Whip Stitch vs. Ladder Stitch
 

I've seen different teachers promote one or the other for hand applique. Leah Day actually teaches both.

But I've always wondered... does one technique last better over time than the other? I've tried them both & they both look fine after the first couple washes, but I wonder if it matters over the years. Does anyone know? Is one more secure than the other?

I don't know the answer but I am really interested to know...... So come on all you applique ladies..... Tell us!!!!

Hugs

Caroline

I use bondaweb to stick applique down then blanket stitch the edges . This holds very well. But once the stick has been washed out they do fray.
I have never used whip stitch or ladder stitch on applique only used them for joining hexagons.Once fraying began inside the seam they can theoretically unravel. Never had the problem though or seen it.

my avatar is reverse applique which I hand stitched with a slip stitch. Didn't like it so used a fancy stitch on my sewing machine and went round edges. I worked in small blocks so was easy to do. Would hate the job on a full quilt.

The applique that I did not stabilize eventually frayed or came loose after a few years of quilt use. I use interfacing on all the background fabric now and that has made a big difference. I use the ladderstitch when hand appliqueing and sewing binding.

My great-grandmother's appliqué quilts were done with appliqué stitch, not whip or ladder, and they are still 100% secure after more than 100 years.

Appliqué stitch is like a backwards blind hem stitch; you see the side that would be on the outside of you hem. It's virtually invisible. I happily follow her lead and use it for both appliqué and bindings.

http://i89.servimg.com/u/f89/13/49/59/13/sawyer10.jpg

http://i89.servimg.com/u/f89/13/49/59/13/quilti10.jpg

I use the applique stitch for needle-turn applique (as taught by the Piece O' Cake ladies). I hadn't heard of ladder stitch used in applique; it seems like it would be hard to do a ladder stitch as small as the applique stitch. I've seen whip stitch used in applique as a decorative choice when it's meant to be obvious.

I'd say for durability, nothing is going to beat the applique stitch.

Ghostrider,
I think we are talking about the same thing when you say "applique stitch" and I say "whip stitch". Too many of these teachers -- especially the ones online -- all use different terms & some of them I have now found even use the term "whip stitch" to mean blanket stitch. Others use whip stitch to mean looping through the front, and yet others (like those I've seen in person & on the internet) use the term whip stitch interchangeably with "applique stitch". So confusing!!!!!!!!!

I did finally find something on Connecting Threads once I used the term "blind" stitch (you're right, it's not a true blind). They said that the applique stitch gives a smoother finish. So I think that's what I'm going to stick with going forward. It's the first stitch I learned & is much easier for me to do.

A whip stitch is like you would do a hem and it shows on the outside edge of the hem. Most teach what is called numerous names but I consider it a ladder stitch. I do that technique for applique and stitching the binding to the back of a quilt. You come up, take a bit and go back down where you originally came up. Think I learned that stitch in 7th grade Home Eco.

I use the ladder stitch when attaching my binding. I use the applique stitch for applique. (tiny stitches, traveling a very short distance)

I use the applique stitch for my hand applique. Doesn't show on the front. Use the same stitch for hand sewing binding.