I use freezer paper for all of my applique. I have cut a slit in the back of the foundation fabric and pulled out the frezer paper, I have also cut all the back away except for a little less than 1/4 in., and I have pulled it out before taking my last few stitches. It all seems to work. I do prefer just cutting a small slit and pulling out the paper.

I did my sunbonnet sue this way, removing the freezer paper before I appliqued but I didn't use glue. Wish I would have thought of that!! Would have been easier. I saw one method which I'm going to use next, which is to make a template out of the freezer paper without the seam allowances, iron it to the right side of the fabric and then cut around the fabric making sure to leave enough for seam allowances, leave the freezer paper on but fold the fabric under and then sew on your applique that way, remove the freezer paper that's just sitting on the top when you are done sewing the fabric. I think I saw that on a blog somewhere..hope that makes some sort of sense!
Evelyn

I have used freezer paper lots of times. I press around it, hand sew the item most of the way down, then slide out the paper and finish sewing. The advantage (or dis-advantage) of being self taught is that you get to make everything up as you go along and find what works best for you.

I saw one method which I'm going to use next, which is to make a template out of the freezer paper without the seam allowances, iron it to the right side of the fabric and then cut around the fabric making sure to leave enough for seam allowances,
Evelyn[/quote]

This is how I cut out my applique pieces. i then remove the paper and pin fabric in place. I do needle turn so I don't press under any seam allowance.

There are some glues out there as well.. my friend did an applique recently and cut around some horses to put in centre of some blocks she used the glue and stitched around it worked very well and not at all bulky . I am presently working with freezer paper.. but not gotten any farther than ironing the pieces on to it. I like the idea of taking the freezer paper out first..I think I will try that as opposed to cutting it out later.

If you are sewing it under the applique piece to the background you need to remove it after finishing the piece. Cut a small slit in the background fabric to remove the freezer paper. Remember to keep stitches off the paper when sewing.

I find the best way is to starch the edges (using a small brush or q tip with liquid starch) and iron over the paper. remove the paper and then sew.

OH starch .. cool idea !! THANKS :)

I like to use a glue stick; less messy. And It doesn't gum up the works. Just a dab here and there on the piece you want to applique`. Was it Brylcream that said " A little dab'll do ya"? Yeah-go girl. Freezer paper is the way!

Fabulous tips ;) Thank you all I am less afraid of doing that quilt now.. but I have to go to work today !!!! :( poo ..

I wouldn't dink around with the freezer paper ...

Fusible web (double fusible webbing) is not hard to applique through, but all you are going to do is a blanket stitch, or it can't be done with invisible stitches.

Another fusible is only fusible on one side. You can create a fusible applique, do the invisible stitch if it is preferred. You copy the pattern on to the fusible, put your fabric right side facing the glue side of the fusible (forget the iron for a minute <g>)
Stitch RIGHT ON THE LINE ... cut 1/8 inch or more seam allowance and then cut a slit in the back so you can turn everything right side out.
Right side out is: The right side of the fabric facing out and the GLUE side of the fusible facing out ... now, what you have is a fusible figure that you iron in place on your block and the choice of either doing a blanket stitch all around OR invisible stitching as your choose.