Comments on: Hand vs. Machine Appliqué: A Timed Experiment

By: Vivian

Vivian — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 11:53:50 +0000

I am so glad you posted this! I am new to hand applique and am really starting to love it but had done machine applique up until now because I thought it was faster and easier. I usually do my machine applique with the same prepared edges I use for hand applique (and use invisible thread for a hand look) so my time values maybe a little different.

I think your assessment is true to the fact that machine saves time in the stitching department but the prep time is less for hand (depending on the methods you stitch with). I also find that I limit using machine for simpler shapes — designs with intricate curves are far more easily accomplished using hand methods.

Really gives me something to think about when planning future projects!

By: Joanna

Joanna — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 14:12:14 +0000

What a fascinating experiment! I have always wondered about this, and now I don’t have to do my own experiment because you’ve already done it! I think the extra time for the hand applique is well worth it – it looks so much nicer than the machine applique. Plus, in my case, with 3 kids running around, it’s easier to pick up and put down hand applique at a moment’s notice.

Thanks for the experiment!

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 17:27:58 +0000

Hi Patty! This article refers to fusible web, not fusible interfacing. I did a photo tutorial on fusible-interfacing appliqué over on my Show & Tell Center that you might find of interest. Here’s the link:

http://www.kaymackenzie.com/wordpress/2007/05/20/the-anatomy-of-a-lollipop/

Sure it’s okay to mix methods! That is, depending on the intended use of the quilt. If you’re doing a masterpiece hand appliqué piece that’s going into judged shows, then probably not so much. For your own pleasure or for a baby quilt, why not? You will not be hauled away to jail by the appliqué police. However, my own thinking would be to hand appliqué the easier shapes and machine appliqué the more difficult ones if you’re going to do both.

Whatever you decide to do, learn a few different methods and put them in your bag of tricks. Then pull out the one you like the most or suits your project best!

Cheers,
Kay

By: Patty Jacobsen

Patty Jacobsen — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 12:51:25 +0000

Thank you for the wonderful article. I am very new to quilting and never have done any applique. I am making a baby quilt and have sewed interfacing to each applique and did not realize that I should remove the interface. I am wondering if I could hand sew some of the appliques that are more difficult (like a duck, teddy bear and flower) and machine applique the easier shapes, (heart, star). is it ok to mix methods? Thanks, Patty

By: Eileen Keane

Eileen Keane — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:32:51 +0000

Kay,
Thank you for the great article! I’m all over the map when it comes to applique. I’d like to try machine, but I like the portability of hand work.
How does one decide what the project calls for? Hand or machine applique?

By: Kay

Kay — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:38:51 +0000

Go for it Patricia!!

Kay

By: Patricia Strelitz

Patricia Strelitz — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 20:24:48 +0000

I am very interested in your article as I have been browsing sites for info on machine applique. Your article has given me hope that with some practise I will perhaps be able to create some nice work. Why I want to try machine applique is because I want to satin stitch around letters and numbers for a baby’s quilt – as I think this is the best way to make sure they do not come off or fray when washed.

By: Victoria M

Victoria M — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 19:43:35 +0000

Your article is SO interesting. I used to hand applique, but now do machine applique exclusively because I think it’s faster. Sometimes, however, it seems to take longer than I think it should, so I have been wondering just exactly how much faster it is than the hand work. I was pleased to read of your 30% time difference. I wasn’t surprised that the difference wasn’t greater. I’d never thought about the set-up time differences, but that makes sense. I do find that it takes me quite a while to stitch patterns with lots of small pieces. I’ve been using a satin stitch but now think I’ll change to a zigzag or to a buttonhole stitch since I recently bought a new and better sewing machine.

Thanks so much for your insightful article.

By: Lindi

Lindi — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 03:28:27 +0000

Kay, I found this very interesting and surprising. I thought the machine would be much faster. I think I might try the machine if I’m doing something with really big pieces, but for smaller pieces I’ll stick with the handwork. Thanks for sharing.

By: annie smith

annie smith — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 01:19:29 +0000

Thanks for article, Kay! It was very insightful and interesting.

Hope you’re having a great summer!!