With the partially constructed sleigh securely pinned in place against the background, back baste around the outer most edge of the sleigh (Figure 21).

Figure 21

Figure 22

Trim 1/8"- 3/16" away from the basted line. Leave the ends of the gold trim longer than the seam allowance. Leave them approximately 1/2" longer than the finished edge. The trim has a tendency to split and separate when turned under. The extra length will provide more to turn under and will be more secure.

It is not necessary to leave extra trim at the top where section #1 will cover the ends of the gold trim. These ends will not be turned under and will not separate

Appliqué the outside edge of the sleigh. It will look similar to the sleigh to the right. When complete, appliqué section 1 using the back basting method.

This sleigh was constructed by starting with section number 2 and building up, appliquéing each section in turn on top of the next. The sleigh could also be constructed starting with section 5 and working towards section 2. In the latter case, section five would only be trimmed along the curve where it meets section 4. This curve would be appliquéd into place. The outer edge of the sleigh would not be trimmed until it had reached the stage of Figure 21.

Off block or in-hand construction is a technique well worth adding to our bag of appliquéing techniques. That it can also be done using the back basting method of preparation is just an added bonus.