I want to make a snowglobe quilt but really dont want to satin stitch around the snowglobe. Do you think I can do a needle turn applique and still be strong enough? I havent done applique in many years.

Thanks for you help in advance.

if i were going to needleturn, i would use silk thread... it is very strong and works up beautifully. you can take very tiny stitches with it.

What about using fusible web and doing a button-hole stitch?

I have quite a few hand appliqued quilts. I'm slightly more careful with them than with my regular pieced quilts (like I discourage the kids from making forts with the appliqued ones, LOL) but so far have not had any issues with my appliqued quilts not holding up.

I just noticed that one of my daughter's old quilts has some of the applique seams starting to pull away, it's been on her bed and washed and used for years...I also noticed that some of the regular seams are doing the same, so it's held up just as well.

Have fun!

Needle turn is nice, and it will be strong enough as long as you don't do a lot of machine washes.

I am looking forward to trying the applique technique where you sew (with a machine)a backing, of a used dryer sheet or light weight interfacing onto the right side of the piece to be appliqued, slit the back, and turn and press it. Then do a small hand stitch, that doesn't show, to sew it down. Have you done that before?

I've done that. I like the idea of it, but the reality was that I had to fuss with the needle a lot to make sure that no interfacing was showing when I was stitching.

I suppose being more meticulous during the turning stage might have helped that, but I was being pretty careful.

There is so much about these different methods that is personal preference, so you may love it, it's definitely worth giving a try!

i can't see why not, until i figured out how to do it on the machine about 3 or 4 yrs ago, idid all mine byhand (over 300 quilts in the past 45 yrs.)

It will be strong enough. I use Aurofil thread; its 2ply and very strong and can be found in alot of colors. It's all cotten but I know that some like to also use silk thread.

Oh thank you all for the information. Now I am ready to start it. This quilt will be a christmas gift so I want it to be durable and fabulous.