JanetM

Yes, you are correct. You can see the pattern through the applique sheet. You place your appliques on top of the sheet (fabric side up), and arrange them according to your pattern. If the whole applique piece isn't too large, try to place it on one half of the applique sheet. Then fold the other half over it and press. Just in case your fusible is a tiny bit larger than your fabric piece, or if it has shifted, you won't get any fusible on your iron.
I hope this is clearer than mud. :lol:

ghostrider

Why is a pressing sheet better than parchment paper? With parchment paper you can draw your pattern on one side, turn it over and build your applique on the other, cover it with another piece of parchment paper, press, cool, remove and you're all set. The sheets can be used over and over again and tossed out with no guilt when messed up. A roll lasts a long time, is less expensive to buy, is sold at any grocery store, has many different uses, is easy to store, and you can bake cookies on it to boot! So why is a pressing sheet better?

dsb38327

This is very very interesting to me because I admire the wall hangings but have never considered learning how. :lol: I am not considering learning how now either. :lol:
I am just sitting here on my couch with my mouth hanging open in awe. This sounds very complicated to me and I admire each of you who know how and each of you who are learning. I like the way this post is going. It is like a lot of mama hens getting all the litte chicks back under the wing so they are coddled and protected. I love that about the quiltingboard! :thumbup:

Rachelcb80

I think this is where using both methods I mentioned above might be handy. Use the pattern under a pressing sheet but also have your pattern traced on to some overhead projector sheets. Then you can lay that on top of your applique and see that you are indeed lining up pieces correctly. I think I will employ both methods this time and see what works, and what seems like overkill. :)

But here's my other question; What do you do if your pattern is much larger than your ironing board? I know I've seen mention of pressing boards, but I only have an ironing board. Am I gonna need to make up some type of wider pressing surface?

ktbb

"But here's my other question; What do you do if your pattern is much larger than your ironing board? I know I've seen mention of pressing boards, but I only have an ironing board. Am I gonna need to make up some type of wider pressing surface?"

I build mine in sections then move each section to the background fabric, ironing each in place as I go. I also have made temporary ironing surfaces on my kitchen counters by laying down batting and extra fabric (insulbrite does a great job here since it helps protect the counter).

In response to the question about parchment paper - parchment is not better or worse than pressing/applique sheets, it's just a little different. I use parchment at home a lot, but also travel, and the pressing sheet travels better than a roll of parchment....and you can cook on the pressing sheet as well (I just wouldn't want to use it for cooking after using it for glueing!!!

Lots of techniques, each has its own benefits depending on sewing style, situation and need.

craftybear

wonder if we should find some links about applique