# My needle turn applique tips **By Nic Vaughan** · 2023-05-07 ### Practice really does make progress Start with practice, then practice some more. The more you stitch, the smoother needle-turn appliqué feels in your hands. Try a small piece first, maybe a cushion, then run a few test blocks until you find your rhythm. Curious how far practice can take you? Feel free to [peek](https://flickr.com/photos/craftapalooza/9391842554/ "Craftapalooza early applique attempts") at my early attempts; I used to pin every curve into place, but now the needle does the work. I fell in love with that appliqué look and kept going until everything felt natural. Scroll to the bottom of this post for tutorial videos from my [Bloom](https://craftapalooza.com/products/bloomin-quilt-series "Craftapalooza Designs - Bloom Pattern series - applique") pattern series. Even if you are working on another project, the techniques and tips will help you improve needle-turn appliqué. ![Craftapalooza Designs - how-to applique](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/1032/4389/files/Craftapalooza-Designs-Applique-Tips.jpg?v=1748585575) Download Your Free **Needle-Turn Appliqué: Top 10 Tips PDF** Enter your details and tap the button and you'll be emailed the PDF. \- YOU'LL JOIN THE SCRAPPY DIGEST NEWSLETTER (IF YOU'RE NOT ALREADY ON THE LIST!) **YOUR INFORMATION WON'T BE SOLD OR SHARED AND YOU CAN UNSUBSCRIBE AT ANYTIME.** First name Email address SEND ME THE PDF Thank you. Check your inbox for an email from nic@craftapalooza.com with the PDF download ### Give yourself beginner grace We're all beginners at some point and taking the time to learn and improve is so satisfying when you start to see improved results. I could do a 5 minute talk and point out all of the 'issues' with my needle turn on my applique, but what would be the point? With pieces of applique that have legs or finer details, when you're initially cutting out the piece, don't cut into these details, leave more fabric around them to 'protect' the edges and only snip around them closer once you're about to stitch. This will help prevent fraying and distortion of these pieces and also minimise frustration. Oh, and it might be obvious but it's called needle turn applique for a reason. Use the TIP and end/edge of the needle to help turn (swoop) the seam allowance to stitch down, see more [here](https://www.instagram.com/p/DI03QUnpxd-/ "Craftapalooza Designs - reverse needle turn - swooping seam under"). You'll notice the difference once you do that. Another beginners tip is to finger press the seam so you have a 'pre crease' of sorts to assist with turning under the seam allowance. ### The 'right' tools do make a difference When I say 'right' I mean right for you! Try out different needles and thread. Needles and thread do make a HUGE difference when it comes to needle turn applique. My personal favourite needles for needle turn are [Bohin Long Applique Needles](http://shrsl.com/3yw5d "Bohin Applique Needles") and these days I often use a [needle threader](https://shrsl.com/3yw5f "Bohin Needle Threader"). The eye on applique needles is super small and 80wt thread is also very fine. My 50+ year old eyes need some assistance! I use [Wonderfil Decobob 80wt](https://shrsl.com/4r039 "Wonderfil Decobob 80wt"). It's fabulous and fine and just melts into your sewing. Try it out! ![Craftapalooza Designs - how-to applique](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/1032/4389/files/Craftapalooza-Designs-Applique-Tips_3.jpg?v=1748585575) ### Match thread to the top appliqué fabric (most of the time) The rule of thumb is to match the thread colour to the applique fabric, not the background, however, I often will use a light silver thread for most of my applique, there are some instances where I will colour match if there's too much contrast and I can see stitches, but 90% off the time this works for me. ### Choose tools that feel right in your hand These [Karen Kay Buckley 4" small perfect applique scissors](http://shrsl.com/3yw5j "Karen Kay Buckley 4\" Scissors") are just that, perfect for snipping seams and getting into finer details. These scissors have a micro serrated blade that keeps fabric from slipping so cutting is more accurate and helps to prevent frayed edges. I use Roxanne Applique Glue and [this particular bottle](http://shrsl.com/3yw5i "Roxanne Glue Baste It") as the tip is fabulous and prevents you from using a lot of glue. You really only need very small amounts of glue. We're not gluing down the piece that needs appliquing we're just lightly attaching it. Keep glue away from the edges and seam allowances so it doesn't interfere with your stitching. Roxanne's is very strong, so if you use too much and then want to reposition a piece once it's dry it might be a struggle to separate the fabrics. AND I also use and love these [Taylor Seville Extra Fine Applique Magic Pins](https://shrsl.com/4us47%09 "Taylor Seville Magic Pins"). Swap brands if something else suits you better. **The “best” tool is the one you will actually use.** That's pretty much all you'll need. Thread, needle, pins and glue. I really hope you try needle turn applique, it's a wonderful and mindful and creative technique.  #### A note about links Please note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I earn a small commission if you make a purchase - at no extra cost to you! ![Craftapalooza Designs - how-to applique](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0471/1032/4389/files/Craftapalooza-Designs-Applique-Tips_2.jpg?v=1748585575) **Tags:** applique, bloomin awesome quilt, bloomin confection quilt, craftapalooza designs pattern, hand sewing, how-to, poppin --- > Source: [Craftapalooza Designs](https://craftapaloozadesigns.myshopify.com/blogs/craftapalooza-designs/my-needle-turn-applique-tips)