This is an email I got that answers some of my questions about applique. Thought maybe someone else could use the info.
To stabilize or not to stabilize? Your applique pieces, that is.
It is an interesting question, since it seems the most obvious thing to do is place a piece of stabilizer on your fabric as you hand or machine applique.
But sometimes the most obvious isn’t really the best. It helps to take a look at why you are thinking about using the stabilizer, since it may just add unnecessary bulk to your quilt.
If you are hand appliqueing, and the reason you are thinking about using a stabilizer is to hold the piece in place, try freezer paper instead. Once finished, snip a small hole in the backing fabric and pull the freezer paper out.
If you are concerned about the edges fraying, add a bit extra to the seam allowance you fold under, or apply some fray check to the edges of your piece.
If this is a machine applique piece and you are looking for something to make the machine stitching easier, another option is tear-away paper. It rests between the fabric and your sewing machine, and is easy to remove when you are finished sewing.
You can use an iron-on product, like interfacing, to accomplish both of those purposes instead of stabilizer. Using a light interfacing, you may not even notice that there’s anything extra under the fabric, and you won’t need to remove it once you are finished.
If your project really needs a stabilizer to make the sewing easier, try a water soluble stabilizer. That way, once you’re finished, all you need to do is soak your project and the stabilizer melts away.
For more information and options, visit:
http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/6046-stabilizers.php
Happy Quilting!
Penny Halgren
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
P.S. If you use a water soluble stabilizer, be sure to soak it. If
you just spray, the piece is likely to get gummy. It will eventually dissolve, but it is much easier if you just soak your project:
http://how-to-quilt.com/articles/6046-stabilizers.php
P.P.S. For additional resources, check out my blog:
http://quilterpenny.wordpress.com/
You’ll find all the daily emails so you can search for articles about tons of quilting topics!
P.P.P.S. Find answers to your Frequently Asked Quilting Questions:
www.AskPennyHalgren.com
www.How-to-Quilt.com
www.TheQuiltingCoach.com
www.QuiltBlockLibrary.com
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Carol B