I haven't posted in along time, but have been reading posts everyday. So I guess I am an old but new lurker. Also, I'm an old dog trying to lean new tricks = I am teaching myself applique and the method I am using is with freezer paper and glue. To remove the freezer paper I make a slit in the back of the base fabric, dampen and then tweeze out. Question is: will this cut become a problem in the future of this (will receive many washings) quilt ie; unravel, bunch up or show thru to top fabric.
I've got lots more questions but will pace myself.

Thanks for all you do,

Cyndee in NC

I don't use this method myself, but I did take a class in it and the instructor said she didn't worry about it. But, many people stitch the slit closed.

This is the major method I use for machine applique. The slit is covered by both the batting and the backing fabric, so I don't worry about it. Haven't had any problems with it.

I wouldn't worry about it unless the pieces after the slit is made, don't have atleast a 1/4all of the way around them :wink: If they don't? I might use a bit of fray check or sew up the slit :D:D:D

You can make that slit pretty small and try to whip stitch it closed or if it won't show thru, iron a piece of iron on interfacing over the slit. Than when you add the batting and back, there shouldn't be a problem.

usually i don't worry about it, a couple times i took little strips of left-over paperback fusable and fused the slit closed (when the fabric really frayed alot)

I remove the freezer paper before I finish sewing the applique piece on ... leaving plenty of space to pull the paper through. I don't like the fabric-slitting plan, so I don't do it.