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Bree123 11-23-2015 08:39 AM

I agree with Feline Fanatic. Try a Microtex needle. Also, you might try spritzing it with a decent amount of water to see how much the holes will shrink up when wet. I also would at least switch out the bobbin thread to a matching cotton.

mckwilter 11-23-2015 09:52 AM

The Schmetz Microtex needles I have are sized 60/8, 70/10, 80/12, 90/14 and 100/16. I haven't seen a machine needle smaller than 60/8. I do not recommend using Universal needles.

I had this problem, too, on a turned edge machine applique project, except it was on the black fabric. I used a very small zig zag stitch, a 60/8 Schmetz microtex needle, and switched to a black silk thread, which is a 100 wt. thread.



Originally Posted by ragamuffin (Post 7384198)
I would try a smaller needle, maybe a 9 and see how that does.


applique 11-23-2015 09:01 PM

Sometimes a wet brush (nail brush or old tooth brush) over the stitching helps close the holes.

duckydo 11-24-2015 03:54 AM

I find when using batiks it is hard not to see the holes, however all the suggestions about smaller needle and matching thread will help. I also find that batiks don't fray as much as 100% cotton which makes a different looking edge.

quilterpurpledog 11-24-2015 04:14 AM

I also think the smallest needle possible and fine silk thread would give a better outcome. It is a bit tricky because this portion is so prominent. Perhaps you could do these small portions by hand. If that does not produce the effect you want consider making the light spots a focal point with a design feature. Somehow I don't think you intend this piece to be laundered so thinking the holes would shrink out probably isn't realistic.

MaryKatherine 11-24-2015 04:22 AM

I use a blind hem stitch. Fewer holes show.

Quiltlove 11-24-2015 04:36 AM

I am working on a similar project. I am using a fine needle and a fine thread but......but.......I am using the blind stitch sized to 1.5 width and 1.5 length having the straight stitch part run along the edge and the perpendicular part of the stitch go in towards the appliqué itself. Looks pretty good so far. Give it a try.

margecam52 11-24-2015 07:38 AM


Originally Posted by DogHouseMom (Post 7384196)
Hello all

I have a raw edge appliqué project I'm working on. Method used was steam-a-seam Lite 2 .. all fabrics are batiks. When I've done raw edge in the past, I stitched along the edge with monofilament to make the appliqué permanent. I've never worked with light fabrics before though ... never had this problem.

See sample below (a test sample - not my project). See how the needle holes show so prominently on the light fabric? The dark fabrics are fine.

Using Sulky clear monofiliment top and bottom, dropped my needle size down to a Klasse Universal 60/8.

Any other suggestions to stitch down the lighter colored pieces? I don't like those needle holes showing on the piece. Some of my light fabrics are large pieces, some are tiny.

When this happens for me, I run a fingernail over the holes/stitches. I also sometimes will "warm" the heat n bond...I use a hair dryer when on the longarm. When I'm on my embroidery machine (15 needle), or regular sewing machine, I use a mini iron...warm the area, then go over with my fingernail...scratch lightly. These will close up later. I've had this happen many, many times.

Jeanette Frantz 11-24-2015 09:38 AM

I've done a few projects with raw-edge applique. The whole purpose for using the "invisible" nylon thread is to avoid the necessity of matching colors. My machine would not accept the invisible thread on the top and on the bottom -- it works fine to use it on the top, but not on the bottom. I also found that the holes disappear once the item is washed.

Just my 2 cents worth!

Jeanette

AZNance 11-24-2015 10:30 AM

I have always had this happen while using any type of "invisible" thread! The holes didn't ever close up, and after hanging on the wall for a year, the invisible thread stretched, so now my project looks like a total mess. The other projects I made at the same time, and stitched using a small needle and regular thread, still look great. I have tried about 10 different types and brands of invisible thread, and have been disappointed by all of them.


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