topeka rose appliqué method advice? should I do raw or turned edge??
 

Fusing raw edged pieces seems the easiest and fastest approach, but I lack the experience to know how it will wear over time. I don't like the idea of frayed edges. Does anyone have example photos of raw edged appliqué after washing? I googled, but couldn't find much that didn't have intentional fraying.

I am pretty new to appliqué. While I have done a little fused raw edge stuff with blanket or straight stitches, I haven't actually finished those projects yet... so I don't really know what to expect with it after washing. (those projects include a quilt top I still need to quilt, and an ongoing BOM)

I am getting geared up to do the sashing on another BOM right now, which includes 16 topeka rose blocks. The LQS gave me the fabric for appliqué yesterday, so now I am faced with having to make the decision of what method I want to use.

I need to decide between machine and hand stitching, but first I must decide between raw and turned edge. If I go with raw edge then I don't even have to worry about the different methods if turned edge appliqué, and it rules out hand stitching as well.

Thanks for your advice!!

Hiya

I am doing a massive appliqué project at the moment and I am doing fusible raw edge. I did some research and everything I read showed that it should hold up fine no matter what kind of stitching you do around the edge. (Though I think satin, zigzag and blanket would hold up the best)

I am doing free motion straight stitch around my shapes but I'm going around each shape 3 times. So even if you weave around a bit it still looks like you did it on purpose! :D

Here are some pics :)
(Straight lines are basting stitches. Background will be free motion stipple. I'm not quite up to the circular swirls in the pattern!)
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...psb0bl2fqb.jpg
http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g4...psg7urebja.jpg

Esmerelde, that's so cute! it will eventually get a little bit fuzzy on the edge but I think it will enhance the cuteness!

I use satin stitch because I want the quilts to stand up to washer and drier, even baby quilts.

I use a wide satin stitch or a zig zag that's tight. never had problems, but only washed about 5 times so far.

7 Years ago I made my DGS an animal quilt using raw edge appliqué. I used a blanket stitch on most of it and a straight stitch on the parrot feet, etc. I has held up thru numerous washings. Good luck.

It probably depends mostly on the quality of fusible you use. I do freezer paper technique when I know that something will be washed often.