by Sandra | March 16th, 2009
The one thing about hand applique that is so important and is almost always overlooked is the needle. It must be comfortable, that goes without saying. However, different scales of applique should also be considered when choosing the proper needle for maximum success. Most applique quilters create the larger scale applique and some of those were taught to use the straw needle. Usually because it was easier to use the longer shaft to turn under the seam allowance.
My particular favorite, Roxanne's #11 Sharp
What if you are ready to advance your applique skills and choices beyond these market basics? First off, get rid of the straw needle and switch out for at least an #11 sharp (I think both Roxanne’s sharps and applique needles are the best–easier to thread too). The straw needle is a source of frustration and can stand in the way of succeeding with smaller scale pieces as you advance and try more complex applique such as Baltimore Album Applique etc. It can be done, but the stitches could be a lot better and a lot easier. The advantage of the long shaft for turning under seam allowances will suddenly become a hinderence. The advantage of using it is lost.
Scale must be considered when choosing the right tool and technique
This is a #11 straw needle that is sometimes used for applique, can you see how scale and needle size do matter? There is no way I would be able to control the seam allowance or be able to get nice stitches close together for smaller applique with this needle.
It is an exercise in futility to achieve the nice smaller stitches and smoother edges necessary for the smaller applique pieces using such a monster needle. I would compare it to using a knitting needle to hand quilt with. Really!
I have positioned the needle so you can see how hard it would be to applique this particular piece with this needle. I admit it, I couldn't do it with any great success.
Bottom line is this, if you want to improve and do more and more complex and small scale applique, you need to adjust your tools for the task at hand. There is no one perfect method that fits every scale for hand applique. There are various techniques, methods and tools for different skill levels and for different tasks. Learn as many as you can so you are able to adjust and be able to applique at any level so you are never denied the opportunity to create something you really want to create instead of hanging on to advice that doesn’t work because, “this is what so and so told me”. I hear that said many a time.
I don’t think I have ever seen two appliquers who had identical ways of creating their applique work. We all use what I call the “mutt method”, a mixture of techniques and tricks we have learned along the way. When you find the right combination, trust me, the magic begins and everything clicks. Success usually comes down to the choices we make and the willingness to try something different. There is never anything to lose and so much to gain.
©2009 Sandra Leichner
HUH ! you learn something new every day !!!!
I’ll have to give it a try . I never have used anything but the straw needle. I liked it more because I have big hands than anything else, although I find that I bend them and I’m just foolish enogh to keep using it :0( Maybe I can make things a lot easier by changing to something that works better.
Thanks !!!
I bend my needles all of the time Boop. I still use them bent too as I can feel or see no difference in my applique. The smaller needle may feel odd at first, but keep with it and you should start to feel and see the difference. Turn your work over and there should be a noticeable difference in the size of your applique stitches too. Keep me posted on how you are doing with it –when you give it a try that is.
WOW!!! I truly use the mutt method!!!!!! I started appliquing with a between needle and then went to #11 Jean Kimball straw. Even though they bend almost immediately , I also continue to use them . I never realized there were other choices that could improve my applique. I am VERY excited to try the needles you suggested.
Do you use the straw needle at all (for larger pieces)?
I never use a straw needle. I can’t remember who now, but an applique teacher said to use it. My applique became worse, so I lost the straw needle. I had used the Jeanna Kimball but the eyes were so small I couldn’t thread it even in my younger days and they bent really bad. Someone told me about the Roxanne’s so I tried them and they were awesome. They bend, mainly because I am putting a lot of pressure on them for small stitches on small pieces, but not as badly and they are strong and definitely easier to thread.
)
I don’t applique large pieces anymore. I like being able to use the embroidery for detail and it gets lost on the large stuff and I personally do not like quilting on the surface of applique. On larger pieces quilting those details almost becomes essential to break up the surface so the quilt lays properly and doesn’t have those big bubble pockets behind the applique.
Yes, I am finding a dilema lately …and is it just as you are saying . Large peices require quilting on the surface in order to allow the quilt to lay properly. I then see distortion of the beautiful softness of an appliqued piece of fabric.
On Pharaoh, were there any large appliqued pieces ?
Pharaoh had small pieces layered and no larger pieces with the exception of the goddess’ dresses (large is relative to the other pieces). Because they were thin vertically, they did not “bubble” out. None of the applique elements had any quilting within the applique other than outlining the applique. If I have an area that seems large to me in my design, I try to break it up in the design stage into more applique pieces, rather than leaving it an overly large area in comparison to the rest. Does that make sense?
)
I have never used a straw needle, and if they had been the only choice I wouldn’t do applique! They bend, are hard to thread, and sometimes the thread will not pull through properly because the hole is too small for the thread to pull through.
In a class I was teaching I was stressing the smaller needle/smaller stitch theory. My Mum came to a class one week and sat next to one lady who had lost a couple of fingers and had arthritis in what was left, and she admitted to Mum that she struggled with the small needles in class but used a darning needle at home. Moral of the story, try what the teacher tells you, but be prepared to try other things to find what suits you.
Judy B
E-x-a-c-t-l-y!
)