Can I hand-applique on top of an old comforter?
 

We have a 15-year-old white comforter that has a few small discolorations on it. Not terrible, but just bad enough to make it look worn and not nice. I was wondering whether there was any reason I shouldn't try hand-appliqueing on top of this. I'm assuming I could applique the pieces onto the top layer of the comforter without going all the way through to the other side. (I've never appliqued before, so please forgive my ignorance.)

I consider you all the experts. :) Is there a reason I shouldn't do this? I thought I might do a field of flowers going all the way around all four sides of the quilt. Maybe with a sun in the middle, shining down on all sides.

Yes, you may. You have my permission. :thumbup:

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You could, but I think it would be difficult to make stitches that would hold down the applique and not get caught up in the batting. Is it possible that a paint stick would cover up the spots? Or that they could be bleached out?

You probably can but in the end it'll still be a 15 year old comforter. Why not make it a whole duvet cover?

I would if the comforter is in otherwise good condition. Good way to practice and learn applique!

I Once heard-probably apocryphal--that this was the origin of patchwork. I did it once to repair a border on an old quilt, but the quilt was on the bed when the oil furnace blew up and the smell would never come out.

Jenel....now this is just my opinion...first if youve never appliqued before why would you want to start with a project thats going to be so awkward for you?......applique is very time consuming if you do it by hand.....if you machine applique this might work out for you but.....why would you want to do this to a comforter thats 15 yrs old?
If anything why dont you cut it up into sections and maybe make a small quilt/comforter top for a crib maybe or just to practice learning to do applique do some small/mini quilts with it until you become comfortable with applique...again this is just my opinion......I hope I didnt offend you in anyway....but applique can be so much fun but when you get into something large its tricky.....Good luck with whatever you choose to do......Trish

I love to hand applique, and I think this would be a perfect way to bring new life to an old comforter. You can do anything you want with a completely white ground. Just be sure your stitches don't go all the way through to the back side of the comforter, and you should be fine. Post a picture to show us your creation when you finish!

of course you can.
I might suggest preparing the appliques and then spray baste them down to hold in place and use pins since you will have three layers to work with. You can still just sew into the top layer but need to use some way to hold it in place.
Might baste the pieces down. This is the only reason I can think of that might give you some aggrivation in doing the appique.

i would certainly run the gamut of cleaners, oxyclean, whink, bleach sticks, lemon juice and sunlight....try to get a good list here on the QB and be prepared to rinse thoroughly with a bathtub of clear, cold water lined with a clean white sheet (used UNDER THE quilt for lifting while wet) as soon as the stain appears to lift...have this ready, you don't want stain removers sitting in your quilt while you fill the tub...

I would! The way I would is to use glue sticks. (Elmer's School stick,washable.) First I would cut my design out of freezer paper. Then iron it on to the back of the fabric. Cut the fabric 1/4 " larger than the freezer paper design, this is the seam allowance. Fold the seam allowance over the the back of the freezer paper, & glue it down. Heat set the glue with an iron. Then take the freezer paper off. Repress the edges down. Place the applique in place & glue it down. Set the glue with the iron again. Leave the very edge of the applique not glued down, about a 1/16th of an inch. Then sew it down with the blind stitch. Be sure & bury your knot in the batting first. This is how I would do it How ever you do it it will be great!

I for got that you may need to clip some of the curves in the seam allowance.

What a wonderful idea. When you are finished with the applique you will have a whole new appearing quilt that is also fully quilted for only half the work. You won't be limited to a design by a kit since you will be covering up some discolorations. Everything will be truly original. Go for it! If some of your stitches catch the batting,don't fret. Try not to stitch all the way through the backing. Please post some pictures when you're finished so we can celebrate with you. Go girl, go.

Ooooh, I like that idea!

No, you didn't offend me at all, Trish! Honestly, I wanted opinions. I don't actually know anything about anything at this point. I've never appliqued, so it didn't occur to me that starting on something large would be awkward and frustrating. (Though I will say that I'm not easily frustrated and that I love a challenge. :) ) The great thing about starting with this comforter would be that if it gets frustrating, I can throw it out without feeling too bad about quitting. LOL

Thank you, Bev! Your instructions are very helpful! I really think I might do this. It sounds like fun to me.

:thumbup: I hope it works for you!

i'd do it in a new york minute. i'd probably do raw edge applique using embroidery floss and a buttonhole stitch. i even repair my towels that way.

Jenel.....theres a lady who I just love watching her name is Sharon Pederson and shes on the quilt show.....just go to quilt show.com...you will have to sign up but it only takes a few minutes and each month you get videos etc on quilting, appliqueing etc.....she has some really awsome videos on appliqueing actually I just watched one of her newer ones the other day and I was quite impressed it was called padded applique and maybe this paticular type of applique may fit your need to cover up those stains your speaking off...if not it will be a learning technique that you may want to try sometime
I dont know about you but I always learn faster seeing rather then just reading....and thx for replying back to me....if you need any help let me know....Iam working on some xmas applique I will send a photo sometime this week and you can see it.....take care and god bless!! Trish