Best applique technique for a word quilt
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
Best applique technique for a word quilt
I got a very special request to make a quilt with some words on it. I have never done anything like that and the time frame is a bit tight, so I would like to ask some advice by the wonderful members of this forum.
1) I made the letter template with EQ7 and I intend to applique the piece and make a ziz zag finish. The quilt will be used as a wall hanging but it may end up it life as a blanket :-) What interfacing should I use? I know heat n bond but it may be too stiff? Other suggestions?
2) Should I apply the interfacing on the whole surface or cut it to leave just a border?
3) Any recommandations regarding the quilting? I was thinking about echoing the letters and make an allover motif for the rest of the area.
Thanks!
Annie
1) I made the letter template with EQ7 and I intend to applique the piece and make a ziz zag finish. The quilt will be used as a wall hanging but it may end up it life as a blanket :-) What interfacing should I use? I know heat n bond but it may be too stiff? Other suggestions?
2) Should I apply the interfacing on the whole surface or cut it to leave just a border?
3) Any recommandations regarding the quilting? I was thinking about echoing the letters and make an allover motif for the rest of the area.
Thanks!
Annie
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Illinois
Posts: 2,140
1. Heat n Bond is stiff. Normally, if you plan to use 100% quilting cotton, I'd suggest Mistyfuse, but since you're only doing a zig-zag stitch, having a stronger bond between the fabrics would be more desirable. What fusible is used doesn't matter much for a wall quilt & to wash applique that has a raw edge & is only held on with a standard length zigzag requires a heavier fusible.
2. I wouldn't leave just a border if you plan to wash it a lot & use a zigzag (unless "zigzag" is code for stitching it close together multiple times around, creating a faux satin stitch -- in which case I would definitely window, leaving 1/2" around inner edge & would at least switch to Pellon 805)
3. Echo quilting usually looks nice & it will draw more attention to the words. It would be easier to make recommendations if we could see the fabrics & layout.
2. I wouldn't leave just a border if you plan to wash it a lot & use a zigzag (unless "zigzag" is code for stitching it close together multiple times around, creating a faux satin stitch -- in which case I would definitely window, leaving 1/2" around inner edge & would at least switch to Pellon 805)
3. Echo quilting usually looks nice & it will draw more attention to the words. It would be easier to make recommendations if we could see the fabrics & layout.
#3
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
Thank you, Bree123. Here's the pattern. It will be a small quilt (37 X 47 inches). The planned use is a wall hanging, but I think it`s best not to make a raw edge applique in case the recipient decide later to use it later as a security blanket. I don't have a lots of experience doing applique and I plan to make some practice round on scraps. I was thinking of a small zigzag finish because it would be easier, but I have an old Bernina 830 that makes a lovely satin stitch. I could do that if it's best.
[ATTACH=CONFIG]555694[/ATTACH]
[ATTACH=CONFIG]555694[/ATTACH]
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
Beautiful work! I love it! Thanks for showing what it looks with HB lite (doesn't look stiff).
#6
I also use Heat and Bond lite but I usually only leave a ¼ " frame inside the shape and my preferred finish is the satin stitch. I put a piece of paper under my fabric to act as a stabilizer so that the stitching doesn't pull up, it tears away very easily.
#7
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2009
Location: NY
Posts: 10,590
Don't forget to reverse your letters so they are mirror image before tracing it to your fusible. I also prefer a blanket stitch (aka buttonhole stitch) when doing fusible. But that is simply a preference because I don't personally like the heavy look of satin stitch around applique. I've done it but I prefer blanket stitch.
#9
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Posts: 459
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Asheville, previously Lake Vermilion, Tarpon Springs, Duluth, St Paul, Soudan
Posts: 1,651
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
craftybear
Main
53
06-02-2011 01:55 AM
craftybear
Links and Resources
2
05-13-2011 08:50 AM