Sep

25

September 25, 2009

Pointy points

Filed Under Hand appliqué, Needleturn, Photo tutorials, Points 

Today I thought I’d post my illustrations showing how to hand-appliqué points. When I was learning to appliqué, this was one of the biggest mysteries to me, and when I finally “got it” my confidence took a big boost.

To begin with, you’ll want a turning allowance of no more than 3/16″. A quarter inch is just too much bulk to stuff under a point.

The stitches are exaggerated for illustration purposes.


Sew to within two or three stitches of the point.point1.gif


Trim off the folded-under puppydog ear that is sticking out the other side of the point.point1a.gif


Fold the tip down square across.point2.gif


Take the remaining stitches to the point, the last one coming right out of the tip.
point3.gif


Turn the project.point4.gif


Starting at the point, tuck the turning allowance under. Don’t try to start further up and work down to the point. There will be no room at the point for the turning allowance if you try to do that. Work from the very point upwards.point5.gif


When all is arranged satisfactorily, continue to stitch.point6.gif


I hope this is helpful to you if you’ve found pointy points to be a mystery too.

Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie

All graphics © Kay Mackenzie

Comments

9 Responses to “Pointy points”

  1. Robin Gallagher on September 25th, 2009 5:58 pm

    Thank you. Your illustration makes it very clear.

  2. erin on September 26th, 2009 6:19 am

    Thank you so much. I have such a difficult time with points that is why I do not like applique! You make it so much easier for me!

  3. Barb Rohrmayr on September 27th, 2009 12:58 pm

    This was a wonderfully illustrated tutorial. I am a visual as well as hands-on person so this is right up my alley. Thank you so much. If it’s not too much to ask do you have a tutorial for inner points somewhere up your sleeve? They are my nemesis. Barb on Oahu =!=

  4. Jane Weston on September 28th, 2009 9:15 am

    Eureka!!! I get it! OMG the possibilities!!

    Thanks for the superb tutorial, so perfectly clear!

    Any chance of a tutorial on those tight inner corners…that’s the other part I struggle with.

  5. Carol Hansen on September 29th, 2009 5:24 am

    Fabulous. The pointy points have always frustrated me which is one of the reasons I went to raw edge applique.

  6. Eileen Keane on September 29th, 2009 12:55 pm

    Thank you so much for the little tutorial. Points have been my demons since I started doing applique.
    I can’t wait to try it your way.

  7. Janice Park on October 11th, 2009 8:43 am

    This blog with illustration of needle turning of a point in applique is the very best by far of any I’ve ever seen. It is easy to understand and stated simply. Thank you Kay. Janice Park, Sarver PA

  8. Sharp notches : All About Applique on December 21st, 2009 10:00 am

    […] I posted my illustrated guide to points back in September, I had some requests for the same type of thing for sharp notches. It’s […]

  9. jaquetta on April 18th, 2012 9:33 am

    At last pics that show just what i needed to see thank you