Ellageo

I am 'trying' to make a special quilt for the community volunteer fire companys in our town.( for a benefit auction) My idea was,the praying fireman silouette in the center , with 6 pairs of boots surrounding representing the 6 companys. My 'plan' calls for the fireman to be 21" x14" & the surrounding boots 10" x12"..problem is I'm a 'young' quilter (in experience NOT age!!) & my practice piece is all puckered & I don't know the best way to do such large appliques...I have my 'practice piece' attached so you can better see...SO, what is the best method for Large appliques?? Thank you so much ahead of time for your advice.

kathy

did you use stabilizer? that would be VERY important,use lots of pins and go slow., it's looking good

JulieR

I see this if I'm holding both pieces in the air. If I keep my arms down and the fabric is resting on something, that helps. Super secure pinning or basting can help, too.

Such a great idea, good luck!

COYOTEMAGIC

Did you applique it in a hoop? It looks as if the fabric was too tight which caused the puckering. How are your appliques attached prior to sewing? I just use a plain ol' glue stick.

Love the appliques! Would love to have a pattern when you are finished!!

IQ2

I recently took a class where we did lots of applique. We were instructed to spray starch (Mary Ellen's best press) the base fabric so that it had a little more body for stitching. Then use Heat & Bond lite (or Steam-a-Seam) ironed onto the back of the applique and iron it onto the fabric before you stitch it. If you still need it, (and you probably won't) add a light weight tear-away stabilizer to the underside of the fabric behind the applique before stitching.
Your appliques are awesome. It should be a great success!

Tartan

When doing dense satin stitch, it helps to have stabilizer behind the background fabric to prevent tunneling. Try pressing the background fabric from the back and see if it helps. If not try blocking it when you get done. Some of the puckers in the background can be disguised if you outline quilt close to the appliqués and use a higher loft batting.

memepat

Hi, this is great!! I agree you need to use stabilizer on the back. You need that extra stability!!!! It really is a nice work of art!!!

craftygal63

I would use a heat bond stabilizer on something that size, maybe light-medium weight. Beautiful design.

Silver Needle

Heavier tear away type stabalizer on the back of the background fabric. Have you used iron on product to attach the entire appliqué to background? Great project idea.

Sunnye

Satin stitch may be too heavy and making the fabric pucker. Maybe a different stitch? AND starch. AND stabalizer!