Chester the bunny

I came across a pattern that I would really like to make and it has satin stitch applique. It calls for a stabilizer but I'm not sure if there is a certain weight that I need to use or if I can improvise with something that I have on hand since I'm 1 1/2 hour from the fabric store. I've satin stitched before but that was a long time ago and don't remember using a stabilizer. I can see that it would avoid some puckering.
Thanks for your input!

Carole

Prism99

I have successfully avoided using stabilizer with satin stitch applique by heavily starching the background fabric before cutting. I use a 1:1 solution of Sta-Flo liquid laundry starch and water, "paint" this solution onto the yardage until it is saturated, toss in dryer, then iron with steam. It gives enough stiffness to the background fabric that stabilizer can be avoided.

You can actually use plain typing paper (the thinner the better) or even printer paper underneath the background fabric as a stabilizer. To remove, you need to use a finger to moisten the stitching from the underside with water, let sit for a minute or two to soften the paper, then pull the paper away from the stitching. I think tissue paper would be too flimsy, although maybe several layers stacked would work. I bought some stitch & ditch paper from Amazon that works well as a stabilizer too. Here is a link to it:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ms_ohs_product

Lori S

I use Stitch and Tear... its a very heavy tear away stabilizer and works well with all of those very close stitches and gives me the best results. I buy it by the bolt!! Its available at Jo'anns with the interfacings. I use a coupon or wait till the interfacings go on sale for 50 percent off.

ckcowl

you can use a tear away- or a wash away- or a fusable that stays in- or a fusable interfacing---what ever you want- if you choose a stay in fusable make sure to use one of the 'light' products---like steam a seam lite or heat n bond lite- the other ones (heavy) are not sewable...and cause your project to be very stiff-they do not soften up when washed.
tear aways & wash aways are ok too- but you do have to deal with the removal.
personally i pretty much never satin stitch my appliques- i generally use a small zig-zag or a blanket stitch- i don't like that heavy thick line of stitching caused by satin stitching-but that's just me- you can do it any way you want/like...just be sure to choose a sew-able interfacing.

BellaBoo

I like the one that dissolves in water or the iron away. I won't buy embroidery or monogram items that have the stiff backing, the design in so stiff it won't bend and very uncomfortable on clothing. Why do embroiderers use that stiff stuff?

patchsamkim

I use examining table paper...stronger than tissue paper, but not as stiff as typing paper. Tears away easily.

franc36

I've always used Stitch and Ditch, a paper stabilizer that tears away easily.

Gail B

I use newsprint that I purchase at the dollar store. It comes in pads of 200 for a buck.

Tink's Mom

I use stitch and tear...used it for years on commercial applique work. It tears easily without distorting your design...and gives a stable surface for the design. Make sure that you tear away the excess after sewing, including the stuff inside the designs.
It will loosen with washing, but a tweezer in small areas works wonders.