Mock Needle Turn Applique' with AccuQuilt pre-cuts & Giveaway

Today I want to share some tips for a Mock Needle Turn Applique' technique that is very easy to use and also works well with many AccuQuilt shapes, especially the GO! Heart.

The raw edge applique technique is a common technique for many that use AccuQuilt, but a needle turn effect gives a more finished effect to your projects.  If you don't have the time or interest in needle turn applique', this mock applique technique is so easy and can work for many applique' shapes.

To create this effect you cut your fabrics as you would normally cut, using your AccuQuilt.  But, you also cut a layer of lightweight interfacing that has an adhesive on one side.  There are many brands of this type of interfacing on the market, but I personally enjoy using Pellon interfacing that is also easy to find at JoAnns and very reasonably priced. 

I place the adhesive side of the stablizer to the right side of the fabric for my pre-cut hearts and sew a 1/4" seam completely around these two layers.    I then take a sharp pair of small scissors and poke a small hole thru the cneter of the interfacing and cut a line to create an opening, approximately 1 to 1-1/2" long.  Also, be sure to clip the curves.

Using my finger I poke the fabric thru the hole in the interfacing to turn the heart.  Once turned, I use my finger to stick inside of the pocket and rub against the inside of the seam to ensure the heart pocket is fully opened.  Then, finger press the heart shape flat.  You now have a mock heart with the tacky side of the interfacing on the outside, ready to press this applique' shape to your project.

For this project, I created a very simple table runner.  It was fun & fast to make and consists of a design that I'm wanting to use to practice some free-motion quilting on too!

While I still need to sandwich and quilt this table runner, I hope these photos give you the general idea of how to do a mock needle turn applique and if you haven't yet used this technique', that you'll give it a try.  It works great for the AccuQuilt circles, round flower, Christmas Tree, Heart and many other shapes too.  But some AccuQuilt applique' shapes are not appropriate for a traditional needle turn, nor mock needle turn as they may loose their design shape in the process, or they are so small they may not support the 1/4" seam on a machine.  This technique also works with applique' shapes not cut with an AccuQuilt.  Play with it and see if you like this technique.  Again, it is easy, fast and fun.

Interested in winning some pre-cut hearts and interfacing to try this Mock Needle Turn Applique' technique?  I've cut 20 hearts and interfacing with fusible on one side and will gladly give these to a follower that is interested in winning them.  Simply leave a comment on this post and I'll randomly draw a name Fri., Feb 24th

Want an extra entry?  Visit all of the blogs in the GO! Ahead and Show Some Love Blog Hop and leave a comment on their blog post, for this hop and come back on this post  (no earlier than the 18th) letting me know you visited all of the blogs participating in this hop.  Of course, each of these participating blogs will be sharing inspirational projects, tips, tutorials and they'll be some fun giveaways too. 

Here is the line up for this blog hop:

February 13th

• Marjorie (Marjorie Busby, quilter)
• Ariane (Ariane's Crafts)

February 14th

• Connie (Quilting by the River)
• Linda (Living 4 Quilting)

February 15th

• Lisa Marie (Scraps of Life)
• Marilyn (North Hills Quilters)

February 16th

• Alicia (Heirloom Quilting)
• Marjorie (Marjorie's Busy Corner)

February 17th

• Sharon (Crazee Corners)
• Jacque (Lilypad Quilting)

February 18th

• Stacey (Driving Miss Stacey)
• Tracey (The Peony Teacup)
• Paulette (Sweet P Quilting and Creations)

AccuQuilt is also giving away 22 free quilt patterns for those that sign up for their newsletter. Simply click on the image below to sign up.