Help with applique
 

I am so thrilled that we are expecting our second grandchild, long wait 7 years anyway I bought this pattern
http://www.clotilde.com/image.html?p...0&mode=gallery
Daughter In Law wants a Jungle theme for the nursery. And have appliqued the giraffe and monkey but because it is a baby blanket I would prefer it to be softer and not so stiff. I am sure you must have some very good ideas on how I can make the rest of the quilt softer and maybe redo the giraffe and monkey ...any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I used steam a seam just to let you know which fusible I used. Was wondering if I used freeze paper to copy the pattern and some basting spray and than applique if that would work... just wondering if anyone has tried this ...thanks for your help.

I do needleturn applique but if you are doing machine applique I guess I might use a blanket stitch or applique stitch. If you use a satin stitch it probably would be stiff. I was thinking if you cut out your applique pieces leaving 1/4 to turn under and press, then blanket stitch on the background. Justt throwing ideas out there. Hope someone else has better ideas.

did you use steam a seam or steam a seam lite. Also did you use fusible on the whole piece or just around the edges of the pieces. Steam a seam lite washes up nice for me

I would recommend either windowing your lite weight fusible or use a washout basting spray and finish edge with a blanket stitch..... I do think blanket stitch gives a little softer edge than satin stitch..... I think windowing would be your answer.

I use under wonder then ziz zaz around the shapes.

The steam a seam lite does make a difference in how soft it makes it.

I love the Steam a Seam Lite. I use only it and it always feels soft after I wash it.

Solvy also makes a water soluble stabilizer with a sticky side. I haven't used it, but it sounds like it would be great for this.

I use steam-a-seam lite and for large pieces, I cut out the center - only usint the iron-on around the edges. Then I use a decorative stitch (blanket, zig-zag, or whatever fits) to secure the edges. I go slow when I do this because I generally don't use stabilizer.

okay I am using steam a seam lite maybe after it is washed it will be okay thanks so much for all the suggestions.