I am not happy with this block for obvious reasons. I think I will make it again.
While I’m familiar with applique -this is an applique quilt I made a few years ago-, this block is was beyond my ability I thought.
Susan rates this block as medium difficulty. My rating is HARD with capital letters. Not only the pieces are tiny but they’re arranged in a perfect circle!
At the end of the post I have added some applique advice.
How to make this block
Cut the base. It is recommended that you cut the square a bit larger than the finished size. You will trim at the end.
Find the middle by folding the square twice.
Pin in the middle.
Now, what I did was to cut the paper pattern without the seam allowance and used it to draw the shape on the white fabric.
I used a water soluble marker.
Place the wedges in a round and mark on each side using a compass.
And then trace a full circle.
Using a ruler make 4 marks on the circle. The marks are where the ends of the wedges go.
Now, making sure that edges are aligned start the applique… and do a better job than I did!
Tips on doing the appliqué
Where to get the Jane A. Stickle Quilt patterns
Susan Gatewood’s paper foundation . All patterns are free though Susan says “I only ask that you consider making a donation to the Bennington Museum, in Bennington, Vermont. And if you do, it would make me tremendously happy if you would tell them that you have received help from me.” I totally recommend Susan’s patterns as they are very easy to use.
Narrow points are notoriously difficult! And yours are curved too, which makes it harder still….
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hand applique is my Waterloo– hoping to increase my skill this year– I’d LOVE to be able to do it. Thanks for the tips.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I avoid every type of applique except raw edge on the machine. I think your block looks great. This quilt is on my list for someday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’m hoping to improve with this quilt too!
LikeLike
I’m hoping that by the end of this trip I’ll be able to manage applique a lot better. Or that’s the idea!
LikeLike
I struggled with this one as well! I tried the basting on the back method, but it didn’t work for me… I find applique is really personal as to which technique works. I have a lot of success with reverse applique, but struggle with needleturn for example.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It took me three goes before I made a sort of ok block. Still not great but far better than the 2 first tries 😂😂😂
LikeLike
😅 oh dear. This one’s a beast. I ever redo my Dear Jane blocks, because I want to see my progress in the finished pieces, but this one certainly isn’t pretty in mine 😂. I think the perfect circle is the problem
LikeLiked by 1 person
I had lots of problems with it. The third attempt was a lot better.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can see that practice this one would help!
LikeLiked by 1 person