Preparing Perfect Berries for Applique

Preparing Perfect Berries for Applique

NOTE: This tutorial was written in 2013, long before Aurifil introduced their 80wt/2ply thread. 

Not noted below, I prefer to prepare the running stitch with Aurifil 50wt thread and attach the berry to the background with Aurifil 80wt thread.   The fine 80wt thread virtually disappears into the berry.   It's now my favorite for needle turn applique and attaching turned applique to a background.  

Do you have a favorite applique pattern that needs a circle or berry appliqued to it.  If you're not keen on preparing a needle turn circle give this version a try:

Using Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles templates choose the 1/2 inch diameter template.  

If you don't own Perfect Circles, use a heavy piece of cardboard to cut a circle template.

• Cut 1" diameter fabric circles for berries --  A US Quarter (coin) works great to measure and cut a 1" circle.
• Once the 1-inch fabric circles are cut, hand sew a running stitch around the perimeter of the fabric circle - leaving approximately a 6" tail of thread attached to the fabric circle. Do not knot or cut the thread after you've finished the running stitch.
• Place a Perfect Circle or cardboard template in the center of the fabric.  (Do not use template plastic unless it is heat resistant).
• Pull the thread taut around the Perfect Circle, drawing the fabric tight around the template.
• Place the unit right side down on the ironing surface, spray a bit of starch or sizing on the back side of the drawn fabric and place a medium heat, dry iron on the piece(s) until the circle/berry is completely dry (a minute or two depending on how much spray starch you use).
• Remove the iron, allow the berry and template to cool, then peel the edge of the fabric back to remove the template.
• Reshape the circle by pulling the thread taut again and press once more to set the circle.
• Knot the thread once the circle is as you desire.
• Leave the thread attached to the circle and use it when you're attaching the circle to the background fabric.

Here is a summary of the steps:

Shown: A collection of berries: The Redbird and Berries Mini QUilt used appx 75 berries and included some berries made from the leftover Little Black Dress 2 mini-charms (not shown below).

The Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt pattern can be purchased for PDF download at redbirdquiltco.com

Note: As originally documented in the Moda Bake Shop Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt Recipe posted Jan 24th, 2014 ~ Written by Karen L. Miller