Problem: Fusible applique
 

Usually my fusible appliques stick on long enough for me to stitch them down. Just from handling the object a lot the fusible appliques start coming off for me.

Depends on the fusible and if by ironing it on you're making it permanent. The stuff I use can either stick enough to work on it or by ironing it down it doesn't come off. Look at the package and see what it says about permanence of the product.

yes, if it's fusible that is meant to be sewn down. If it's fusible that is permanent, it will be stiffer. so yes, you most likely should sew them down.

A lot depends on the brand and type of fusible you are using. Some fusibles are meant to be no-sew, and those usually stick well permanently. Some people have difficulty with fusibles sticking to unwashed fabric, because sometimes the temporary finishes used on fabric interfere with the adhesion process. If the fusible you are using is a sew-on kind, it will last quite awhile without sewing but will likely eventually lose adhesion.

I like Misty Fuse because it does not make the applique stiff. This means you can create a lot of layers with it and still be able to sew them down. Misty Fuse does not come with a paper backing, but you can create one by ironing it between two sheets of parchment paper and then peeling off one sheet while the layers are still warm.

I haven't done layered applique for some time, and it was not with fusible -- rather, with turned under edges using freezer paper, a la one of the Harriet Hargrave methods. When I did that, I sewed each layer to the layer underneath so that when the entire applique was finished, I sewed only the outside outline of the applique to the background fabric; all of the inner pieces were already sewn to each other.

Thanks you guys. I decided to go ahead and sew them down, better safe than sorry. Now I have another problem...What do you do about the holes the needle leaves in the fused fabric? I'm already using a 65/9 needle and there are still holes.

Those holes from the needle in the fabric should go away soon. I've never had that problem. It would depend on the type of fabric, but if it is just cotton, those holes should fill in.

I think that because it is fusible, the holes are not going to close -- especially if not washed.

I would try ironing to see if the holes disappear that way.

Kala,

I did a Sunbonnet Sue baby quilt for my niece, with LOTS OF TINY PIECES AND LAYERS. I used my zigzag machine to sew it all down using the buttonhole stitch. It came out very nice. I did wash it and then ironed it -- no needle holes!

Jeanette

I know this is a done deal, but I'd like to toss in some lessons learned that may help you for next time.

There are a great many variables in how fusible will behave in any particular case: the brand you used; whether your fabric was pre-washed and dried without fabric softeners; if it was applied according to the manufacturer's instructions for pressing setting, time and temp; what the humidity was at the time; how long it was allowed to set up; what type of fabric you used (print, batik, hand dyed); things like that.

I've been quilting with raw edge fusible appliqué for many years and almost never stitch along the edges now that fusibles have improved so much. In the few cases where I do, it's a fairly long straight stitch an eighth of an inch from the edge purely as a design element, never satin or zig-zag right on the edge. My work is not intended to be machine washed, but it is always wet blocked, gets folded fairly often, and travels, all with no ill effects on the edges.

Next time you want to try this technique, consider making two small samples. Stitch the edges of one but not the other. Toss them both in the washer and see what happens. Then try the dryer. You'll find out which way to go with much less risk than waiting till you've finished your project. I would also suggest writing down the results for future reference, especially if you wind up 'brand shopping' for 'your' perfect fusible. :)

Best of luck with the needle holes...especially the ones through three or four layers of fused fabric!

Thanks! This is a good idea!

Ghostrider, what is your favorite fusible, if you don't mind sharing?

I don't mind at all, love to share. :) I use Wonder Under (Pellon 805).

Some tips and tricks from Laura Wasilowski.
http://artfabrik.blogspot.com/p/fusing-tips.html

Thank you, that is what I bought for my Toni Whitney kit. That link was full of info!

She's a great resource for hand embroidery stitches as well. Check her Thread-u-cation section if you're interested.