Bump.........
First, let me explain what I observed from your picture. It appears that you did a raw edge finish. Muslin is not the best for this technique unless you are using high quality muslin like Moda or the Legacy brand from Joanns. For an item that will be washed frequently, I would fuse a light weight interfacing to the fabric first, and then iron on your fusible webbing. Then cut out your piece. This will give the fabric some extra stability and also helps to hide the fabric show-through from the main fabric.
Your zig zag stitch looks too narrow and may not have caught enough of the fabric on the applique and the background fabric. I would use a wider zig zag and shorten up the length.
Now to fix this: You can one of two things. Remove the damaged applique and replace it using your muslin, interfacing and webbing. It will take a little time to rip out and redo, but it will probably look the best.
Or, you can make another piece and cut it just a smidge larger and redo the piece by placing the new piece over the old one. Use your muslin, but reinforce it first. Interface first, add webbing, and cut out about 1/8th inch larger. Then adhere and re-stitch. This will cover the damaged piece but will also add a little more thickness.
Hope this helps. It can be fixed. It just depends on how much time your want to spend. Good luck and I hope my comments have not been too critical. I think the use of applique work on a quilt gives the work a very special touch from the heart.
Not critical at all! I have been researching applique for weeks now and this is the first time I have seen anything about a raw edge finish! I am planning on doing a applique panel for a baby quilt, you can see the post in my profile, and I am now wondering if I need to try a different technique? Everything I search says to use a raw edge....now I am lost!
Here's a link to what my next project will be...should I use a raw edge on this?
Does this look hard?
Raw edge is fun and easy as long as all your pieces are stable. If you don't want to do raw edge, you can sew lightweight woven interfacing to each piece, right sides together. Then a make a small slash in the middle of the interfacing only, and turn the work right side out. Press. Then you can cut out the excess interfacing, just leaving about 1/4". This gives you a nice clean and turned edge. Then you can treat it the same as raw edge method and stitch. You could use a small piece of webbing to temporarily hold each piece in place while you stitch or pin.
Another method like above is to stitch a fusible lightweight interfacing. Stitch around with the fusible side facing the right side of fabric. Then slash and turn. The fusible will now be on the outside and ready to press in place. I love this method but I have to pay attention so I don't put the fusible on the wrong side. Been there, done that!
The tree quilt and leaves is cute and should be an enjoyable project! Raw edge would be easy on this one. Try the different methods on a practice piece. See which method you like the best.
Last edited by Sharyn J; March 10th, 2014 at 02:18 PM.
Thank you!! I'm= going to try some of the methods you mentioned and see what works best!
Looks like the muslin was a loose weave, not enough body. What kind of fusible did you use? What size ballpoint needle? With a loose weave fabric a larger size could have left a larger hole.
I remember that because I mentioned not to sew it too close to the edge. I agree with Sharyn that that might be part of the problem with your zig;zag. Plus it could of been wider or use a blanket stitch.
With your leaves I'm quessing that you with be using a quilting cotton( which is a tighter weave) and fusible web. I think you will be fine with it.![]()
Lorie
When you did the blanket stitch did you use a stabilizer? The stabilizer keeps the stitch nice and flat..Patti