I was mistaken it was a zig zag and no, no stabilizer just some steam a seam
I was mistaken it was a zig zag and no, no stabilizer just some steam a seam
I like the idea of stitching the fusible to the fabric and then turning it and pressing. I am defiantly going to try that ! My last appliqué quilt was done using batiks which don't Frey as much as some cottons so I am pretty happy with it.
Since you have stated that both the applique fabric and the quilt block fabric were laundered, I am wondering what type of backing did you use on your applique pieces? I really like Heat N Bond Lite for all applique projects. It not only holds the fabric in place while the applique is being stitched down but it also keeps the fabric from fraying. Also, if a quilt is to be laundered frequently, I like to use a satin zig zag stitch to attach applique. A blanket stitch does leave space between the stitches that can fray. Another suggestion, I use tear away stabilizer on the back of all applique. This easily tears away from the applique areas that are not stitched down but does stay inside the stitches which helps to stabilize the stitching and hold it in place.
I think the zig zag could have been fine if it were tighter (satin stitch) and a little wider to catch more of the applique. The Steam a Seam should work well with this technique.
Ok, stupid question but how do I set my machine to do a satin stitch? I have a bernina.
The satin stitch is done with your zig zag stitch. I use the #20 foot on my Bernina. You need an opened toed foot so you can see what your're doing. You would set your necessary stitch width so you catch the outside edge of the applique and then a generous portion of the applique. The length of the stitch is set to a very short length. You need to practice inside and outside curves and "v" areas, like the "v" you would see in a heart pattern.
I forgot to mention that I use Sulky water soluble for stabilizer (underneath the quilt fabric). You can do as mentioned above and use a tear-away as well. It's not always necessary, but I think you'd find that a stabilizer will help you to get some nice secure stitches.
Machine Applique - Satin Stitch - Quilting Tutorial from ConnectingThreads.com
Applique - Fused Edge Prep - Quilting Tutorial from ConnectingThreads.com
Check out the links and also look at Youtube tutorials for doing satin stitch.
I started doing applique on wall hangings many years ago. There are number of them in my album. Here's one example of various stitches. You can see the satin stitch around the bird and the zig zag around the circle.
http://forum.missouriquiltco.com/mem...nfinished.html
Wow, thank you!! Your work is beautiful!