Happy National Sewing Month!  What are you working on?  I’m working on a project that I can only show bits at this time.  So, today I’ll take the opportunity to show applique-ing on a basket handle.  (I like to spell it that way!)

When adding the applique piece of this biased handle, I’ll show what NOT to do and then what TO do!  First, do NOT applique the outside of the handle first.  Look how the fullness bunches up and is not smooth.

Basket handle…don’t stitch
outside first…Not smooth!

Now look at what happens when you stitch the inside first.  (Yes, I did this step with the machine.  One less side to hand stitch!)  This handle was cut 1 1/2″ and folded in half.  Decide placement and stitch 1/4″ from raw edges of folded handle.

Basket handle…
DO stitch inside first! Smooth!

Basket handle…
showing stitching line

Press along the stitched edge so the folded edge covers the raw edges.  Look how SMOOTH the handle lays.  Much better than the first photo of the outside stitched first!!

Basket handle…
machine sewn inside edge…
hand stitched outside edge in place

#1 – Always cut curved handles on the bias!

#2 – Stitch the inside curve in place FIRST, this helps the handle lay smooth and flat.

Do you have any applique handles to stitch?  Give this method a try!

in quilting,

Debbie

P.S.  Take a look at my Facebook page…I’ll be posting a photo a day for National Sewing Month!  They will be random photos of things I like and what I’m working on through the month.