Exploring Modern Applique Block of the Month 2024

Needle Turn Appliqué: A Classic Technique for Quilt Enthusiasts

Needle turn appliqué is a timeless technique cherished by quilt-makers for its elegance and versatility. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out, mastering this method can elevate your quilting projects to new heights of craftsmanship. In this blog post, we'll delve into the art of needle turn appliqué, provide resources to get you started and inspire you to create stunning quilt designs.

What is Needle Turn Appliqué?

Needle turn appliqué involves hand-sewing fabric shapes onto a background fabric, creating a smooth, seamless look without visible stitches. This technique is ideal for adding intricate designs, curves, and organic shapes to quilts, offering endless creative possibilities.

Getting Started: Essential Tools and Materials

Before diving into your first needle turn appliqué project, gather these essential tools and materials:

  • Sharp scissors: Precision cutting is key.

  • Needles: Choose fine, sharp needles for smooth stitching.

  • Thread: Opt for thread that matches your fabric for seamless blending.

  • Fabric: High-quality cotton or appliqué-specific fabric.

  • Templates: We recommend using easy-to-use templates like the ones provided in our resource section below.

Step-by-Step Guide to Needle Turn Appliqué

  1. Prepare Your Fabric: Wash, press, and cut your fabric into manageable pieces.

  2. Trace and Cut Templates: Use our easy-to-use templates to trace and cut out your desired shapes.

  3. Position and Pin: Arrange your fabric shapes on the background fabric, pinning them in place.

  4. Needle Turn Appliqué Technique:

    • Fold under the seam allowance of your fabric shape with your needle as you sew.

    • Use small, even stitches to secure the folded edge to the background fabric.

  5. Finishing Touches: Continue stitching until all shapes are appliquéd, then press your work to set the stitches.

Video Tutorial: Learn from the Experts

For visual learners, we recommend watching this informative video tutorial on needle turn appliqué. It provides invaluable tips and techniques straight from experienced quilters.

Templates for Your Projects

Download our easy-to-use templates to kick-start your needle-turn appliqué journey. These templates are designed to simplify the tracing and cutting process, allowing you to focus on perfecting your stitching.

Share Your Creations

We can't wait to see what you create with needle turn appliqué! Share your projects with us on social media using #NeedleTurnApplique. Your work may inspire others to try this classic quilting technique.

Final Thoughts

Needle turn appliqué is more than just a technique; it's a way to infuse your quilts with artistry and personal flair. Whether you're embellishing a quilt block or creating a masterpiece, embrace the slow stitching process and enjoy the meditative rhythm it offers.

Ready to elevate your quilting skills? Dive into needle turn appliqué today and discover the joy of creating intricate, handcrafted designs.

Exploring Modern Appliqué Techniques: A Step-by-Step Guide to Bias Tape Appliqué

Welcome to the exciting world of modern appliqué techniques! In today's blog post, we're delving into the art of bias tape appliqué. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting out on your sewing journey, bias tape appliqué offers a versatile and visually stunning way to add dimension and personality to your projects. For this year’s block of the month program, we are exploring a different modern applique technique each quarter. There is help available at all guild sew days and every Sunday in the small group meetup on zoom, posted in the members-only section, and held from 2 pm to 6 pm weekly.

Step 1: Creating Bias Tape

To kick off our journey into bias tape appliqué, let's start by creating our own bias tape. Begin by grabbing a fat quarter of fabric and follow along with this comprehensive tutorial on how to make a continuous strip of bias tape. [hyperlink to the tutorial video].

Step 2: Preparing Your Background Fabric

Next, select a contrasting background fabric for your appliqué project. Ensure it's pressed and cut out to measure 20" x 20" (remember, the finished block will be trimmed down to 18.5" x 18.5").

Step 3: Watching the Experts

Now, let's draw inspiration and gain valuable insights from the experts in bias tape appliqué. Check out this incredible video tutorial by Latifah Saafir [ hyperlink to the video]. Latifah's expertise and innovative techniques will guide you through the process, from start to finish. Check out this one too (link to the video)

Step 4: Applying Bias Tape Appliqué

With your bias tape prepared and background fabric ready, it's time to dive into the appliqué process. Follow Latifah's instructions closely as you begin to apply the bias tape to your background fabric. Experiment with different designs, shapes, and patterns to bring your vision to life.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

Once you've completed your bias tape appliqué design, take a moment to admire your handiwork. Trim the finished block down to 18.5" x 18.5" for a polished look. Consider adding additional hand-quilting stitches to enhance the overall aesthetic of your project.

Conclusion:

Congratulations on exploring the art of bias tape appliqué! We hope this step-by-step guide has inspired you to explore new techniques and unleash your creativity in your quilting and sewing endeavors. Stay tuned for more exciting tutorials and tips on modern appliqué techniques. Happy stitching! If you are posting on social media please add the hashtag #portlandMQG so we can see and celebrate your work!

