Carol in WI

I have done very little applique and need suggestions on this project. I am making a bookcase quilt for my daughter and planned to fussy cut the books/cats from these two fabric and place onto the shelves. Should I use wonder under to place them before I sew them in place? And then do you suggest a satin stitch to hold them more securely? I may be in over my head with this idea, so any suggestions will be appreciated.

ArtsyOne

It really depends on whether this quilt will be used as a bed quilt or as a hanging, and whether it will be washed. When I do applique, I always use a small amount of spray adhesive to put the item where I want it and then I use the needle-turn method to sew it down.

Kassaundra

Like Artsy said how is it going to be used wall hanging or bed? Are you wanting to machine applique or hand? How good are you w/ your zig zag setting? If you go the "wonder under" and zig zag method I've heard there are some types / brands that allow the quilt to be washable w/o fraying, however keep in mind any of those products I have ever tried will add stiffness to your quilt.

Those pieces are big enough I would put a very thin backing. Put the thin liner on the front of the printed fabric sew around the outline of your pictures, make a cut in the center of liner only and turn right sides out press the edges and stitch around the edge of the applique (I am good w/ my straight stitch so that is what I use) I use Elmers school stick glue to hold my applique in place instead of pins.

No matter which method you go with do a small practice one to see how you manage the techniques and if you can live w/ the "feel" of the end quilt.

Tartan

I might wonder under the kittens with a buttonhole or similar stitch to sew the edge.

Carol in WI

Thank you ladies ~ it will be a couch throw and need washing from time to time; I planned to do machine sewing. Kassaundra, when you mention a very thin lining, do you mean a thinner weight of Wonder Under or is there another product I should be looking to use? I will try that method first.

Carol in WI

Duh, I guess you must have meant a thin interfacing fabric placed on the right side of the print. See, I told you I wasn't too good with applique.

ckcowl

I would use a fusible, like wonder under or heat n bond lite. I would Not use a satin stitch. I would use a small blanket stitch or small zigzag. I ( personally) hate the heavy, stiff satin stitch on quilts. I do tons of appliqué, most often use a small blanket stitch. I've made ones that have held up through much use and laundering for 15+ years.

Carol in WI

Thank you for clarification. I am on my way and hopefully will be able to send a picture in the future.

charlottequilts

Satin stitching doesn't have to be heavy and stiff. Mine isn't. I use a 60 wt thread and set to a narrow width. No overlapping and careful corners. It lies soft and velvety, thin and flat.

Now, with heavier thread, it would be another story.

Hugs,
Charlotte

Kassaundra

Yes this is what I meant I HATE fusible applique and almost never do it. It is so hard and stiff I just can't bring myself to do it. Also the zig zag / satin stitch is not my friend.