Izy

Most of the regular visitors recently will know that I have been doing ALOT of applique using 'Steam a seam'.....

Plus points: Quick, simple, instant impact
Minus points: Damned expensive, messy and makes the finished project stiff. Raw edges could fray.

SO I have been experimenting using freezer paper...and I THINK I am liking it...

Plus points: Cheap! Less bulk so much softer finish to the project
Minus points: Not as easy to get around the fiddly bits...so takes alot longer. Edges turned in so less chance of fraying.

Will post some pictures later when I am abit further on, just wondered if anyone else had used freezer paper for machine appliqued t?? :D

Dodie

i have used freezer paper quite a bit for machine applique either leave a small opening someplace or even a slit in the back for removing freezer paper it does work good

Butterflyspain

Havent tried itī, but will now, sounds good to me.

Elle

Izy

Elle, this is how I do it:

1. Trace an outline of the design onto dull side of freezer paper.
2. Cut out on the line (no seam allowances)
3. Lightly iron to the RIGHT side of fabric. (not alot, just a little to hold it.)
4. Cut out 1/4" away from the edge of freezer paper. (seam allowance)
5. Peel it off, now flip the fabric shape over.
6. Now place the freezer paper sticky side UP on reverse and pin in place.
7. Using a mini clover iron if you have one or the tip of iron turn the edge
over and stick to the freezer paper, snipping into curves to allow fabric
to smooth around easily. Go right around the edge in this way. It's
best if you do this on a hard surface, I used a glass cutting board, you
get a better fix and can mash down any tucks by adding lots of
pressure.
8. When you are happy with it, if you find a little point just peel it off
carefully and iron it on again. Flip it over and IRON it onto your
background fabric. I pinned it as well to be sure it didn't move.
9. Using a small straight stitch, machine all the way around as close as
possible to the edge, I use my open toe foot and reduce foot pressure.
10. Turn over to back side and trim away your background fabric leaving
a 1/4" seam allowance. Now ease the freezer paper out, using your
fingernail on the stitch line and pull horizontally away, it should come
come out quite easily.

Tah dah!!

No more bulk :D

You can do this to 'build' up your applique, so remember to work from the background, underneath areas first. Any areas of overlap don't need to be stitched so just mark lightly where to stitch to and from.

I will still use steam a seam for small pieces, its just too fiddly and time consuming for anything less than a couple of inches or so.

Give it a go and see how you find it :D

Butterflyspain

Great, thanks Izy, will certainly give that a try, sounds a good way to do things and not quite so time consuming as all that blanket stitch. Like that idea very much.

Elle

Izy

Well I gathered as you are turning the edge under there was no need for a blanket stitch, and as you say it is a heavy duty stitch, I was playing around for ages looking for a stitch that didn't look so bulky and the penny finally dropped, just use a small straight stitch, it is much more delicate looking too :D

quiltwoman

I am a freezer paper addict--yelled at my poor dh for putting it in the kitchen.

I do applique w/ freezer paper, but I sew my edges over before applique. I tried the glue stick but that was too messy. I keep a cheapie spool of black wal-mart 50 cent thread to baste my turning under. I don't do the points--I find it easier to do those when I actually adhere the piece. By basting them, it makes them more durable for the journey in my purse! LOL.

I have used steam a seam, and will do it in a pinch, but I really like the handwork. Very theraputic after a long day or doing a quick piece on my lunch hour. :lol:

retrogirl02

IZY-----thanks so much for sharing your tips. I bought the freezer paper thinking the same thing, that it's more economical but wasn't sure what in the world I'd do with it. I'm afraid to mess up a project with it and think I need some real practice. I will bookmark your suggestions to Elle and see if I can figure this jazz out soon. :D

Izy

Always glad to share my findings with all of you :D

sandpat

Izy, I use the freezer paper too..here is what I do differently-

I spritz it with spray starch and go ahead a pull my paper out before I sew it to the block. It stays turned under for me even without the paper in there.

I use invisible thread in the top and regular cotton thread in the bobbin and do the blanket stitch anyway. It is really hard to see it...looks almost like needle turned applique.

I even do it this way when sewing the appliqe by hand. I can't seem to master the needle turn as you go method..not enough practice I guess.

Have fun!