Spray Starch Applique -- have you tried it?
 

Has anyone done one of the spray starch applique methods? How successful were you and what problems did you run into?

Here are some sited that I found:
http://www.pieceandquilt.com/2009/11...-tutorial.html
http://www.sewmamasew.com/2011/05/ea...m-fig-tree-co/

Looks interesting.
Thanks

I have used the 2nd method many times. My only suggestion is to use 2 layers of the freezer paper shapes. Just iron 2 pieces together before cutting the shapes so the piece is more sturdy and will last longer. I use a small stencil brush and cover my ironing board with a piece of white canvas. One other thing. Did you know that freezer paper shrinks? Before cutting it into the shapes, mist the large piece and iron it like you would a piece of fabric. You can watch it shrink up! Better than having your shape shrink! I learned this info from a class with Sharon Schamber

I use the second method a lot as well. As snipforfun said use 2 layers of freezer paper, and I also use the clover mini iron, on small pieces.
This is an applique I am working on at the moment, I couldn't have done it without this method.
http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...d-t201992.html

Yes, the mini iron for those small pieces!

Thanks!! WOW Woody -- that quilt is beautiful!!!

I always use the second method and a mini-iron, too. And a stiletto or chopstick to turn the pieces. I finally learned to lay an old piece or two of muslin down on my board, because all this heavy pressing turns the board brown from the starch. I also learned that you need to cut the pieces out accurately - any little dips or nicks in the freezer paper WILL show up on your finished piece.

another vote for the second method- I too use my little clover iron for small pieces & double my freezer paper---I often cover my ironing board with parchment paper instead of canvas- but have used fabric on occasion- doesn't matter what you use- you just don't want the starch to build up on your ironing board cover- so, protect it with something.

I did not know this... thanks.

This is a good technique and thanks for sharing on the double freezer paper, I can try this out on a piece I am working on. I have been wanting to try another way aside from the raw edge, I like it, but even the very lightest weight of steam a seam leaves a slightly hard applique. Thanks.

I recently learned the second method at a quilt weekend our quilters held, love it . thanks for the tip of the shrinking freezer paper will pass it on to my quilt members.
Going to a lunch and stitch in today.

I use the 2nd method - took a class from Karen Kay Buckley - she uses the heat resistant mylar plastic for templates - make once use many times (she files the edges of the template with an emery file for nails - this makes a very smooth edge.) However her method was too hard for me and I switched to the double freezer paper. I use a needle nose tweezers for holding my fabric down and use a small steam iron (Roweynta sp?travel iron)The other recommendation Buckley offered was using sizing instead of starch - it does not darken your ironing board or muck up your iron. I use magic sizing.

I use the 2nd method also - with the Clover iron - that way I can sit at the kitchen table, make each piece and watch TV at the same time. This process makes for some beautiful applique pieces.

I've used the 2nd method and it worked very well.

Spray Starch Applique
 

Erin Russek has the best information about spray starch appliqué I have found on her blog One Piece at a Time.
http://erinrussek.typepad.com/photos...ial/index.html

Thanks for sharing! I've been trying to find a better way to appliqué and this looks good!

I took a class from Mary Buvia and she brushs on Sew Stable glue around the edges of the freezer paper and uses the mini iron. She thinned the glue with water to about half and it still did an excellent job. It got the glue right where it was needed and not all over the project/ironing board. Probably Elmer's school glue would work too. Probably would make it difficult to attach by hand since the edges are hard. Attaching by machine with a very fine thread is almost invisible.

I've used Erin Russek's method and the applique came out perfect.

For all the newbies, this is a lot of information you wouldn't get anywhere else.

I use the second method...I use my own homemade starch and I make it really heavy, That seems to hold my pieces a lot better.

I have also used the applique foundation paper that washes out. It is ironed onto the back of the fabric and then rather than starching or gluing down the seam allowance, I can just attach the piece with a bit of glue or pin to the background and then needleturn the fabric under the foundation. It is thick enough to make a really nice edge. Then when it is washed, the foundation just dissolves so no picking out the paper. I tried the Karen kay Buckley method and while it is precise, it is a lot of labor. This works for me and gets a good result without all the pre work.

I just learned something new....freezer paper shrinks. Good to know before my next appliqué project. Thanks for sharing.

I use the second method to make hexies for my GFG. I've never done applique but have purchased some patterns recently, really want to get started. Your "From the heart" quilt is really an inspiration! Thank you for all the info.

I've never tried the freezer paper method, but I'm considering it on my next applique project. The method I've always used, that works for me is this: After drawing the shape on my fabric, I stitch along the line, and then I can press over the edges, just turning the fabric over the stitching. I've had good luck with this method, but I've never tried really small shapes... I go for the big stuff! :)

Your Affairs of the Heart blocks are beautiful. I've only done 3, and I've been backbasting my blocks. I took a backbasting class and was told that I could fuse the background fabric to freezer paper (wrong side up), then run it through my ink jet printer to get the design on the back. With these small blocks, it was great not having to trace anything, and since I used a gray background instead of black, it worked out great.

I have never used freezer paper with this method. I took a class with Karen Kay Buckley, and she uses the mylar template plastic to make templates instead of freezer paper. This is good if you are doing a lot of the same shapes, because you only have to make one template.

Can't wait to try this.

I would substitute liquid starch for the spray starch since you spray it into a container and use it as liquid. This is readily available in the grocery aisle where the liquid starch is located.

The spray starch becomes like water as the foam disappears and soaks in much better than the thicker liquid in the bottle. Ive tried both.

[/QUOTE]I have never used freezer paper with this method. I took a class with Karen Kay Buckley, and she uses the mylar template plastic to make templates instead of freezer paper. This is good if you are doing a lot of the same shapes, because you only have to make one template.[/QUOTE]

I tried the mylar template but found it slid around to easily, and with the tiny pieces I burnt my fingers a lot :( . The freezer paper sticks to the fabric and you can use it more than one, especially if you don't wet it too much with the starch.
With the inner bits of the hearts, where you don't have any seam allowance, I just used the tiniest amount of Elmers glue to just keep any threads from unraveling

[QUOTE=maggiek;6157084]I have also used the applique foundation paper that washes out. It is ironed onto the back of the fabric and then rather than starching or gluing down the seam allowance, I can just attach the piece with a bit of glue or pin to the background and then needleturn the fabric under the foundation. It is thick enough to make a really nice edge. Then when it is washed, the foundation just dissolves so no picking out the paper. I tried the Karen kay Buckley method and while it is precise, it is a lot of labor. This works for me and gets a good result without all the pre work.[/QUOTE)

We have a septic system, and I'm just wondering how "safe" this method would be? I'd hate to have a problem because I'd used the washable...but it sure sounds like a dream. Anything that speeds up things so I can move to the next project! LOL