WTxRed

I'm working on an qpplique project and one of the steps says after you use your preferred adhesive to attach the cutouts, to use freezer paper, coffee filters, sandwich wrap papers, etc on the back side when you machine applique to 'stop the pucker'. I'd never read/heard this before. I summize it is to stabilize the block I'm working on, so one of my questions is does that extra thickness absorb the tension/pull on the fabric that keeps the puckers from happening?
Does anyone have any hands on experience with different products/options/methods for really great results and ease of removing this material after appliqueing?
Thanks in advance!

hopetoquilt

Freezer paper is okay at this. I still used to get puckers (I became a hand appliqué person). When done, you cut a slit in the back and yank out the freezer paper.

Barb_MO

I use freezer paper ironed to the back. It is slick and will glide on the machine bed, I think it makes it easier to move the project around.

Tartan

If I am going to satin stitch the appliqué edges I do use a stabilizer under the appliqué to prevent "tunneling" If I am using a buttonhole or straight stitch on the edge I don't find it necessary.

Scissor Queen

You only really need the stabilizer if you're doing satin stitch. I use either a straight stitch with invisible thread or a blanket stitch with cotton thread and never use a stabilizer.

WTxRed

Perfect! Thanks for the input. I am just using a blanket stitch. I did sew the first block without anything behind it, the 2nd block I used a variety of materials and honestly couldn't tell any difference from the front! That's when i decided to get the 'educated' responses

mckwilter

I used to use a paper stabilizer (like the exam table covers at the dr.'s office) when doing satin stitch, but hated tearing it off. And I would think that freezer paper would be a nightmare to remove, since it's even thicker. I found that used fabric softener sheets are perfect. I save them up in a box by my dryer, then when I need them, I wash them (warm water and Dawn dish soap in the kitchen sink), spin them in the washer, and press them. They are so light that you don't really have to remove them, but I do anyway. Also, remember to loosen the thread tension before satin stitching.

ckcowl

if i need a stablizer for puckering appliques i tend to use a fusable non-woven lightweight stablizer that i can just leave on---i hate having to remove paper stablizers...just me, but i don't find it necessary very often--unless doing satin stitch which i tend to avoid anyway- i don't really like the heaviness of it- i prefer an applique stitch that is almost invisible- so you just see the appliques...not heavy thread around it.

MadQuilter

I just bought some lightweight tear-away stabilizer and it made a HUGE difference when I did some applique and thick fancy stitches. Nothing puckered and nothing distorted. Worth every penny. I had tried freezer paper but the paper tends to dull the needle faster and I do not like the sound of sewing through paper.

I need my used dryer sheets to clean my iron.