raw edge applique
 

I'm working on a piece that is raw edge applique and finishing it with the machine blanket stitch. I used WonderUnder to secure the pieces but am now noticing that the edges are somewhat fraying and not securely attached. When I was stitching the pieces down, I ran the "straight stitch" side on the outside of the appliqued piece (on the foundation piece) and then the stitch jumped onto the appliqued piece. Did I do that wrong? Should the straight stitch also be on the piece being attached? Luckily this is a wall hanging so won't get rough use but I'm thinking it would be a mess if this were a quilt with active use.

I am not sure what you mean by the straight stitch but you did it right with the blanket stitch. Raw edge applique is done with either a stain stitch or blanket stitch and seeing that the edge are not turned under they will fray a little. That is normal.

Yes, the straight stitch should have been on the edge of the appliqued piece, as close to the edge as possible. I also use a clear (or smoke) poly thread to do the edge stitching.

It does fray a little, which is why I prefer appliquéing with batiks as they usually don't fray the same. If you're worried and feel the edge hasn't been caught properly you could use a little 'Fray Stoppa' or some such - put a little on the tip of a needle for accuracy.

I always try and keep the straight part of the stitch right on the edge of the applique. You just get edge frays with Wonder Under. I have a pair of curved blade Havels that I snip any edge frays off with. I also switched to Heat n Bond light. You get a lot less edge frays with it.

I think that is the nature of the beast!

I used heat and bond light and used a variety of stitches - no fraying, yet.....

If I do this type of applique I use a very small and tight zigzag round the edge.

I am having that problem with my DM's quilts. She hand quilted and never used anything to stick the the pieces down. she just pinned then down and did the blanket stitch by hand. I hate to wash them now as each time I do some of them fray more. She did mostly applique in her last years and did beautiful work. I use wonder under on mine and have done my blanket stitch by hand and have not had that problem. I did one baby car seat quilt on the machine and it is still not fraying.

I use Wonder Under all the time for raw edge appliqué. I usually remove the paper backing before cutting (I transfer the pattern directly to the web AFTER it is on the fabric) which eliminates any fraying 95% of the time, plus keeps my scissors/blades sharper longer. If any stubborn threads should remain, I trim them off before fusing to the base. This works even for very small circles.

I have never had edges that were not securely attached, but would guess that you did not fuse long enough or hot enough with your (dry) iron.