So I'm starting my Dad's Jimmy Buffett inspired quillow and I'm thinking of doing applique on it.

I just read something on another web site about using a satin stitch or fabric paint to enclose the edges.

Has anyone done this? If so how? Could I just use some fabric fusion glue to keep the frays away?

Some of the glues can make the edges hard feeling. I would try it on some scraps and see how it feels when it dries.
I blanket stitch the edges, and they seem to hold up well.

I tried the paint, and it was really hard for me to get it to flow evenly, and to avoid the air bubbles. I would buy a bottle and try it out on scraps too.

I used to do that years and years ago (enclose with fabric paint). The paint comes in little plastic bottles with a sharp applicator tip. I forget the name of it but you can find them in the craft stores. If you don't enclose the edges with something (satin stitching, blanket stitching, paint...) over time the appliqued piece will fray and/or peel off after repeated washing.

Hmm well, my blanket stitching leaves a lot to be desired and the applique has different colors - so here I go again with that blasted invisible thread.

I use the embroidery thread that comes in packs with a variety of colors when I do the blanket stitch. Blanket stitch improves over time--at least it did for me :D I hate the invisible thread too--half the time I can't see it and the other half it tangles on me :oops:

What about using a varigated thread? They have some great color combinations out there. I use a satin stitch or a small zig zag and it looks really nice. I don't do either real close though as it tends to leave like a bump.

Not that you can't do this but unless you have lots of practice using the paints the project will look homemade not handmade. :wink:

Agree.

The fabric paint doesn't look like a good finishing for me. Practice your blanket or satin stitch and stick to one color. You can use it as an edge and doesn't have to be the same color as the applique. Invisible thread is not a good idea if the quilt will be washed and dried often.

I agree with everyone's suggestions!!!!

I use the blanket stitch with a steam-a-seamed piece. Paint is more for kids I think (look-wise). Not sure how they hold up and they are hard to maintain a smooth edge. I used puff paint on a sweatshirt many moons ago. Realized after the fact that my chest is already puffy enough.

I tried the fabric paint years ago on a sweatshirt for my DD. I really didn't like it.

I've done it. You need to make a test applique, to make sure you've got the right settings for your zigzag, and that you like it. I like a very narrow zigzag, with a close spacing,so that it looks like a satin stitch. But, I have seen it done with a regular zigzag, with a lot of spacing between stitches, but it is not my preference. Take your time and enjoy it.The glue I think you're talking about(fray check) just seals the edges , but doesn't bond the two surfaces. It also leaves the edges hard(stiff), and I don't care for it. You can also do invisible thread, I do like this. There is two ways you can do this: just a straight stitch about 1/16" inside the applique, (use the light invisible thread for light colored appliques, and smoke for the darker appliques.) The second is to use a small zigzag with a bit of spacing, the zig catches the applique and the zag catches the background fabric. I don't think I would ever use a puff paint on a quilt, durability is an issue. Maybe you could use chenille strips around appliques. These are a few suggestions I could think of. Just remember to have fun.

Forgot, the glues can leave your quilt very stiff.

One thing about fabric paint is that it gets brittle over time and laundering. I would think on a quilt that will be laundered some, paint wouldn't be a good choice. I have some painted shirts from "back in the day" that the paint has started to crack on. They've not been laundered a lot as they are holiday shirts that only get worn once a year.

Ha! Yeah I don't need to draw any attention to that area either!

So glad you guys are here to run these things by.
You have all convinced me - I'll do it the "old fashioned" way. I was wimping out but I've got to get better at it sometime!

Thanks everyone!!

I have done alot of wall hangings with fabric paint. Its so fast and easy! I just use wonder under #805 for the appliques and then go around the edges with Tulip fabric paint. I don't put the paint on real thick just enough to cover the edges. And Tulip has so many colors to choose from. These peas in a pod were done with Tulip paints.

Here is an applique wall hanging (in my dining room) I finished with fabric paint. Its really easy.

You can use a blanket stitch in any color you would like -- to match or not match. I find I use black a lot just so I don't have to keep changing thread. I used the nylon thread only once & probably won't use it again. Good luck & would love to your project when done.

great information, thanks