Applique instead of quilting?
 

I thought I had seen a thread on this topic a long time ago but I didn't find anything when I searched. Is there any reason I can't applique the quilt sandwich as quilting to hold it in place? I have a small wall hanging I'm making of an owl and I thought I would just combine the two steps instead of appliqueing it, then sandwich the three pieces, then quilt it. Is there a reason NOT to do this? I'm new to applique and am making this wall hanging for my niece to be born Oct 3. If there are structural reasons to not do this, please let me know. Thank!

Its yours so do it the way you want. I think the only times certain rules apply is if you are entering a show for competition. Especially for a wall hanging, its not going to be used like a quilt so having it stay together isn't an issue. Even if it was for a quilt if you manage to catch all 3 layers you are good to go.

There are many videos out in cyberspace on appliqueing quilts. I'm sure you will find one to help you. I would think that if you had the applique secured well so it wouldn't move you should be able to do what you want. As long a you don't have a lot of small areas like skinny stems or such, shouldn't be too hard. If it doesn't work out you can start over.Many use a fusible adhesive to help secure.

Appliquing is very easy to do. It makes the quilt look lovely. If you can do the applique first, I would. I made a quilt when I first started sewing and didn't applique. The LAQ tried to quilt where I appliqued but couldn't get it all and even though it's a wall hanging, it's starting to come apart. I so wish I would have taken the time and appliqued when I made it. I've since appliqued it in the last year. Doesn't look as nice and was more difficult to do.

In this video, Stacy Michell uses applique stitches to quilt a project. If it is good enough for the professionals, it must be good enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lU5p5zvyRA0

I'm actually doing it right now on my "maltese" rescue quilt because I wanted the malese to show on the back. I have a Janome 6600P, using the open toe walking foot, and going slow. Its a lap quilt size and I've only had one small area where it gathered just a little bit. I'm hoping to work that out when I do the background quilting.

That is how the editor of Quilters World does her applique for small wallhangings and other projects so why not? I took a class from her at her Quilt store in Michigan. it makes the process a little faster so why not? I say go for it.

I do it all the time for wall hangings as you can see here :)

Thanks so much for the advice. I'll try it and see how it works out. Hopefully I'll get to it next week.