Pictorial Guide to Back Bastin

Tip 1: I have found that it goes faster if I clip the basting stitches every 2 or 3 stitches for several inches on large applique pieces. For smaller pieces I often clip the basting stitches every 2 or 3 stitches on the whole piece before I begin. However, I only take out one section of basting thread at a time. If you take out too much your applique piece may shift.

Tip 2: I never trim the seam allowance on a large applique piece all at once. It may take me several hours or even days to get the work done. During that time the edges on my applique may fray. Instead, I only trim the seam allowance about 1"-2" ahead of where I am stitching. I then stitch that area before trimming the seam allowance for the next section of my applique.

Tip 3: As your guide when turning under the seam allowance, you can look ahead to the basting stitches that are still in the fabric. This will give you a good idea as to your destination. Second, use your seam allowance as a guide. This is why it is so important to cut your seam allowance very evenly And finally use the edge that you have just stitched. The area that you are stitching should flow smoothly from the completed stitching behind your current position to the next basting stitch.

Tip 4: Select a cheap, coarse, heavy thread for your back basting stitching. The thread, while wrapped on the spool, will look fuzzy. There are actually small fibers that stick out away from the main thread fibers. Those fibers actually leave behind a very good hole as you pull them through the fabric. If that type of thread isn't available, a heavier weight thread such as quilting thread will often produce holes large enough to see. Experiment until you find a thread that works for you.

Tip 5: Feel free to use up your old thread. Do run a test, however, before using it. Thread a needle with the thread and run it through a scrap of background fabric. Some threads will leave small colored fibers in the background fabric. If this occurs, discard the thread. You will not want to leave fine colored fibers in your background fabric.

Give yourself time. It may take a little practice but it is well worth it. Once you master back basting you will find it is

• faster
• just as accurate
• easier

than any other form of needle turn applique.