This is an easy technique to get you a perfectly curved applique or hem. The navy linen you see here is a band applied to the edge of an off white linen collar. You will need Wash A Way thread in the top of your machine and regular thread in the bottom. Truth be told I use the wash away in the bobbin as well as it makes it even easier to pull apart. The band is folded right sides together with the fold at the CB. It is then stitched with the required 1/4 inch seam. Press in place with a DRY iron. Clip if needed and turn. Press with a dry iron again. Now turn on the steam, heavy, and press and press. The idea is to get the moisture into the pressed edge. The steam will melt the thread. When cool, pull the collar apart. It will be perfectly turned and ready to lay against the base fabric.
My introduction to this technique is from my friend and sewing mentor, Betty. Her wonderful instructions can be seen here on the Everything Sewing site. She is the most amazing fountain of sewing knowledge.For this weeks Thursday Throwback, now late, I will leave you with a couple of pics of a dress I made a couple of years ago for DGD's Easter dress. It employs the same technique just described on the collar and hem. In my nautical outfit the madeira band is topstitched. On this dress it is pinstitched.
One day, Bunny, I vow to make little girl dresses that come close to your beautiful work. Is it my years in the South that make me covet precious dresses like this? I think so. Thanks for the Madeira hem info.
ReplyDeleteThis is a new way to do a madeira appliqued hem for me. I always use a paint brush and paint starch on the edge then iron it down. However, your technique looks simpler and more precise. Thanks for the info.
ReplyDeleteOh Bunny, I love this little pink dress. Ahhhhhh. Just sings of spring.
ReplyDeleteI learn something new every day! Thanks Bunny! And I like your blog changes.
ReplyDeleteLove the new blog border/background, and that little dress is adorable!
ReplyDeleteSweet, sweet little dress, Bunny. Your picture smocking is enviable! I, too, love that technique for the Madeira applique. So easy and precise.
ReplyDeleteCissie
Thanks for the nice comments on the technique as well as the blog. I am not sure I will be keeping that background. It looks wintery to me and goes great with the hat. I need to get a new hat picture up and a new "summer" background. Hat first!
ReplyDeleteThat is such a pretty dress, a perfect confection. I love it, but I am a sucker for madeira applique. It is perfect and I'm sure your DGD was precious in it.
ReplyDeleteWell, that was an "aha" moment! Thank you for sharing that technique with us.
ReplyDeletefabulous dress! I'm impressed with the details.
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