Wool applique questions
 

I am starting to collect wool to start an applique project. The majority of the wool that I plan on purchasing is overdyed and already felted. Should I wash the wool before I begin working with it? Is there a fusible that works well or better with wool? Can I use a bit of fabric glue stick to hold the pieces together?

What about marking? What is the best thing to use for marking since (I am assuming) the piece won't be washed when it is completed? Or should it be?

Thanks for the advice and help!

Lots of good questions. I am also starting a wool project so am interested as well. I plan on using an old suit coat of my FIL who passed away this summer and give the first one to my SIL and hopefully to his grands.

I am by far no expert on this topic, but I would say that if the wool is already felted when you buy it, you do not need to re-felt it.If you are using woolfelt, then you need to wash it first to felt it. I​ am making messenger bags for DGD's with wool from recycled 100% wool plaid skirts. I did wash them to felt them. I think you could probably use glue stick to hold the pieces in place, or I use the small stick pins and they work well. I wouldn't wash it after it's completed. you can use freezer paper to make your templates for cutting out the appliques,

I took a wool applique class a couple months ago and the steam a seam is what seemed to work the best for me. I still have a few problems with small pieces so I just use applique pins and pin them down. The teacher never mentioned glue but I don't know why it wouldn't work as long as you use in small amounts. In fact I am going to try gluing a small flower on one of my projects in the next day or so.

Thanks for the tips. I will look into the steam a seam.

I have made a few items with both wool and wool flannel. I tend to buy kits for these things and most of the time it says
that it's already felted. The pieces that I'm not sure about - well, I tend to leave them alone. I usually make table toppers with wool and runners. I assume that it will not be washed, so I just make it and don't worry about it. It may bite me in
the butt someday, but so far so good.

if the wool is over-dyed felted wool- you do not need to re-wash it.
i have never had any luck with fusables --- so i don't waste them on my wools.
i just pin-or hold in place to stitch- but i've had lots of practice- a glue stick may work for you-i've just never managed to make them work for me.
i generally use a chalk marker of somne sort- since it's easy to brush it away.
i do wash my finished projects- because i make things that get used-and laundered when needed- if you make wall-hangings- items that dont get laundered- then i guess you wouldn't need to wash your project when it's done. i have never had a problem washing/drying a completed wool project-and i've made wool quilts, table runners, candle mats, penny rugs, floor rugs...i work with wool alot...my wool appliqued quilt has been washed a number of time (and dried in the dryer)

My thoughts aren't worth much because I'm new to wool too, but I think a glue stick would be difficult on smallish pieces because it would pull the wool fibers (if that makes sense). I have used a dab of applique glue and it held it fine. I think Elmer's glue would work as well. I too use very small applique pins to hold small bits down until I can get started stitching them.

CKCowl - your quilt is stunning! Is the background wool too?

Suzy

I did this one :

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...ne-t26564.html

I used Steam a Seam and was very unhappy with it - it did not hold at all. On my next wool project, I will use a few dabs of Roxannes or some other basting glue.

Betty, what a beautiful piece! Oh my goodness. Was that your first project or had you done others? I have a ways to go with my stitching! I will go with the Roxanne's. I have a bottle that I thought was too expensive to use on binding (though that is why I bought it) so I will try that.