I have been doing some kind of needlework as long back as I can remember. My mom started my sister and I embroidering on dish towels when we were about 5 or 6. Later we learned to knit and crochet. In high school, I learned to sew a garment in home economics.
All that practice, has helped me master the applique stitch. This week, I used the applique stitch to stitch my circles to my zig-zag borders. Applique is a scary word for some quilters. I started thinking this morning when did I first learn the stitch. After thinking about it, I realized I learned it during my garment making years. It was the stitch I was taught to use when hemming. Quilters also use it to hand stitch down bindings. So much better than a whip stitch, as it's basically a whip stitch in reverse. The trick is to make the stitch correctly so that no thread shows.
I really like the whimsy that my little circles are adding to the quilt. As the weather is starting to cool a bit here I think I will try sitting out today, as I start to add the borders to the body of my quilt. It has me thinking about how to attach the binding. I want this to be a hand-stitched quilt, so I guess I will hand stitch it on. I have never hand stitched a binding on................................this is what keeps quilting so interesting. Do you or have you hand-stitched a binding on your quilt?
All that practice, has helped me master the applique stitch. This week, I used the applique stitch to stitch my circles to my zig-zag borders. Applique is a scary word for some quilters. I started thinking this morning when did I first learn the stitch. After thinking about it, I realized I learned it during my garment making years. It was the stitch I was taught to use when hemming. Quilters also use it to hand stitch down bindings. So much better than a whip stitch, as it's basically a whip stitch in reverse. The trick is to make the stitch correctly so that no thread shows.
Very pretty circles--they really add that "je ne sais quoi" touch to them--very nice--I've hand stitched a turned over binding on the back of a quilt after machine stitching my double fold onto the front..--but not from the beginning..Will be interested to see how this turns (lol) out--will you use a running stitch? hugs, Julierose
ReplyDeleteWell, I completed hand stitching the border to the quilt and I was amazed how quickly it went. I guess I will stew over how to attach the binding as I hand quilt this one. Most are saying do it by machine and thinking about all the layers I probably should heed the advice.
DeleteLove the circles. Would love to hear the adventures of a completely hand pieced quilt.
ReplyDeleteWell, I will be thinking about the three layers I would have to stitch thru to add the binding by hand. All have responded they do it by machine. Is that cheating can you still say hand made. LOL
DeleteEven if I do the entire rest of the quilt by hand, I machine sew the binding, then hand stitch to the back. I like the sturdy edge that machine sewing the binding gives.
ReplyDeleteYeah that's a lot of layers to go thru and I probably will take everyone's advice and machine stitch it on, most likely on my treadle.
DeleteYour circles really add to the quilt....love them!
ReplyDeleteThanks yes I agree they really add some whimsy!
DeleteI just love your appliqued circles on the borders of this quilt... can't wait to see it all done and see how you quilt it :) I have hand quilted completely the binding on a table topper and found it quite hard to go through all the layers so now I machine sew on the front and wrap to the back and hand stitch down all my bindings as they seem to be more sturdy that way. Happy stitching today ! Kathi
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your adventure. Yes three layers of fabric would be tough on the hands. I'm pretty sure I am going to opt for using the treadle.
DeleteI love the whimsy that those circles add. I have never hand-stitched the whole binding on. I look forward to seeing how you decide to do so. I started stitching when I was about 12 and have never stopped.
ReplyDeleteWell, I think I will heed everyone's advice and use my treadle to stitch on the binding. After all they had machines way back when. LOL It's not good to strain our joints like that and mine have done a lot of work over the years so I probably should use my treadle.
DeleteI loved reading your thoughts on stitching and qppliqueing. I too, at the moment, am hand stitching a quilt with applique flowers all over it and then will hand quilt. So finding your lovely place is a delight. I look forward to seeing your beautiful quilt finished. You have worked miracles on those circles....fabulous job!
ReplyDeleteThanks! I love that quilting allows you to think about what your doing and block everything else out. So many ways to do things and the more I quilt it seems the more I turn to hand work.
DeleteI have never hand stitched an entire quilt. I started a sampler (all hand stitched) when I was in my 20’s but never finished it. Love your circles,
ReplyDeleteIt's a much easier task than I thought. Maybe I have more patience now that I am older. It is nice to stitch and know that your point will be spot on and that your machine didn't cross the line. LOL I am looking forward to hand quilting a hand pieced quilt.
DeleteYour circles are charming and add a great playful detail.
ReplyDeleteCan't say I've added a binding by hand .
Sounds like everyone's else advice. Since I like to do double layer binding I think my machine will do the final step.
DeleteYes, applique is kind of a scary word to me! I'm mostly self taught except for a little tutoring by my paternal grandmother when we stayed with her a few weeks in the summer.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure if I had stitched a binding on it would be totally crooked. Good luck to you.
Love the quilt!
The Christmas gift I remember most as a child was some dish towels with stamped embroidery, floss, hoop, etc. My first experience with embroidery and part of my journey into sewing.
ReplyDelete