Ok guys, I needs some advice, plz. I had this panel I had bought at a trade days in Stanton, TX. Just loved it to pieces, but had no babies to give it to. One of the teachers at the school is a Homebound teacher for the pregnant girls. She has supplied baby books to her girls so they will instill the love of reading and the benefits of reading to children in them. I thought what would be more perfect then this panel to hang in her room and add "Books for Babies" to it. I will be adding this strip with the letters fused to it at the top and bottom. :( Sorry I am too short to get it all in one picture. :( Do I need to stitch around the letters and what do I use for stabilizer behind it? It will be only a wall hanging and not be used as a quilt. I appreciate your input. :?

I would zig zag around the letters so they won't peel off. Such a nice gift. I'm sure she will love it.

Use a satin stitch (very tight zig-zag) and go around the letters. Very nice gift!

Should I use a stabilizer behind the letters? I don't want it to pucker up....someone had told me that dryer sheets and used color catchers would work....

Anytime you stitch around an applique, it's a good idea to use stabilizer to help reduce the puckering. I usually use Stitch & Tear. I wouldn't use color catchers for that...too pricey. Coffee filters might work though.

I always use a stabilizer on the bach when stitching the edges down. I tend to use whatever I have in the house. If you're going to satin stitch (which is what I prefer) you can use regular paper & it will perforate it & peel off easily. I have used wax paper just pinned on, or tracing paper because I don't usually keep a stabilizer on hand. What a lovely idea & cute panel!

Thanks I appreciate the advice. Will work on it tomorrow and see what works the best. :-D

So wonderful you can encourage them to read. :thumbup: