Where in the World are RF Readers? The 2025 UPDATE

A lot of visitors' locations are included in the "other" category. If you don't see your country in the list, please add it to the comments below. My family enjoys discussing the expanding list of reader countries. I sincerely hope that you're enjoying the posts and tutorials.

Have a wonderful day,

Heather

APPLIQUE BASICS: Back Basting Method

Back basting method is simple and once prepped, can be completed pin free for on the go work. You'll begin by placing your actual size template on the backside of your background fabric and trace the melon shape. Pin your bias scrap to the front of the background fabric, focus fabric also facing up and pin in place temporarily. At this point, your melon shape is visible on the backside and if you flip over to the top side of the background fabric, the focus fabric should be facing out as well.

Flip back to the backside of your chosen background fabric where the melon tracing is. Using a contrasting thread and a larger embroidery type needle, begin a running stitch without any knots in your thread. Work your way around the shape on the line of sewing. You'll be using this as a guide for pinching the seam allowance soon.

                                

 

Once you've worked your way around the melon and have no knots in your thread, switch to your applique thread and needle. Next, you'll mark the seam allowance of the full shape (add a 1/4" allowance to your actual size template if the original is not handy.

Once you've marked your bias piece of fabric with the full shape, cut the excess fabric, being careful not to cut through your background fabric.

 

 

When the melon shape plus seam allowance is cut and basted, remove the pins holding the two fabrics together. You will not need them moving forward for this block. You're now ready to begin to applique the melon shape. Remove 3-4 running stitches from the center right of the shape. Finger press your seam allowance and start your line of sewing by pulling your applique thread through the back of the melon shape underneath the seam allowance. Stitch into the background fabric and then your shape, working your stitches around the shape as you have practiced previously. Carefully stitch your pointy points and practice sweeping the seam allowance as you move counterclockwise. 

 
   

Stitching Your Applique Melons, Curves and Pointy Points

Freezer paper method melons (or orange peels) will require some preparation before beginning this set of steps. Instructions are provided in order on the Applique Tutorials Tab. 

For this section, I always begin near the middle of one side of the melons and work counterclockwise with small stitches hidden by the applique. This continues one stitch at a time around the melon/peel until about an inch of sewing remains. At that point, I remove the freezer paper before finishing up the final inch. Photos should be helpful in pointing out each of the steps below. 

 

I begin my sewing by creating a small knot in the end of the thread (shown in contrasting quilting thread so it is visible). As in the top photo, I enter the underside of the seam at the edge of the melon then tuck that seam and keep it down by pinching my sewing as I move around the melon. 

I sew just one stitch at a time as I move counterclockwise around my shapes, making sure to pinch my work as I go to prevent knots in my thread and to keep the seam allowance tucked. I'm grabbing a bit of background fabric underneath the melon and just a bit of fabric at the edge of the shape before pulling the thread through and making another stitch into the background fabric, repeating continuously until I get to the points.

As you work towards your point, plan how you'll be able to get the remaining material for the seam allowance under your initial line of sewing. While you don't want a lump of fabric all in one spot and will be tempted to cut it way back, please don't until you see what remains on the second half of the point closure. If you cut too close, your fabric will fray. 

At the very tip of your shape, bring the needle through the point and again straight down into your background fabric to maintain a pointy point (for other visuals of this process, see pointy points photo tutorials & sweeping the points). Next you'll tuck any remaining fabric beneath your line of sewing. This process takes a few tries at first, please do not get discouraged. Be sure to check out the Sweeping the Points photo tutorial for better photos for this stage. 

 




Once your fabric is under the point(s) and out of your line of sewing, continue to work with small stitches around the curve until you have about an inch remaining.

At this point, loosen your freezer paper melon carefully (especially if you are using silk thread). Pull the shape out and finger press your final inch of seam allowance.

Usually, I'll place a few extra stitches along or beneath my shape before making a tiny knot. If you create larger knots, be sure it's hidden well below your shape.

Press your final melon after cutting the end of your thread and add it to your finished pile. Congratulations, you've completed an orange peel or melon shape.

A Little More Heather Ross

I just gush over Heather's prints and know I'm not alone in this. They sell out so fast, I've had to purchase from many shops just to get a little yardage. I am seriously considering prepaying for the November line because it's Malibu and I LOVE the ocean, shells, and all things nautical. I do not want to miss out on the adorable sea turtles, super cute surfers, corals, sea birds, etc. 

Have you ever pre-purchased fabric? If so, what line?

Happy Sewing,

Heather