DeltaMS

When you are stitching down fusible appliqué with a satin stitch, do you use some type of stabilizer on the back? I am using invisible thread if that makes a difference. I have some tear away stabilizer, but I am feeling lazy about using it.

Thanks for the wealth of information I get from all of you.

DeneK

I always use stabilizer. I like Ricky Tims' Stable Stuff for nicer projects. For others, I just iron on freezer paper. Cheap and easy to remove.

Macybaby

the nice part about using stabilizer, it sort of inhibits your feed dogs so you can turn way easier. I was watching a craftys class and she was just starching and not using stabilizer, and around the curve, she had to stop and reposition constantly.

IceLeopard

I use brown paper bags for stabilizer. Once it's washed, they get soft as that cellulose breaks down.

QuiltE

DeltaMS ... it's a matter of finding what works for you and your machine!

For me, my one machine, I find I need a stabilizer.
The other (yet the lesser of the two machines) ... no stabilizer necessary and it turns out just fine.

My sewing machine dealer said tissue paper is often all you need to use.
Another option, coffee filters!

Doggramma

Yes, it needs something on the back so it doesn't get all bunchy

Boston1954

Yes, I think it is essential. I sometimes use freezer paper, but mostly just ordinary 8 1/2 x 11 copy paper.

ckcowl

I never use a satin stitch - it’s a personal thing- I hate that stiff ridge around everything. I use a small zigzag or a blanket stitch and the fusible itself is enough to stabilize the pieces. I would assume using a satin stitch a stabilizer would help with the puckering and drawing up of the background fabrics.

hobbykat1955

I use wonder under fusible and starch my fabrics and that's enough...never had the issue w/using satin stitch or blanket stitch...

applique

Yup, the tighter the satin stitch the more you need it to prevent tunneling. I do very tight stitching so I use wall paper liner and it usually falls off as I stitch.