Water soluble stabilizer
 

I'm using this in my applique quilt. There are 20 8" blocks. Should I soak these blocks before I put the quilt together or will washing it after quilting take all of the stabilizer out?
Thanks in advance, Vicki in Colorado

I would think washing after would be fine. that way all blocks are the same size before sewing in which is what you want.

What stabilizer did you use for the appliqué? Some stabilizers are easy to tear off. Remove excess stabilizer from around the appliqué. Finish the quilt first and then wash. The remainder should wash out.

The other option is to wet a q tip and run it around the edges of the appliqué to remove stabilizer.

I use it a lot with my machine embroidery and never had a problem with it washing out. Just make sure that your washer fills with plenty of water. I have a top loading machine that is the water saving style but there is a button for extra water and I use that. I do pull off the excess - but that's more because if it is big enough I stick them together and use it.

I used it in place of freezer paper for turned edge appliqué but it stays in. I learned this in a class so this is the first time trying it. We didn't discuss the "washing" out though other than to soak it well in cold water. And of course I'm probably over thinking the whole process. I have mixed thoughts on whether I would use this method in the future. The prep was easier and the stiffness of the paper actually prevents me from taking my stitches too deeply into the pieces but that same stiffness makes it harder to hold it comfortably while stitching. And of course it is more expensive than freezer paper and starch.
Vicki in Colorado

I would test a small scrap first and see how easily it dissolves, and if water temperature makes a difference. Does the product packaging have any info?

Don't try to press the blocks before washing out the stabilizer. They will pucker up. I use water soluble in a lot of my machine embroidery designs and learned this lesson the hard way.

If you are on a septic tank, I would be careful with water soluble, but that is just my opinion. From a fellow Coloradan and on a septic tank. TMI ?? LOL!!

twhvlr, I use the wash-away applique sheets. What I do is soak my block after I have finished the applique. Also my quilt will be washed after it has been quilted and bound.