I haven't done applique in a long time. I learned applique by tracing on freezer paper, cutting it out , folding over edge of paper basting then basting to the block. Pulling the paper out when finished. Since there are so many steps here, I tried fusible applique on a Sun Bonnet Sue Block. Worked great, but I realized I needed to blanket stitch arount the applique. I don't know how to applique on the machine so I had to do it by hand. It was very hard and stiff. Is all fusible applique that way. If it is, it doesn't make for a snuggly quilt. I guess I'll try needle-turn method of applique.

A lot of the fusibles are like that. There is a newer one called Misty Fuse that is supposed to be much softer. Haven't used it yet, but wil the next time I want to try fusible applique.

What brand fusible did you use? Steam-a-Seam Lite is softer than many others, although not as soft as I would like. I thought Wonder Under left the applique very stiff.

yes, they are stiff, and it also depends on which one you used. Heat-n-bond lite is what i have used with raw-edge applique, but I only apply it around the very edge on larger pieces, that way the middle is still soft and pliable. For some reason I have not had much luck with wonder-under. I have done numerous settings and even different irons, I may have had some "old" stuff that didn't stick properly. Just don't use the Heat-n-bond ultra, its not meant to be sewn thru :)

I used Steam 'N Seam fusible. There is a Steam 'N Seam lite now. It is easy to stitch around the applique using either the blanket, zig zag, or other stitch on your machine. I do this with YLI Invisible thread & a walking foot. When applique pieces are larger, cut out the centers of the fusible to keep the piece from being too stiff.

There are lighter weight fusibles available. I haven't used them for hand applique, but you could check to see if you're using the lightest weight.

When I do fusible applique, I trace the piece, then cut out the center leaving between 1/4 to 3/8 inch of the fusible. That does help alleviate the stiffness although I don't know if it would help with hand applique. Also, I use Steam A Seam 2 Lite.

I use Light Seam A Seam. Heat and Bond and the other bonding fusibles get so stiff. Also when using the light Seam to Seam I often cut out the center of the piece of fusible so the whole piece isn't so stiff. Leave about an half an inch to and inch if your applique piece is large enough. I do love needle turn applique and after some practice it does get pretty easy. I was taught to outline whatever you are appliquing on the back side of your fabric.
Take a piece of the fabric you want to applique, place it on the front being sure to cover all of the area you want appliqued. Then outline it with a basting stitch from the back.On the front trim about 1/8 to 1/4 inch from the basting stitch and then just take out one stitch at a time as you go around your piece you are appliquing.

Have you tried a light weight fusible interfacing? Place fusible side to right side of applique fabric, sew around all edges, cut a slit in the interfacing and turn right side out. Fuse to your block then use what ever stitch you like to sew it down. Hope this helps.

I was using regular steam a seam!! I was really disappointed as I was trying out the Sun Bonnet Sue Accuquilt Die and their suggestion was to cut out the fusible web at the same time as the applique. It worked beautifully. I just didn't like the finished block. I'll try Misty Fuse and see how it does.

I use Pellon fusible interfacing (I also sew alot of clothng) for my applique and it is very soft.

oooooooh! I like this idea, I'm going to have to give it a try.
TY!!

Oh yeah, I love to do this method when I need a quickie patch for granddaughter's jeans or a quick tear to mend on kids stuffs... they love the applique look, I love the ease of it! You can also use wash-away for this method, then you have just your fabric patch applique! :)

was it a light weight fusible?? one that can be sewn through? i've done lots of Sues and love to use fusible and turn right side out. no raw edges that way. i always blanket stitched them down by machine. they do have a raised look but it's one i liked.

I often use the "window" way of machine appliqueing with fusible. I cut the shape out with about 1/4 inch on the outside line. I than cut the middle away leaving again about 1/4 inside the line. I than fuse to the fabric I'm using and cut on the line. This leaves just a little on the edge to fuse down and keep it steady while doing my machine applique.

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That's what I'll try next time. When I needed a lot of the fusible stuff, I just grabbed what said Medium and bought what was left on the roll. It is kinda firm, not as soft as I wanted but I'll know better next time.

