How do I keep my appliques from fraying? I use the fusible material, pull it off and iron the applique on my block and as I begin to blind stitch, all these little strings poke out. I'm so frustrated! Can anyone help me? eightylady

It may be the fusible you're using or maybe you're stretching the fabric edges when you remove the backing? I use a pin or my seam ripper to score the backing from the middle of the piece and tear from the middle out--less stress on the edges. And when you're fusing them down, pay special attention to the edges. Those would be my suggestions. Raw edge applique tends to have a few threads sticking out anyway--not alot but some.

It might help if you use some sizing or 3 coats of spray starch...just a thought

I love fusible applique, and have made many quilts with it. I like Steam a Seam Lite fusible. I don't have too much trouble with fraying, but as was mentioned, careful handling and proper pressing is vital. Could you be using a fabric that freys alot anyway? I also use 2 strands of embroidery floss to blanket-stitch them after fusing and make small-ish stitches. Also, it is important to handle carefully your pieces while appliqueing and just before I stitch a section, I cut any wayward threads there may be. Don't think there is much else you can do. As long as it is fused well around the edges, a little fraying shouldn't be noticable.

I run a thin line of fray-check along exposed edges before stitching.

When you remove the backing to the fusible, score the center of the paper with a needle, then carefully peel from the center outwards.

Some fabrics will fray more than others... tightly woven fabrics seem to work best.

Starch and fusible doesn't always work well... it can prevent the fusible from sticking as well :wink:

Part of the problem could be using too big of a needle when you stitch it down. One of my LQS owners carries 60/8 needles that are perfect for raw edge applique.

Is your needle going all the way over to the edge of the applique when you sew it down?

Thanks for asking this question....turned-edge applique is making me wanna throw the needle out the window!

If you're using Kona cotton that could be the problem. I think it frays horribly.

Thanks for the idea of scoring the back of the fusible and peeling from the center. I am going to try that. Peeling from the edge makes we want to have a fit.

Are you using a tear away stabilizer underneath? If the applique "stretches" it will make the threads pop out.

I noticed when I was doing it on my first project my needle was going down right on the edge of the fabric and causing the fraying that you mentioned :oops: I just figured it was from where I was hitting the fabric :?

also make sure you satin stitch is tight enough. It should be very tight, like you would use on a buttonhole or even tighter. I think I set mine on like .4