Quiltingboard Forums - Has anyone used silk thread with fusible applique?

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Has anyone used silk thread with fusible applique?

I'm wondering how it would work for a satin stitch edge. I'd like to use Misty Fuse for faster applique, but I don't like to leave the edge uncovered. Am wondering if silk thread would make for a softer edge. I don't like the stiffness that regular thread adds when I satin stitch.

I have hand embroidered with silk thread through fused pieces (Wonder Under). No problems at all either with the thread fraying or it being hard to work through...and Wonder Under is a bit tougher than Misty Fuse. You should be just fine. Why not try a sample shape first? (and, yes, I know you probably mean machine satin stitch)

I would try a sample too. If you can do a satin stitch without it breaking, then it may be the look you want. Also iron your sample at the same setting as you use for the fusible to see if that effects the silk thread.

i use silk threads for applique all the time- i love silk thread- i do not however satin stitch my appliques---never really liked that look - just me-
i do something that's not so (harsh) like a small zigzag or blanket stitch- it works great. silk thread comes in different weights- 60 wt & 100 wt are common- i use 100wt for hand applique and hand piecing- but i think you might want one a bit heavier than that for machine applique- like the 60wt...but try what you have & see how you like it.

I use YLI silk for fuse able appliqué a lot, no problems.

I think my problem may actually be with the satin stitch. Just realized that years ago I did satin stitching using fine polyester embroidery thread and still disliked the satin stitch ridge and stiffness. I have hesitated to use a zigzag or blanket stitch on fusible, especially Misty Fuse, because I want this for bed quilts and am not sure I will like the results after washing. Also, silk thread seems so expensive to experiment with!

What I'm going to do, I think, is make a few samples with the Misty Fuse and zigzag using the polyester thread I have (which probably mimics silk thread pretty well), run them through the wash several times, and see what happens.

I did do some Googling on the web and found a few people who posted that the silk thread they used for hand applique has deteriorated. One said that she had used both cotton thread and silk in a well-used bed quilt and that years later she is having to repair all the silk, whereas the cotton thread is still solid. So, I am thinking that silk thread, at least when used for hand applique, might be better for wallhangings.