I use freezer paper cut to size and ironed on the right side of the fabric then glue or pin to the base fabric and needle turn to the edges of the freezer paper. Works good for me.

That's the way I learned it too! Then you cut the block behind it and pull out the paper. :)

Might have to go back to that! However, I saw some steam a seam that came in strip widths. I may try that too!

I tried to use the thin strips of Steam-a-Seam to edge applique shapes. At least for me, it didn't work very well -- too fussy.

Good to know that!! I'll get more experience before doing that!

I use the light weight fusable Pellon and sew around the outside of the applique and turn and finger press. This way I do all my applique pieces ahead of time. When I get ready to apply the applique piece to the background, I cut out the center of the fusable Pellon and just leave the outside edge about 1/4". Then I fuse on to the back ground. This keeps my appliques soft. I always use Heat and Bond Lite.

I make lots of applique quilts and always use Steam a Seam Lite 2. It does not make it heavy. If it is a really large piece I cut out the middle leaving only a scant 1/4" on the outside.
Hope your applique turns out great no matter what method you choose :-D

I love this method. Hope you find a way that works for you!

Misty Fuse is great for applique. You can cut out the center and use it only around the edges. Use parchment paper ironed to it since it doesn't have it's own release paper.

I made the same mistake. Now, I'm trying to figure out how I am going to quilt through it. I may take it to a long arm quilter and have them quilt on the fans for me. I'm doing the rest by hand.

This is the same way I do it..

Mistyfuse works well but because it doesn't have any paper attached you have to have an applique pressing sheet to use with it.

when I use fusible, I always cut out about around the center leaving about 1/2 inch. Makes for a much softer applique.

Recently I appliqued circles on to a quilt. I spray based them on and then sewed. It worked!

I had the same experience. There are better fusing materials!
It makes a world of difference!

Wish I had seen this thread a month ago. I have used the fusible "lite" stuff before and was pretty happy with it. Then I bought a different brand (which was less expensive) and discovered it was much stiffer than the other. Next time, I will audition the fusible I use to make sure I am happy with the stiffness. Unfortunately, I just have to make due with my current piece. Live and learn, right?

I had not even thought of that!!!

I recently used Misty Fuse and it is great!

LOVE this idea! It is the best, even better than my last entry. LOL

I applique all the time. I normally use Steam a Seam lite, but I am trying Misty Fuse and it is very soft feeling, it's my new favorite. However if I was making a simple wall hanging and not a bed quilt I would use what ever I had on hand.

If you go to www.quiltinaday.com and clicking on media center you will find a video of Eleanor Burns show on doing just this with a sunbonnet sue and sam pattern. In addition you can buy fusible webbing that has the pattern already printed on it saving you steps. It is not expensive. I almost always use her method for appliqué projects. Eleanor also has lot s of other appliqué patterns printed on interfacing for variety.
Also if you want to do some raw edge appliqué then just use a glue stick to hold down the appliqué and blanket stitch around it, by hand or machine. Lots of older quilts are done this way.

I do almost all applique quilts. Once I found misty fuse, I was hooked. It is virtually weightless, and can be used on the finest, lightest fabrics. The finished block will be soft.

I like needle turn aplique, but even then I use a little Misty Fuse to hold the piece in place. I cut the misty fuse roughly 1/4 inch smaller than the applique piece, or just put a piece of MF in the centre if it is a complex cut piece of applique fabric.

Let us know if you try Misty Fuse or another light fusible web and it works for you.

Jane

I'm going to try the Pellon, too, then. I used another kind for just a flower applique and it was so stiff, I couldn't even get a "sharp" through the edge of it. Was going to stitch around it but it's useless!

Jane,

On the Misty Fuse, I'm wondering how solidly fused the edges of the applique are. Do you have any idea how it stands up to washing? I don't like doing satin stitch around raw edged applique because it is so slow and stiffens the applique, but I am wondering if a blind hem stitch is enough for Misty Fuse. I know that Steam-a-Seam holds up decently in the wash; if Misty Fuse does to, that would seal the deal for me!

Use a piece of parchment paper from the grocery store or WalMart.

I agree!! I've used this method for applique and it works great.