Applique Question
 

Is it necessary to trim the backing fabric from the appliqued piece? If so, why?

I don't but will be interested in the answers

I do. It makes it easier when quilting no extra bulk. The only time I don't is if the area is too small or I have used fusing to stick down the applique or I am doing machine embrodering(sp) on top.

Thank you. :) That makes perfect sense. If I know why something has to be done a certain way it makes more sense to me than someone just saying...do it this way or that way.

it is not a requirement- but can be done if you want to- if your appliques are (heavy/bulky) you might want to to reduce the bulk- or if you are hand quilting you may want to- some recommend it for large pieces- so you avoid any shadowing- i've been a pretty avid appliquer for 10 years+ now---and i think once i did trim the backing away under an applique---but only once- really saw no reason to do it- i machine quilt- and like my quilts to be fairly heavy so saw no reason to reduce the weight in that way (seemed like alot of wasted time to me-with very little benifit)
some do- some don't it's a personal choice- not a rule.

I don't trim the underlayer away. You can, of course. It does reduce bulk and make it easier to quilt through, but I like the layered look and tend to quilt around applique rather than over it. Some people worry that trimming can cause the pieces to stretch and distort without the support of the backing.

Was wondering about pulling and distortion. Since I machine quilt will probably choose to leave the backing in place.

While it's not mandatory it is best. It makes it less bulky and will be easier to quilt if you do.

I don't and I don't quilt over the applique. If I were to trim away the fusible except for around the edge, I'm afraid I wouldn't have an even trim away and it would show through. I really haven't noticed any extra bulk. However, I machine applique and machine quilt.

my thought is.... if you trim away the backing, then the applique 'sinks' further toward the batting, if that makes sense. then the layers of seam allowance stick up higher then the center of the applique.