frarose

I have a quilt that has raw edge flowers and they look great even after several washing. They fray some but don't ravel out completely. I think it looks great. I use it on my bed all the time.

QuiltnNan

It's so nice of you to show an example. IMHO, the amount of fraying would be acceptable.

DogHouseMom

I'm working on a raw edge applique now. I'm FMQing the edges of each piece with polyester monofilament to the muslin backing. I also plan on doing a fair amount of FMQ "thread paint" when I quilt it. I tried to make my monofilament stitches as close to the edge as possible.

I know some of the edges are going to fray slightly.

What I don't know is the intended use of the quilt (wall hanging or "used" lap throw) because it's a gift, so I can't ask :) I will however tell the recipient that some of the edges might fray, but should not "come apart" and if that look is Ok with her then by all means use it and wash on gentle cycle when needed - preferably in a front loader.

fabric lover

It'll fray a bit, unless you use double sided fusable.

patchsamkim

I have done a couple of raw edge quilts...both have washed beautifully! One is the Bull's Eye from Country Threads, and the other was a pattern with squares similar to the bull's eye...fun to make, and no problem washing.

patchsamkim

I have done a couple of raw edge quilts...both have washed beautifully! One is the Bull's Eye from Country Threads, and the other was a pattern with squares similar to the bull's eye...fun to make, and no problem washing.

jitkaau

Why not try Eleanor Burns' method where she sews the fusible material to the applique piece with the right side against the fusible side. Then turns it inside out so that she can iron it onto the background? That way you have quick enclosed pieces that won't fray.

shnnn

I made one for my daughter a few years ago with butterflies fused on and then zig-zagged around. It gets washed often, and for the most part has held up well -- there are a few butterfly pieces that have come loose, but I think it was more the fabric than anything, I raided some friends stashes to finish all my butterflies and I don't think all of thier fabrics were prewashed, while mine were. So they shrunk away from the stitching.

applique

I have only done a small piece this way (I do satin stitch on my edges). However I fused down all the pieces using Misy Fuse because it is so much softer and lighter, then I applied a piece of Misty Fuse over the top of the piece and fused it down. It does dull the colors quite a bit so you might want to audition them first. I also use this method for postcards so the little pieces stay stuck and cannot be picked off. I have that top here somewhere. The background was black so that is where the duller part shows. No stitching required.

izzybelle

even if this one might loosen a little, I think it would look nice-like it was blowing in the breeze