Applique, not needle turned
 

I started to do this block of the month at the first of the year. I'm not sure what to call it, but you fuse the pieces to the background and zig-zag (or something similar) the edges of the applique. I've not started the quilt, but have downloaded the installments. (I've been wanting to make a cat quilt for a while.)

Does this type of applique hold up to washing as you would a child's quilt or would it be better suited to a pattern that won't get a lot of use? I've seen and purchased quilts that are appliqued using that technique, that did not hold up well to wear. I also bought some blocks at an estate sale that were appliqued that I used fray check. The blocks are beautiful, but they are still in the closet for, among other reasons, I'm not sure they will hold up to use and the fray check is "brittle", for lack of a better word.

How do you make sure your work (or purchased blocks) will hold up?

bkay

This is one of the purchased blocks (whomever made it didn't use fusible):

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That is adorable!

I use a zig-zag type stitch and make sure it is wide enough to cover both edges. It is more like a staggered ZZ stitch and has a lock stitch every few stitches. I use an open toe foot to see where to stitch. These a wall hanging projects so won't be in the washer too much.

Someone once pointed out and I try to remember who said it. It went something like, " Quilts weren't washed very often in the olden days. So when we machine wash we are putting them thru so much more than a quick rinse in soapy water and hang outside to dry. " I've made several raw edge appliques on art pieces, I don't put them on usable quilts. I treat all appliques, gently.

That's true, toverly. My grandmother used quilts between the sheet and spread, so it didn't touch anyone or anything. The grandkids slept on pallets made from quilts, but she always put a sheet on the floor and one under and over us, then the quilt for cover was last. She was also big on what she called, "airing them out", which involved taking them outside and shaking them to rid them of dust. Then, she left them in the sunshine for a couple of hours hanging on the clothes line.

Boy, times have changed.

bkay

The technique is raw edge applique and holds perfectly fine if the stitches are securing the fabric. Per what I see your stitches look good, the stitches go into the fabric enough to hold it. I do a lot of it mostly by machine using the blanket stitch, sometimes satin stitch or zig zag. Good luck!

I appliqué a lot, have for 40+ years. My appliqué quilts hold up to use. Quilts aren’t meant to be laundered like sheets. They should only need occasional laundering.

As for the Fray Check, yes, it is “crispy” for lack of a better word. Next time use Fray Block, a different brand that has a much softer hand. It is found at places like Joann’s in addition to mail order. BYW, you puncture the tube to release the product. Don’t use the big poker on the lid. Use a pin instead so the product releases a smaller quantity. I have found this very effective and much softer, particularly after washing. And the risible on the back of block should keep it from fraying.

Thanks for the hint. I recently bought one but haven't opened it yet

Thanks for the hint. Unfortunately, I've already "fray-checked" all of those gorgeous Dresden plates. I'll know better next time.

bkay