Mamagus

I have to agree with MadQuillter... stabilizer works for me. I use an old sheet cut to the size of the block and leave it on afterwards. Adds stability for quilting later too.
'

rosalyne

I use steam a seam all the time. Change the size of your needle and your stitches may be too tight. Most important thing of all is to sew with your plate on a single hole for straight stitching only! Don't give up . Use some practice pieces till it comes out ok. Roz

cr12cats

I use E. Burns method like pieces does no problems and use a blanket stitch around the edges.

Annz

I was going to jump in but all these lovely quilters touched on all my answers. Good luck.

galvestonangel

I agree the needle should fall just on the outside of the fabric. If I use a zigzag, I go around once with a loser and just a tad smaller. Then I adjust to the size I want and tighten up the stictch some, and that has made it easier for me. I do use a tear away stablizer also. I read this somewhere several years ago when I was doing an ABC book and it really helped me.

cbridges22

What is stabilizer and what does it do?

Momsmurf

When I sew the applique, my straight stitch is in the background fabric- very close to the applique piece. The little bite then swings to the left into the applique and then the needle swings back to the background fabic for a few stitches.

Also, is the fabric you are using for the applique tightly woven? Have you considered doing a practice block with a batik? I'm sure that one would not fray! : = )

Momsmurf

Got a dumb question for you......
What is the brand of the "non-woven fusible" you use? There are SOOOO many types and choices that I sometimes wish Eleanor would package her own brand so I could get just what she's using! HA! The one I see Eleanor using doesn't appear to have a paper backing so I guess the fusible material is only on one side. HELP

:!: :shock: :oops:

irenecarter

I just appliqued a butterfly quilt and used wonder under. No frayed edges. also used a stitch that looked like a straight stitch with an x over it. I don't know what it's called, but it worked well. I used a size 16 needle since I quilted as I went.

dgmoby

I don't know much of anything about appliqué, and am currently working on my first fusible project. I'm using the double sided paper backed Pellon product. I haven't gotten to the part of stitching it down yet, but am reading all the hints with great interest and hoping it saves me from some mess-ups :) Thank you all for those!

On the fraying, is it possible when fusing, the edges aren't getting totally fused down? Or not fused well enough? I'm just wondering if that could contribute to the fraying. Or, perhaps even the fabric weave? (But then again, what do I know????)

Just a thought :)
Debbie in Austin