P.S. As promised here is an advanced applique project once you have gotten some practice in. This advanced applique project is a map of the best bike paths in Portland.  To create a larger outline for this applique project we went to the free website, blockposter.com, and had it expanded into 6 pages for easy printable copies at home, then taped them together to create the full layout.


Unleash Your Creativity: Ultra Mini Quilt Show at PDX Flag!

Attention all quilting enthusiasts! We're thrilled to invite you to participate in our upcoming Ultra Mini Quilt Show at the PDX Flag near SE 57th Ave & Rhone St. This unique event promises a delightful blend of artistic expression, community engagement, and the joy of ultra mini quilts.

Event Details:

  • Deadline for Drop-Off: Thursday, April 18, 2024, at our in-person guild meeting.

  • Exhibition Duration: The show will be closed for swapping for approximately one week, reopening on April 27.

  • Pick-Up Information: Retrieve your small quilt on April 27th at PDX Flag (near SE 57th and Rhone St). Any remaining quilts will be available for trading with other art pieces by gallery attendees. We may also showcase additional mini quilts received during this time.

Event Highlights:

  • Location: PDX Flag, known for its charming diorama and elaborate themes, is the perfect backdrop for this free little art gallery.

  • Participate and Engage: Leave your tiny art, take art, and enjoy the diverse range of mini quilts on display. It's a wonderful opportunity to connect with fellow artists and art enthusiasts.

  • Swap and Trade: Our event encourages the spirit of exchange! Swap your quilt for another masterpiece, fostering a sense of community and shared creativity.

How to Get Involved:

  1. Create Your Mini Masterpiece: Let your imagination run wild and craft a unique ultra mini quilt. The size may be small, but the possibilities are endless! Sizes 1” x 1” up at 2.5” x 2.5”

  2. Drop Off at Guild Meeting: Ensure your quilt is ready by Thursday, April 18, for the in-person guild meeting drop-off. Or mail your ultra mini to Stephanie, the mailing address is posted in the members-only section.

  3. Attend the Show: Join us on April 27 at PDX Flag for the grand reopening. Witness the vibrant display, meet fellow artists, and explore the captivating world of ultra mini quilts.


Mark your calendars and be part of this exciting Ultra Mini Quilt Show at PDX Flag. Whether you're a seasoned quilter or just starting your artistic journey, this event promises inspiration, creativity, and a whole lot of fun. Let's celebrate the beauty of mini quilts and the artistic spirit that binds us all.

For any inquiries or to express your interest, please contact Stephanie at stephanie.gombos@gmail.com

We look forward to seeing your incredible mini quilts at PDX Flag!

Make it sew tiny!

Ultra mini quilts are as small as 1” x 1”up to 2.5” x 2.5”

2024 Fresh Merch Offering

🌟✨ Exciting News! New Merch Alert! ✨🌟

Hey PMQG fam! 🌈 We're thrilled to unveil our latest collection offered by one of our members, through Phantom Chicken Studios, in Portland Oregon! 🛍️✨

🌟 From cozy hoodies and shirts to stylish aprons, we've got something for everyone. Explore our fresh designs and treat yourself or find the perfect gift for a fellow Portland MQG enthusiast.

🚀 Hurry, these designs are flying off the shelves! Don't miss out on adding a touch of quilt guild love to your wardrobe. These are available for pre-order now and the first run will be delivered at the next in-person quilt guild meeting for free or shipped out to you.

🛒 Shop now: https://rb.gy/ij08xt

Want some more information? Here is a more detailed write-up from the maker herself!

Hi friends! My name is Gail and I run Phantom Chicken Screen Printing with my partner Gregg. We’ve been printing t-shirts for bands, events, teams, and other groups here in Portland since the mid-90s. 

I’m also a long-time PMQG member! I love quilting. Being a part of this guild has been very inspirational for me. At the first meeting, I ever went to, I learned about hexies, and how to make them…it changed my world! I started a blog back then, and I still post about quilting.

I am excited to offer some hand-printed PMQG shirts, hoodies, and even some aprons for the guild! 

First Class shipping is included in the price, and all pricing is size-inclusive! (No additional fee for XXL’s)

We do not inventory shirts here. Shirts are ordered as needed and we print after they arrive. There are no samples to try on.

There are size charts in each listing. Since these will be made-to-order, we cannot offer exchanges - please double check size.

*Mock-ups are not actual photos - actual shirt and ink colors may look different. Actual image print size = approx. 8.5” wide x 5.25” tall.

We plan to set up and print before each in-person meeting in 2024. Since these items are made-to-order, there will be some time between ordering and actual delivery. Estimated Ship Dates are in each listing.

If a particular item is out of stock when we go to place an apparel order, I will contact you with different options to choose from before we print. 

If you have any questions about ordering, please let me know!