applique quilt
#3
Member
Join Date: Apr 2019
Posts: 65
I used to appliqué my kids clothes in the manner when they were young, including a sweet little elephant once. I stabilized the appliqué piece with light, iron-on stabilizer before I cut it out. But no stabilizer on the background piece. Perhaps try a lighter thread so the ZZ stitch is not too dense. Or try lengthening your stitch a tad to open the ZZ just a little bit more. Maybe reducing the amount/density of the ZZ would smooth things out enough.
#4
Power Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Ontario, Canada
Posts: 41,538
When the stitching pulls up the background, it usually needs a stabilizer on the back or less dense stitching. If you don’t have stabilizer, you can use the paper coffee filters or similar behind the backing and carefully remove after stitching.
#5
I use a paper newsprint as my stabilizer when doing machine appliqué and then just rip it away when the design is completed. Just slip any kind of paper you have under your block and hopefully it will make a big difference. Good luck!
#6
The answer is yes, and terial magic works great. There are some great videos on YouTube that demonstrate it. When I am doing applique, it is my go to to prevent issues when sewing applique, then it washes right out.
#8
Super Member
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: Utah
Posts: 8,847
I also use newsprint and it works well for me.