Dumb applique question
 

I rarely appliqué, but was interested in some precut teddy bears. Well, they've arrived and are growling to have something done with them. So what is the best way to anchor them while I stitch them on to a backing? Precuts mean I don't have to trace on to Heat n Bond (YAY!), but I'm not sure of the best way to proceed. See, told you it was a dumb question.

i would use washable glue stick

I second that (washable glue stick)

Your question is a good one, definitely not a dumb question. Yep, washable glue stick will work great. Use it with a light touch to avoid stretching the pieces off grain. Enjoy!

I have never heard of "stupid applique". Is this a new technique? Hehehe!!!! :)

Why do I always learn so much from others' "dumb questions"??!!!

Before I understood the technique of fusible appliqué I had cut out some teddy bears from a panel that I thought would look cute on a quilt. And yes they do.... BUT... I found the best way to apply them to the background was to lay them on a sheet of fusible web & fuse them...then cut them out & fuse them to the background...I actually added an extra step because I didn't understand the technique. I have used the washable glue but find that it is easier to get a nice even shape on the outside of your appliqués if it is all covered with fusible rather than just a few spots of glue. JMHO

Even if the teddie bears are cut out, I would still use fusible web. I have only done this with fusible and not glue. I cannot speak for the technique. Good luck with what ever way you choose.

some basting spray I would imagine would work or glue baste

a glue stick will work great.

I'm a fusible gal all the way! I have done lots of appliqué quilts over the years and most I have used fusible. I would worry the glue stick would stretch the piece out of shape a bit.

Thanks for the replies! I'm glad others could learn, too. Washable glue stick I understand and sprays, unfortunately, are not appreciated by my asthma. Boy, that cuts down on options! So, my remaining question is...so I lay the teddy bears on fusible web...and iron it to the bears with a sheet protector for the iron...right? Or do you cut the shape out of the fusible before ironing? If the fusible isn't cut to shape, then it's going to stick to...the appliqué' cover sheet? See, I'm still figuring this out. Guess my limited brain can figure out the glue sticks, so will go with that, although the fusible would probably give a nicer edge. Again, thanks for the help. :-)

Yes I agree a washable glue stick

I'm following this thread with my own "stupid applique" question. I needle-turn applique and have not gotten up the courage yet to try machine applique, which is what I'm assuming you are discussing. Do you not have to turn under an edge? After fusing, do you satin stitch the edge to prevent raveling? This requires stabilizer, right?
Thanks for sharing your experience.

You're right, I'm discussing machine appliqué. So far, I use the buttonhole stitch to machine appliqué and find that I don't really need to turn under the edges. The buttonhole stitch can be changed to different widths/lengths on my machine. The size of the stitch depends on the size of the appliqué, and I haven't had any problem with raveling. Satin stitch and I don't get along (yet) for appliqué. Generally, stabilizer is recommended, and I am starting to use it just on the outer edge of the appliqué with the middle of the appliqué cut out. Then the appliqué feels softer. Hope that helps!