I saw a quilt hanging on the wall at a local LQS and it gave me an idea about a quilt I want to do for my granddaughters but my question is this. The applique that was on the quilt was not finished? It looks like they just cut out the shapes and stuck them on the fabric - they were all bonded to the fabric but I thought you were supposed to sew around the appliques - is this something new? Just wondering??!! Sue

It's called raw edge applique. I don't think it's too new! I did it in the corners of my first quilt 9 years ago

I think it depends on what you fuse it to the fabric with. Some fabric glues are permanent. Also heat and bond (the heavy one) cannot be sewn. If it is a wall hanging, it wouldn't matter, but for a bed quilt I would use some kind that can be sewn.

It could be that since it was a shop sample they didn't finish the edges ?

I saw a beautiful store sample quilt where they had Wonder Undered batik motifs onto a background. They had machine meandered over the top. There were no stitching down of the batik pieces in any manner. It looked beautiful but with the first wash they will have loose edges. Perhaps they don't intend to wash it? Seems a shame to create something that nice and not doing some edge stitching, either 1/8 straight stitching on the pieces, buttonhole stitch the edge or satin stitch. To each their own I guess.

I like the sewn ones best. If I wasn't so lazy I would turn under the edges too, but bond and blanket stitch works for me!

If I am going to leave the edges unsewn, I use a heavier heat and bond, to make sure it stays put. However, you won't be able to quilt through it without gumming up the needle.

Patterns that are shown raw edged, can be sewn too :D:D:D

If it was to be washed I would want it sewn down.

i use invisible thread to zigzag the edges of my bonded applique. works great you just need to sew slower.

I think they should be sewn on, too!!