adnaloy

I have no advice, I just wanted to say how gorgeous it is for a "newbie"!

MadQuilter

I would stitch it all down. Depending on the size of the pieces, I might change my stitch. For the big pieces, I'd use the blanket stitch (my favorite) and for the narrow pieces, I'd use a straight stitch close to the edge. A narrow zig-zag would work too. It's very pretty.

sewmom

I'm not a big fan of doing applique, but I love the patterns and the fact that really nice things can be made with applique. Therefore, I've started doing some. I would stitch around the pieces- I like the blanket stitch, but if you have a machine with decorative stitches, many of them can be used for applique. Start with the pieces that are in the background first or inside the larger pieces. Then when you stitch the larger pieces it helps to lock in the stitches on the others. Also if you are going to quilt it, the applique stitches can be your quilting. Then the background can be stitched so the applique design stands out. I hope this makes sense.

CraftyRN

Thank you all for the kind words and the advice. I've gone with making the sandwich then quilting straight stitches along the vines, pumpkin "veins" and leaf veins (will look okay on the wall--just don't look too closely) and small blanket stitches around the pimpkins and leaves. I changed color a lot because the invisible thread was just giving me too much grief. I REALLY need practice in FMQ!

BettyGee

I know what you mean, but the little pieces need to be sewed also. Very pretty quilt you have created.

MargeD

That's a great quilt, nicely done. I would use either matching threads or invisible thread and just stitch around the pieces, just to be sure the pieces all stay on, as sometimes they stay on a very long time, but then sometimes they don't.

CraftyRN

I just wanted to post a pic of the finished piece. My FMQ leaves a LOT to be desired, but it's going on a wall so won't be examined too closely (I hope).

Thanks again for all the advice on how to finish this -- much appreciated.

marilynr

Beautiful pattern & you did a fabulous job. This will be a treasure for years to come.

Janie67

It is seasonal, if you are not going to wash you can shake it off when ready to display. I have several Halloween wall hangings and they are not stitched and I have had them for years. I just shake or iron if creases will not fall out.

Daleen

I really love the batik fabric you used. The pumpkins and vines are lovely. It's a beautiful piece for the holidays. And like the other suggestions I would use a decorative or straight stitch to sew it all down. Gives a more finished look.