Making Perfect Applique Vines is easy when you use the perfect stems by Karen K Buckley. This is how I have done the vines for the Rambling Ways Quilt Block. I used two sizes for the vines the large one finishes at 1/4 inch and the small one at 1/8th inch......... that's a little scary normally but with the Perfect stems it's so easy.
I have found a great tutorial done by Lynette Anderson on making the vines here
You can see the difference in the sizes of the vines in this picture, I think it makes the block more interesting. Looking out at the garden branches from the same tree are not always the same size.
Cut your fabric on the bias and depending on the size of the vine you are making cut the fabric the width of the size of the press bar +5, 1/4 inch press bar = 1, 1/4 inch width of fabric. 1/8 size press bar = 3/4 inch width of fabric.
As you can see I sew down the length of the fabric with the plastic vine inside, then I cut the excess seam allowance away just leaving the stitching. Fold the stitching to the back and press with your iron while the press bar is still inside, I also use a little spray starch to help hold the stem in place. Then take your press bar out and you are ready to baste your stems in place.
I also like that when the stems are sewn into place they sit a little higher, giving them a bit more dimension. There are many ways to make stems, I also have a tutorial showing how to cut your fabric to make bias strips and how to use the clover bias tape maker. Although the clover bias tape makers do not come in 1/8 size you can fold the 1/4 inch vines in half but it's a wee bit tricky.......
Happy Stitching
Sharon
