sarge1

Quick question regarding raw edge (fused) appliqué: can I use a blind hem stitch (machine) around these pieces? If not, what else would you suggest?I don't want to use buttonhole or satin, or anything that is going to look kind of bulky. I'm trying to keep it clean and streamlined, if that makes sense. Thanks in advance.

Tartan

For me it would depend on how much washing the quilt or wall hanging would get. If it's a wall hanging a blind hem stitch should be fine. If it's on a quilt, the applique might eventually peel up. Batiks work the best for raw edge applique because they fray less. You might try using matching or invisible thread and stitch about 1/8 inside the pieces.

ManiacQuilter2

I am using a buttonhole stitch around my melons for my Orange Peel quilt matching thread to the fabric and don't think it looks bulky at all. If it is a wall hanging, then I would use the invisible using a blend hem stitch since they don't have to be washed often if ever.

toverly

I have only used raw edge on wall hangings. But I know others have used it on actual quilts. The method that works the best for me is to stitch as close to the edge as possible leaving a small 1/16 of an inch around the sides.

Maggiemay

I use a blanket stitch

berryberry

Just saw a Fon's and Porter show where they were appliqueing owls. They used a tight blanket stitch with the straight line going right against the edge of the applique and they said putting the straight line of the blanket stitch there would catch the fray.

luvspaper

On the raw edge I have done, I've just done FMQ right on the inside of the shape. I usually go around it 3-4 times. Often I will use a darker color to "outline" the shape.

I'll attach a closeup of a giraffe I did on a baby quilt.....I wish it were a better picture but it is the best one I have!

Doggramma

I've also used a smaller zig zag. I don't like the bulky look either.

ckcowl

I pretty much always use a small blanket stitch, it is never bulky or heavy. I do not like satin stitch on appliqués. Once in a while I use a small zigzag. If the quilt is a wall hanging a small straight stitch can be used. ( Holly Taylor quilts are often straight stitched) . I can not quite figure out how a blind hem stitch would work. You could put together a small practice piece & try it.

donnajean

My favorite stitch on my Viking Rose(#17) has straight stitch for a couple stitches, nip to the left, couple straigt, nip to the right, etc. I use YLI Wonder Invisible and my appliques looks hand stitched.