I learned a new technique regarding applique. I have not tried it yet but it looks easy. Take what you want to applique. Put it face down on a piece of dryer sheet. Stitch around the edges.
Cut a slit in the middle of the dryer sheet. Turn the applique to the outside, by pulling it through the slit. Press. Applique is now finished. Now stitch applique to fabric with a decorative stitch. Wha hoo! You are done.

Sounds similar to Elanore burnes method using fusible interface. With hers you can then press the applique piect to your background piece to hold in place while you stitch. Dryer sheets are probably much cheaper and already sized for most designs. Question: does the dryer sheet disolve when washed or will it get all bunchy under your applique? I will have to try this. Thanks for sharing.

What a great suggestion! Too bad I've already "hemmed" the sides of the one I'm working on...oh well.

Hint on the dryer sheet tho - they are extremely flammable, keep that in mind.

I think I prefer light weight stabilizer-use the same way

pretty much any interfacing is flamable...no different using dryer sheets or pellon interfacing. it is all the same 'stuff' only difference is the (softener/chemicals)added to the dryer sheets and if you have used them that is probably gone. they do not dissolve. and as long as they are stitched in place there is no migrating. they work just like any interfacing are light weight, you can draw on them. i have a quilt my grandmother made in the early 80's has dryer sheets used behind appliques just like discribed. this quilt has been through 3 kids now adults, 3 kids still kids and it has been washed LOTS! there has been no noticable problem with the choice of interfacing.

Just make sure they are well used dryer sheets, the oils in them can stain fabrics :D:D:D

yep i love doing sunbonnet sues the Eleanor Burns way.

Any reason the fusible-on-both sides stuff (can't think of the right name) wouldn't work? When I saw 'interfacing" it made me think of the fusible-on-one side stuff used in garment making. The couple of times I've tried to applique and pinning the applique to the fabric I kept stabbing myself on the pin and getting the thread caught. Using the fusible stuff would be the best of both worlds. Great idea!
Susan