I have a question.....maybe a silly question.....if I woudl like to applique a few shapes/items randomly on a quilt top, do I applique on the top before I attach the batting and backing: and then quilt over the applique when I do my quilting? Or, can you only applique on areas that you will not quilt over? Thanks for any help with this.
Audrey

Jeanau: first off, no question is silly. We can all learn from each others questions. I don't claim to be an expert at applique but it's usually done before you add the batting and backing, esp if hand appliqueing (sp?). Then when I quilt I don't quilt over top the applique but around it and inside of it to highlight what needs emphasized. Is this as clear as mud? There are some very talented appliquers on this board and hopefully they'll have more advice. Keep those questions coming--like I said, that's how we all learn. Peace-Jan

Thank you very much! I get it now.

You could actually do it either way.
If you don't want them quilted into the design and they are something small you can indeed add them after the project is quilted. But if they are large and need to be quilted into the whole design that is certainly an option.. it all depends on what fits into the "design in your head".

I guess that what I am seeing in my head is a lap quilt that is quilted on diagonal straight lines in both directions with the lines going over the appliques. I think the hardest concept for me, is that there is not always a right or wrong way. But rather, I can decide the way I want it to look when I am done. I'm sure that I will make some incorrect decisions, but I guess that is how I will learn to quilt over time. Again, thanks!

If it is a small piece it can be done after and not quilted. If it is a large piece it can be done before and quilted over. I like to cut away the back to make it easier to quilt over.

This is a wonderful forum where anything can be asked. :lol:

Then if I add an applique after the quilt is quilted, would I not go through all of the layers.....and if so, how would I do that? Thanks everyone for your answers!

If you add an applique after it's quilted, the stitching to hold the applique on would not go through all layers .. although you could if you wanted.

Again, thanks. If anyone has a photo of a quilt that has an applique that has been added after the quilting, and is willling to post it, I would really appreciate it!

Just another way of doing things....I have made some wallhangings with the shapes ironed onto the top with heat'n bond lite. Then I've sandwiched the whole piece & used my buttonhole/blanket stitch on my machine to stitch down the edges of the appliqué shapes. this then quilts at the same time...I think it's called appliquilt. The back isn't as pretty as the front because of the way the stitch will look, but in most cases, that's not a problem. Experiment with little projects (even potholders) to find a way that works for you.