Best applique technique for a word quilt
 

I got a very special request to make a quilt with some words on it. I have never done anything like that and the time frame is a bit tight, so I would like to ask some advice by the wonderful members of this forum.
1) I made the letter template with EQ7 and I intend to applique the piece and make a ziz zag finish. The quilt will be used as a wall hanging but it may end up it life as a blanket :-) What interfacing should I use? I know heat n bond but it may be too stiff? Other suggestions?
2) Should I apply the interfacing on the whole surface or cut it to leave just a border?
3) Any recommandations regarding the quilting? I was thinking about echoing the letters and make an allover motif for the rest of the area.
Thanks!

Annie

1. Heat n Bond is stiff. Normally, if you plan to use 100% quilting cotton, I'd suggest Mistyfuse, but since you're only doing a zig-zag stitch, having a stronger bond between the fabrics would be more desirable. What fusible is used doesn't matter much for a wall quilt & to wash applique that has a raw edge & is only held on with a standard length zigzag requires a heavier fusible.
2. I wouldn't leave just a border if you plan to wash it a lot & use a zigzag (unless "zigzag" is code for stitching it close together multiple times around, creating a faux satin stitch -- in which case I would definitely window, leaving 1/2" around inner edge & would at least switch to Pellon 805)
3. Echo quilting usually looks nice & it will draw more attention to the words. It would be easier to make recommendations if we could see the fabrics & layout.

Thank you, Bree123. Here's the pattern. It will be a small quilt (37 X 47 inches). The planned use is a wall hanging, but I think it`s best not to make a raw edge applique in case the recipient decide later to use it later as a security blanket. I don't have a lots of experience doing applique and I plan to make some practice round on scraps. I was thinking of a small zigzag finish because it would be easier, but I have an old Bernina 830 that makes a lovely satin stitch. I could do that if it's best.
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I buy Heat n Bond light. I had no problem with making this wall quilt. I did use a buttonhole stitch to keep the letters attached and quilted around the letters so that they popped up.

Beautiful work! I love it! Thanks for showing what it looks with HB lite (doesn't look stiff).

I also use Heat and Bond lite but I usually only leave a ¼ " frame inside the shape and my preferred finish is the satin stitch. I put a piece of paper under my fabric to act as a stabilizer so that the stitching doesn't pull up, it tears away very easily.

Don't forget to reverse your letters so they are mirror image before tracing it to your fusible. I also prefer a blanket stitch (aka buttonhole stitch) when doing fusible. But that is simply a preference because I don't personally like the heavy look of satin stitch around applique. I've done it but I prefer blanket stitch.

Ohhhh, that's interesting. Thank you very much, I'll look for the post.

This is it, if you haven't ready found it.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1...e-t281077.html