LouBert

I love to needle turn but want to try a full size quilt using raw edge, I am sooo not sure that the edges will not look frayed after washing, I need reassurance from your experience...thank you

Prism99

How exactly do you plan to do it?

Raw edge applique basically means that you expect the edges to fray when the quilt is washed. Any fusible that is strong enough to not allow raw edges to fray (and I'm not sure there are any) would be very stiff.

I've seen raw edge done more for wallhangings and art quilts than for quilts that are to be used. However, it's fine to use raw edge in quilts that are going to be used as long as you know the edges will fray. It's a good look especially for homespun and country style quilts, although I've seen some modern type bright flowers done that way too and look great.

craftoholic

The only raw edge,I've ever done, I did a satin stitch around it, just out of this very fear... I'd like to know too. I've seen others suggest steam a seam underneath to prohibit fraying.. But is there a way to do with with out steam a seam, etc???
Thanks for asking this question.

rusty quilter

I am thinking you would have a whole lot of threads all over the quilt, on the floor, on the bed, etc. on a pretty regular basis.

craftoholic

I guess, my fear would be they would fray too much. Could this be kept in check by double row stitching around the applique with a straight stitch?
I dont mind a little fraying.

Prism99

What frays are the threads between the straight stitching and the cut edge. The closer the stitching is to the raw edge, the less the fraying will be. A double row of straight stitching won't make a big difference from just a single row of straight stitching with slightly shorter-than-normal stitch length.

I've seen some of the raw edge applique free-motion stitched, sometimes with decorative thread. That looks great too. In other words, you don't have to be exact with this method and stitch exactly 1/4" or 1/8" from the edge; you can get imaginative and free-motion as desired, even running over the edge. The only thing to be aware of is that if you don't stitch close to some edge, it will fray more than other edges.

An example of this would be a flower center; you can free-motion stitch concentric wild circles inside the center using decorative thread and let the edges fray.

In quilts that are going to be used, raw edge applique offers a different look than traditional applique. Doesn't mean it's better or worse. I think raw edge applique, at least in bed quilts that will be washed, would be better named frayed edge applique because that is the ultimate look that you get.

hperttula123

It will turn out fine. Here is a picture of one I have done that has already been washed. I even snipped the edges(like you would a rag quilt for more fraying). :)

Tropical

I zigzag mine with tiny stitches. I haven't washed any yet. I don't think they will fray very much because the stitches are so close together. That's what I'm hopin' anyway. :)

JUNEC

I've seen raw edging done on flower quilts - but it is expected to fray -

Painiacs

I agree with prism. Short stitches. Good luck!