Why is my applique fraying when I do a satin stitch around it? I have had this problem before, but never to this degree. Is there a particular needle I should be using? I have recently changed the needle and maybe the last one was better for applique than this one is????

I'm not sure. Hope someone on here will help!!

prehaps ur not catching enough of the applique piece??? I use an emb needle... just seemed sharper to me..... other will have better advice.....

could also be the fabric, maybe it's a looser weave.

Sounds as though the fabrics you are using are a loose weave and this will cause fraying. There is a product that you can apply to the edge of the fabric that stops the fraying. In fact I think the name is "stop fray" or close to that. Very easy to use too.

The outside edge of the satin stitch should run on the outside edge of the applique. That is the only way I have had luck with this type of applique.

When you cut the pieces out place the pattern on the bias. Bias edges dont fray

I use June Tailor's Fray Block. It has a softer feel than Fray Check. IMHO

This is how I have always done my applique - I use Lite Wonder Under. After you peel off the paper part and iron the applique piece on your base piece, the edges are sealed. I've never had any problems w/fraying. Hope this helps.

Jean

same here Oksewnsew.

Bettia

It is fused on. The fabric quality is very good and the weave is normal - not loose or cheap... The biggest place it's happening are on the large wheels (spokes) of an antique baby carriage. Since it's circular, bias or not wouldn't make a difference. I didn't even consider anti fray of any kind, since I've never needed it before. I'm going to try another needle....

Are you using a very short stitch length. A .5 is the best for me. I also make sure that the edge of my satin stitch is on the edge of the applique, and the rest of the stitching is on the applique.
I also love Fray Check.
Hope this helps.

Maybe I'm not hitting the outer edge well enough.

I put my needle right on the edge of the applique piece, not on the applique itself. As I sew, the needle rides along the edge.

I agree with the others, looser woven fabric will fray a bit more, even with a fusible on the back.

I just got through with an appliqued block and I noticed on the pieces where I didn't hit the outer edge right, it frayed.

You might try double-stitching. With this method you do a narrower satin stitch not too close together first, then go around again and do your regular satin stitch on top, a little wider and closer together than the first.