Heat-Fusible Appliqué
 

What is the best heat-fusible backing for doing appliqué work? Thanks!

there are a number of fusables available- heat & bond lite, Steam a seam lite & wonder under are the 3 used most often-
you want to make sure you get the lite ones for projects that will be laundered- sewn down- the heavy products are made to not be sewn in & are more for art quilts-items that will not be laundered
you just need to ask for (paper backed fusable) not every store carries all 3- some shops have their favorite to carry. all 3 work fine- i use all 3---just read the instructions & follow them- each fusable product has it's own application process & you need to follow the one you are using for the best results.

Misty Fuse is another one to consider. Google it for more info.

I like steam a seam Lt. but just recently started using a feather weight fusible inter facing and I love it!!

Thank you do much ckcowl, Prism99 and Jackie! I'm curious as to the brand name of the feather weight one? I'm looking for something I can stitch around. Also, is there a preferred stitch y'all use around appliqués? I'm so sorry for all the questions- I'm completely new to quilting and self-taught!

A good book that describes multiple ways of doing machine applique is the one by Harriet Hargrave:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach...5850722&sr=8-1

I have seen it online. Try Googling it so you can page through and see what it is like.

My favorite method of machine applique is with freezer paper and turned under edges (invisible machine applique). I am planning to start experimenting with Misty Fuse to see what machine stitch I am going to prefer for that. You might want to make some samples and try different stitches to see what you like. Satin stitch completely encloses the cut edge, but I don't care for the way it stiffens the applique edges. I'm thinking a small blanket type stitch using a finer thread than normal (Aurifil 50 wt 2-ply, for example, instead of the more common 3-ply thread) might work well with the Misty Fuse.

A lot depends on the type of abuse the applique will get and also the finished look you want. For a child's quilt, for example, I would use a straight stitch just inside the edge of Misty Fuse appliques and plan on the edges fraying with use. For a wallhanging that will not be washed a lot, I would consider a blanket-type stitch around the edges.