Like so many things in the sewing world, needle-turn appliqué is one of those techniques that seems completely intimidating…until you try it. I’ve been there!
It’s like when you walk into a party and see that hip and interesting person in the middle of the room drinking a cocktail you've never heard of and looking smart. You know if they only got to know you, you'd be great friends...but someone's gotta make that first move.
The pressure! And then, you muster up the guts to finally approach them only to realize they are not intimidating at all, but actually really laid back and kinda quiet and equally into you as you are into them! What a glorious moment!
That’s needle-turn appliqué. I’m willing to bet that even after just reading this blog post, you will feel like needle-turn appliqué is something you can tackle… and I’ll even give you the perfect place to start with a free pattern!
Oh, now you’re interested? Awesome. Let’s start with…
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Needle-Turn Appliqué Tutorial
It takes some time and effort, but I have to say, the needle-turn appliqué technique is pretty nifty. I’m not sure who invented it (someone look this up for me!), but it makes it possible to sew fabric onto fabric without seeing any stitches. Like, really. Prepare to be shocked and amazed.
I’m going to link to a YouTube video that I think demonstrates this technique perfectly, but first, let’s get mentally prepared.
Below I may or may not be pretending that my scissors are a giant flesh-eating pterodactyl systematically destroying a metropolis of thread. Did I mention that needle-turn appliqué can take a while?
Needle-Turn Supplies
- Appliqué Pieces: For this technique, trace the shape of each piece onto your fabric with a water soluble pen, chalk or even a classic lead pencil. Just make sure that you can clearly see your shapes. Then, cut each shape out with about an extra ¼” around the edge of your shape. The exact measurement doesn’t matter, but give yourself enough room for an easy fold-over.
- High-Qual Thread: Check out Part I and Part II on thread for more information on exactly what to use. I suggest trying to match your thread color to the appliqué pieces as best as possible.
- Appliqué Needle: This can vary based on what you're comfortable with. If you're brand new to appliqué, give these Gold'n Glide Appliqué Needles a try. I've used these needles and can confirm that they are muy glide-able.
- Adhesive, of some kind: This is where your personality plays a large part. By nature I'm not a perfectionist. One of my favorite sayings is – "Quick and dirty wins the race." Typing that, I realize that sounds weird and doesn't make a ton of sense, but, it makes me feel better when my stitches aren't even. I cut out my appliqué pieces and baste with safety pins (see pic below). That's hands down the fastest way to adhere appliqué pieces. Doing it this way means I have to turn the fabric under as I go. If you would prefer to not do that, another way to adhere pieces is to use a fusible webbing – such as Pellon Wonder- Under.
- Embroidery Hoop: The one in the picture below is 14" in diameter. Also, I can neither confirm nor deny that I am wearing pants in the picture below.
Needle-Turn Expectations
- It’s going to take some time. There’s no way around it. But…
- It’s going to look amazing. It just is. This technique yields really stunning results. And…
- You’re going to get addicted. Once you master the basics (which won’t take you too long, trust me) you’re going to get hooked. It's so wonderfully mobile! I have needle-turn withdrawal every time I finish a project.
Needle-Turn Video Tutorial (How I learned!)
I know I should make a video for this, but it's been a while *uhum* a long while since I've gotten a manicure and I don't want to put you through close-ups of my fingers. haha 😉
The first video is how I appliqué. It feels more natural to me because the stitching is similar to a whip-stitch rather than the back and forth of conventional needle-turn. I use a whip-stitch when hand sewing binding.
This second video is considered "traditional" needle-turn and will produce an almost invisible stitch.
Needle-Turn Appliqué FREE Pattern
Ready to give it a go? You may want to do a few practice runs first, but when it’s time to go all-in on a quilting project, here’s a free pattern for you! FREE Aria Quilt Pattern - Click here!
I can’t wait to watch all of you blossom into experienced needle-turn appliqué-ists! (Appliquists? Appliqué-ers?) Tell me about your favorite tools and projects in the comments!
Thanks! I could have used this on Sunday! Thinking maybe I’ll take out what I did and have a ‘do-over’ with needle turn!
Oh no! I bet it’s not as bad as you think.
Beautiful….and thank you for the free pattern
You ARE just THE best😁
Nice video Wendy at Shiny Happy World. Thanks Wendy.
This looks fun!! Perfect for all the little scraps that I can’t bear to toss!! Is the hoop necessary to keep the quilt top flat/taut? Neither of the videos show using a hoop so I wondered… Your quilt is lovely!
The hoop isn’t necessary for small blocks, however, I highly recommend it for anything larger that 8″. It helps keep the fabric tight and in order.
Hi, any chance you can post Youtube video of how you do your needle turn with a hoop! I simply cannot figure out what to hold and how to do it on a hoop!!! Just getting started….thank Suzy!
That’s a great idea!
Great, I can’t wait!…..Thanks Suzy…you rock!!!
Congrats on your beautiful baby!!
PS: I’m obsessed, on needle turn project #2 already!
I really enjoy needle turn applique. I have really liked using back basting. Oh, and I never use a hoop, either-I like to scrunch up with the work, even when/if (or because!) it gets extra crinkly.
This looks an awful lot like Carolyn Friedlander’s work.
If you read my blog post about the Aria quilt (link above) you will see that this quilt is inspired by a fabric line designed by a friend of mine, Kelly Ventura. The main print in this line is based on dabs of paint. When she asked me to design a quilt for her using that fabric, she requested that I mimic the pattern of that main print. You can see the main fabric print here.
I appreciate your passion for copyrights. I too care deeply about this.
one of the many techniques I keep telling myself I have to try, maybe after reading your blog I will
Thanks for the video link! I’m sewing a patch onto the back of my campfire quilt.
(Also, is it too wired to ask about your outside couch? Mfr? Ha! )
Not weird at all! We got it at Crate and Barrel about 4 years ago. It’s still going strong! 😉
Thanks for the free pattern. I would love to try it out. You look lovely Wendy!
Ohmygosh, I’ve been using this technique for a long time and never knew the name for it! /slap forehead. lol
Thank you!
Thank you, it’s Covid19 social distancing and the group project in Needle-turn applique is advanced and beyond my skill level without the group helping me. This will be my sampler, a smaller quilt I can finish hopefully this year to remind me how I survived the boredom of home. Then I should be ready for the advanced one I have put aside for now.
Love, love, love this and will add it to the ever-growing “to do” list. You’ve got me hooked on hand quilting – now this! I can see my charm packs and scraps getting smaller as I type!