does not have as many size options as Perfect Circles by Karen Kay Buckley. It loooks like her set has many more size options. I believe her method requires basting. The Applipop method does not require basting. I know many of my bloggy friends that do circles use the Perfect Circles method.
6 comments:
I have the perfect circles but I don't baste my circles. I iron a freezer paper circle onto the backside of the fabric then cut out the circles leaving approx 1/4" fabric on the outside. It doesn't have to be a perfect 1/4". Then I finger press the 'fold under' over the freezer paper. I usually lick my finger to make the press stronger. Some people use an iron to press but that can be too fiddly and the press isn't always as smooth. You do what works for you, that's the important thing. Happy stitching!
Yes, Applipops are easier to use than the Perfect Circles. Tip for the PC...I very lightly spray quilt basting spray on the side of the circle that lays on the fabric, it helps hold the circle to the fabric, no basting stitches needed. You may need something pointy to help hold the fabric towards the middle on the back. The spray is water soluble and washes off the templates with warm soapy water.
I forgot to mention, if the glue gets linty and the template doesn't want to stick to your fabric, spray a little water on the linty glue, lay it on your fabric, press it quickly with the iron, just enough to heat up the template and glue.
I've only ever used the Perfect circles--but these look like a nice alternate method to try. Your circles look just lovely .... thanks for sharing the info...
Hugs, Julierose
Thanks Kathy for sharing this information!
You are going to be a pro making and pressing circles with as many as you will be making!
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