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

I find zig zag too cumbersome as you have to manoeuvre the whole quilt around when doing the appliqué.

I do free motion and just go around the letter three times to secure the shape.

The end result looks like this

http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...psb0bl2fqb.jpg

If you prefer to use your own lettering, it is easy enough to print the letters in reverse using MS Word. All you need to do is:
1. Create a text box for each line of text
2. Type your text. Set desired font & size.
3. Click your right mouse button while hovering over the text box. Select "Format Shape".
4. Choose "3-D Rotation" from menu -- or click the Pentagon icon, then "3-D Rotation"
5. Next to the "X:" type "180" for degrees

Your text will now print in reverse. Just set your paper underneath your fusible web. I tape both the paper & the fusible to the table with masking tape so they don't move while I'm working.

Note: The pre-printed fusible works fine as far as I've heard. I just like choosing the style & size of letters rather than having to make the pre-printed size/style fit my quilt.

As others have mentioned, a close blanket stitch would also secure the edge, but I assume your Bernina is like my vintage Singer & only does a straight stitch & a zigzag stitch. If you have the option of a blanket stitch, I'd go with that. Otherwise, to do a faux-satin stitch (just as with a real satin stitch), you will need to get some tear away stabilizer so you don't end up with gathers/puckers around your lettering. I like Pellon 806; they sell it at JAF. You apply the stabilizer to the back of your background fabric (the fusible web is on the back of your applique).

You had asked about quilting before. Since you said you were thinking about outlining the words, I'm assuming you do FMQ. I thought maybe outlining the words twice -- in 2 different colors, if you're daring -- or else just in a dull white to match the background, and then adding a sunshine around the "S" in 'shine' could look cute & tie everything together... but then again, I very much like more artsy quilts. Here's what I was thinking ... it's not much, but perhaps it will inspire you to come up with something better!
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A simple cross hatch could also look nice. I can't help but imagine this with prairie points for the binding, but I know you said you're short on time. Can't wait to see how it turns out! Hope you have a chance to post pictures!

Bree, I can't thank you enough for sharing all these tips and ideas. It will save me time and mistakes! I can't go with pre-print letters as they would be too small, so the detail about how to mirror print in Word is great. I tought the sun quilting design was a also a great idea, but my customer is leaning more toward a cloudy-wavy pattern. The double stitch quilting line would make the letters pop. I'll sure post the result when it will be done.

Beautiful work! So it makes a raw edge? How does it look like if you wash the quilt?

Ha ha! Some people are so clever! I LOVE the irony of that!!!