Applique
 

How does one keep the figures from falling off as I'm appliquing??? The friction created by rotating the fabric seems to loosen some items. All seems secure Until I go to the sewing machine.

how about a dot of fabric glue in the middle of the piece? Not enough to soak thru, but just enough to grab the background/piece underneath? I have also resorted to pinning *carefully* underneath...out of the way, if its large enough to quilt around. I think I used those short applique pins for that.

School glue may help.

A dab of glue stick works.

Fabric glue is great but perhaps I need a different fusible. Went to the ironing bd and lifted each item that was loose and rubbed on some glue. Then I partially stitched EVERY item. It was a lot of threading, but we'll see if that works.

heat and bond lite it''s an extra step but once the appliqué piece is ironed in place it is not going anywhere

I use Wonder Under 805. It is terrific!

The "old fashioned" approach works for me - thread basting, using cheap quilting thread and a big stitch.

I will also baste my pieces on. I like doing this because it will keep the piece I am appliqueing flat to the surface AND I don't have to deal with pins while sewing. I started basting like this a long time ago and have done it ever since. I was trying to sew a small piece and my thread kept getting caught on the pins. When I finally got the piece sewn on, I was so tense that I almost stopped appliqueing for a while. I took an applique class from Jeanna Kimball and that is how she does her applique and I haven't used any other method.

By the way, if you are basting before you are sewing on the sewing machine, you need to baste on the inside of your piece, at least a 1/4" away from the sewing line.