Hi,
Could you give me some tips and HELP with understanding stabilizers, what kind to use , when ,where, how? Thanks

Sandra

Sandra,
I cannot think of many applications for stabilizers in quilting, perhaps because I rarely use them.
I use freezer paper (purchased at the super market) on the back of muslin when I make a label. Simply iron it onto the muslin and write or draw slowly. Use freezer paper to draw an applique shape, add the seam allowance, cut out and stitch.
If I have a fabric that is thin, I will use it with a piece of muslin behind - in other words two layers. OR I will spray a fabric without body, with starch or sizing. Spray starch on the back of your fabric as it often leaves a residue.
Hope this helps. Suzanne

Sandra

Boo gave me a wonderful tip, and very inexpensive idea for a stablizer, I do alot of applique quilting, and the quilt I'm on now has alot of very detailed appliques, She suggested using a piece of paper, I use my computer paper on the back of each of my blocks. I just slip it under my block and go to town, when I'm done I tear away the paper. What I notice it dose for me. Is it stablilizies my block, makes my stitching alittle neater, and helps to eliminate tiny little pucks, I do machine appliques. So thats what I've noticed. I don't know if this helps, but I thought I would pass on some little bit of info I experienced and that helped me.

Hi Becky
When you use the computer paper behind the block. Do you also use anything behind your applique piece. I haven't done alot of machine applique, but I have some projects I want to try . Thanks Kathy D :D

Hi Sandra, I do a lot of machine applique using the blanket stitch on my machine. I like to use Heat N Bond Lite or Steam a Seam Lite. This puts a sticky backing on the underside of your applique and then you iron it onto your project. You don't need any additional stablizer. One caution though, be sure and use the product that says "lite". If you use the heavy duty stuff it jams up your needle something awful and breaks your thread. I learned this the hard way and ruined a really cute quilt top.