The tools that I commonly use for hand needle turn applique are: #11 Milliner needles, Clover(R) brand super fine patchwork pins [not the short type], a standard mechanical pencil, a white chalk-like mechanical pencil such as Fons & Porter's, sheet of new fine sand paper or a commercial sand papere board. For thread I prefer Mettler(R) brand 100% cotton 60 weight-2 ply made for machine embroidery. I use Reynolds Wrap(R) freezer paper for template material as it cuts like paper and can be pressed to one side of the fabric temporarily.

I will add to this topic frequently. Ask any questions on hand applique. For a wonderful quilt batting in a hand appliqued quilt, I love Legacy 100% thermal bonded Wool for its soft drape and loft.

I will be teaching hand needle turn applique for Quilts, Inc. in Long Beach California at the end of July. Class attendance at shows is low lately so there are openings. I will provide a complete kit to create one 8" block while learning fundamental hand applique. I will also present cutwork applique and provide kits to make a simple needle case in a demo setting.

The second two free 8" applique blocks are available for download. I created these blocks with a bird theme in mind. There are 4 tree blocks and 4 bouquet blocks, a mama bird making a nest, a nest with eggs and one with baby birds plus many others. I hope you will enjoy them.

The second two free 8" applique blocks are available for download. I created these blocks with a bird theme in mind. There are 4 tree blocks and 4 bouquet blocks, a mama bird making a nest, a nest with eggs and one with baby birds plus many others. I hope you will enjoy them.

Two additional blocks have been added in this series. The instructions that were provided in Part I [One] are for hand needle turn applique. Of course if you are a machine applique lover, these patterns will work great for you as well.  Have you tried adding dimension to your applique using a lightweight stabilizer to silks?  Pellon has several to choose from.