Do I need stabilizer?
#1
Super Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Davenport, Iowa
Posts: 3,781
Do I need stabilizer?
Haven't posted in such a long time, but need to know something I'm not familiar with. Working on a quilt top that has applique on it. Pattern calls for wool applique, but since I have so much quilting cotton I've opted to use that instead. I have used Misty Fuse for the applique pieces to hold them in place so they won't move around on me. But not sure if I should use a stabilizer behind these blocks. Would you use on iron on, a sew in, or none at all. Thank you ladies for your help. Hope I got this link correct...
https://www.facebook.com/LeesCreativ...type=3&theater
https://www.facebook.com/LeesCreativ...type=3&theater
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Wis
Posts: 5,928
I’m working on a raw edge applique right now. I used Steam a Seam Lite (iron on) and the stitching around the edges is fine. I’m not sure what the stitch is called, but it goes “stitch, stitch, stitch, zig into the applique.” When I tried just using zig zig or blanket stitch there was some tunnelling.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,406
I’m working on a raw edge applique right now. I used Steam a Seam Lite (iron on) and the stitching around the edges is fine. I’m not sure what the stitch is called, but it goes “stitch, stitch, stitch, zig into the applique.” When I tried just using zig zig or blanket stitch there was some tunnelling.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,462
It depends on which stitch you plan to use to stitch the appliqués down with. A buttonhole stitch should be fine without stabilizer. Straight stitch 1/8 in on the edge of the appliqués will be fine too. A tiny open zig zag will also be fine but a dense satin stitch may cause tunnelling without stabilizer. “ Tunnelling” is when the satin stitch bumps up to form a tunnel and it distorts and wrinkles the background fabric.
#6
I do quite a bit of machine appliqué both with the blanket stitch and satin stitch. My machine is a Husqvarna Sapphire 870Q and the finished product looks better with a stabilizer behind when stitching. I just use a plain newsprint that is easy to tear away without distorting my stitches. Some machines don't seem to require the stabilizer, my friend had a Bernina not sure what model and she never used a stabilizer and got good results. Maybe do a practice piece first with both methods and see which one you prefer?
#10
I have always used a stabilizer when doing applique. I feel it keeps my points crisp and the curves don't move as easily. Depending on the fabrics dictates how heavy of a stabilizer it needs to be.