Question about sewing layers in applique
 

I don't post often but I read pretty much daily and have learned so much from you amazingly talented people! So when I need help I know where to turn. :o

I am tackling a fun applique project, "Hen Party" https://www.fatcatpatterns.com/bom4.html at the moment. I haven't done applique with quite the complexity of layers as this one before, and I have a question I hope you wise people can help me with.

I'm using fusible applique and wanting to machine a light zig-zag or blanket stitch around the edges. (Haven't quite made up my mind, yet!) However, I'm wondering how to handle the stitching around shapes that will be covered partially by smaller shapes in the next layer. Do I fuse everything down and then stitch where shapes are still visible (lots of stop-start stitching could be required), or do I fuse and sew layer by layer, with the chance that the sewing of a lower layer will show through under the next layer?

As an example, the first (top left) block in the quilt linked above. I've fused the box and the chicken bodies down (and the tails) and I'm wondering whether I should sew around the box now - even though the sewing might show through under the straw that goes down next - or do I just go ahead and fuse the straw, and then sew the edges of box that still peek out? I'm thinking that could be pretty tricky to do, with the odd little shapes and gaps between the straws.

Sorry for a long-winded question! And thanks for any tips!

I am not an expert by any means but I have done several fusible projects and have done the stitching after everything has been fused to the background. The patterns that I used have that info in the instructions. That is a really cute pattern you are using. I see that they have a Facebook page for this project so you might check there for more info. It seems like that would have been included in the instructions with the blocks, though.

I have always fused everything and then done my stitching.

Watson

Generally ... most people fuse everything down, then do the top stitching.
If stitching all with one thread colour, it's not as critical as to which order you stitch.
If multi-thread-colours, then you need to think through what would be on top of each other, IRL.

For your example, for the box, you would stitch it, with thread breaks when you come to the straw.
Then stitch the straw which will in effect, overstitch what your box stitching.
Similarly, your chickens would be stitched before the straw.

Clear as mud? :D

All that being said ... this is only generalities,
and there are other variations ... or develop your own style!

i fused my entire project before stitching. yes, i had stops and starts.

Really cute pattern.

I used to make garden flags and appliqués designs on them. I didn’t fuse them, when I made my design pattern, I would make a slight overlap then cut away what wasn’t going to show. Then I’d place the pieces and stitch the edges to slightly under the overlap so when the next piece was layered the stitching was just under that layer. Then stitched the next layer in place. I’m not explaining it very well and it’s easier than it sounds. It ended up being almost 1 layer instead of several. I did it that way to keep the flag from getting over-heavy.

I have made quite a few fusible projects. I fuse everything down and then satin stitch (usually) around the shapes, trying to start with the item that is on the bottom of the "pile" ... I use my "fix" stitch at the beginning and at the end of each start and stop. When tracing the shapes I do mirror (trim to about ½ ") the fusible to cut down on some of the bulk.

I fuse it all down then stitch. Just make sure you get darker fabrics on top of lighter ones so they don't show thru when you overlap.

Thank you, everyone, for being so helpful! I truly appreciate your wisdom and experience. So I have gone ahead a fused everything; stitching yet to be done. 😊