Hi Pam

I don't know what you used but I've used some brands that were stickier than others. I've had good luck with Heat-n-Bond LITE (NOT the regular...that's a nightmare! LOL) and I use a top-stitch needle when working on bonded applique. I love the top-stitch needle (standard point 18/110) for this and for working on heavier fabrics such as flannel.
I've never noticed my needle gumming up when I use the LITE and I go a little slower in these sections and haven't had much trouble with skipped stitches or tension issuses. Good luck! :)

Not long ago, I accidentally used my regular Heat-n-Bond on a baby quilt, and wound up having to do the applique quilting by hand...using a larger, stronger needle and a big stitch. It was just awful!! I'll never make that mistake again. :oops:

Hi Carla & thanks for the welcome. I certainly like the idea of the needle not getting sticky to begin with. Maybe someone out there with experience in quilting on machine applique can suggest a different type of fusable web. I purchased the fusable web off a bolt & will have to go take a look to see which brand it is. I am all for easy quilting with no hitches in my stitches :lol:

Pam

I'm a little late with this, but you may be using the wrong type of applique film. Some are made for sewing over, and some aren't. Personally, I like the Steam-a-Seam brand. I have never quilted over appliques, but have done the buttonhole stitch around them after I have put them on with Steam-a-Seam and have never had a problem with skipped stitches or with gummy needles. Just carefully follow the directions and I don't think you will have anymore problems. Good luck!!

Never too late for good advice. I didn't use Steam-a-Seam brand but I will certainly try that on the next applique quilt I do. I have a couple of applique quilts in mind but they are still out a little ways on my to do list. Thanks for the advice!! Good advice is always very much appreciated!

Pam

My thoughts!!! How many layers of fabric are we talking about? Did you fuse the first layer and than add more layers? This would mean lots of fusible.

I hand applique and when there are multiple layers, I keep cutting away from the back side and just leave the seam allowance. Sometimes I cut as many as four times depending on the size of the pieces being appliqued.

You could do a similar thing by planning and cutting away extra fusible and leave just the "rim" to fuse. Another idea would be to use lots of spray starch on the pieces to be fused and forget the fusible.

Suzanne

Hi Suz,

I only quilted through one layer of fusible. I originally hadn't planned to quilt them but didn't like the way they looked with out the quilting. I like both your ideas. I will jot those ideas down in my "helpful hints" notebook. thanks!

Pam