bstanbro

No dumb questions, right? I'm doing my second applique project, this one with a blanket stitch around the pieces instead of satin stitch like my first. I'm using freezer paper as a fabric stabilizer. Does it matter if I use a large piece for the whole block, or should I use smaller pieces for each piece of the applique? (I hope that makes sense.) Also, any tips or advice? This project is so cute I really hope I don't mess it up now that all the pieces are fused.

marsye

I think I know what your talking about ....and you can use one piece for the whole block.

amma

I do not use a stabilizer... I either fuse or use a tiny amount of Elmers glue (and heat set with the iron) to hold the pieces in place. The double thickness of fabric (or more thicknesses) is plenty of stabilizer for me.
I think the freezer paper would be hard to tear away and it could distort your stitches. Blanket stitches are not as stable as a satin stitch.
Try blanket stitching on some scraps and see if you think you need a stabilizer. :D:D:D

bstanbro

Thanks! I'll give it a go. Pictures to follow.

amma

Will be watching for them :D:D:D

CindyFaye

Hello, we were doing some redwork stitching and one of the ladies used a light-weight iron-on pellon on the back. It worked great and made the stitches look more even. It also hid some of the threads from show thru on the front....Hope this helps!

LindaR

If you are doing machine applique, I back with freezer paper, and then remove...if hand applique you wouldn't back the foundation square??? do I get it or am way off?

bstanbro

Amma was right on. I tried it both ways, and the freezer paper was really difficult to get off--thankfully, I only used it on a small piece. The layers of fabric themselves seem to be enough.

amma

The freezer paper would work well supporting the satin stitching...It tears away very nicely because of the dense stitching.

I find that with using blanket stitches or other decorative ones for applique, I don't need a stabilizer as you are working with a double layer of fabric, it seems to stabilize itself :D:D:D

bstanbro

Yes, that was my take on it too. I've noticed when I do satin stitch (I use it for labels fairly frequently) that the fabric seems to want to bunch up under the stitching. And it's much easier to remove the freezer paper because the stitches are so close together. With the blanket stitch, I was picking tiny pieces of paper out of the stitching with tweezers. Fortunately, no harm done.