Water Soluble Stabilizer?

I am starting #2 on quilts made from my brother's shirts. This one will be for his son. When I made the first quilt, I noticed that when I cut the silk shirts, the fabric had much more movement than cotton (yeah, one of those "duh" moments). I should have stabilized the fabric. A learning moment.

So, again with the silk shirts. The silk has a heavy, almost cotton feel but I know what it does now when it is cut. I absolutely love how the first quilt felt so soft and inviting so I am hesitant to use a stabilizer which might change the feel of the finished product. I am thinking of using a water soluable stabilizer but was wondering if it really dissolves 100% and if it changes the color of the fabric.

What has been your experience with Soluble stabilizer? Any suggestions? Which brands are best? I guess I should warn you that I am a total newby with this product (don't expect me to know anything).

Or should I be using something completely different?

I found this on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Vicky - the water-soluble will wash out completely. Not certain if this would be your answer though - because it won't adhere to the silk fabric . . . and unless you had something ironed onto the silk, I don't see how it would help. You may want to read this article and see if perhaps the stabilizer used for t-shirt quilts wouldn't be the best fit for your project: https://pellonprojects.wordpress.com...-shirt-quilts/

Told ya I was a newbie with this type of stabilizer. Soooooooooo-you don't iron the water soluble stuff on your fabric?

I think you are right, I need a very light weight interfacing, but . . .I would think that would change the softness of the finished product. However, it would stop the dance of fabrics I get when I cut the silk. I am thinking that possibly this is one of those times where it's a trade off?

What I need is an iron-on light weight interfacing that dissolves when washed. I am guessing that isn't a product available. Any scientist type out there who wants to create/design, produce and market it for me?

You know I'm wondering if you could spray baste it on? There are plastic feeling type and a papery one that I have. It's still dark here but i can do a little experiment later.

Is there a way that you can baste some water soluble stabilizer to silk fabric? Or baste it to the edge of your square? Maybe you can cut your square bigger so you can baste to the edges? You only need it on there until you quilt right?

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Originally Posted by FabStripper

Is there a way that you can baste some water soluble stabilizer to silk fabric? Or baste it to the edge of your square? Maybe you can cut your square bigger so you can baste to the edges? You only need it on there until you quilt right?

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That's a good idea too. You could use water soluble thread.

Yes you most certainly can spray baste fabric to water soluble stabilizer. I do it all the time. The stabilizer will completely was away- usually cold water is best. It should not make the colors bleed or go wonky in anyway. There is some sticky back water soluable stabilizer as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Vilene-Plus-Se.../dp/B003T911LQ

Yeah, I'd hoop the water soluble stabilizer then use a spray adhesive to affix the silk to the stabilizer.

There are two kinds of water soluble stabilizer - one that looks like cellophane and one that is fibrous. Both wash out very well and don't discolor the fabric.

I would use the fibrous kind if I were you. The cellophane type is mostly used as a topper to keep the stitches from sinking into the fabric's weave.

I'll throw another idea out there...

How about spray basting to a tear away stabilizer? This way you coul get rid of the bulk and maintain the feel of the project after your stitching is completed.

OK, I'll throw yet another idea out there....

You can get an iron-on tricot; extremely light weight. So much so you can hardly tell it's there. I've used it many times, for all different applications, and can't even tell where I've ironed it on. Not 100% sure of the silk, however, as I've never used it on silk. But it's something I'd try, to see if you liked it. It's found in the interfacing section of JoAnn's. (I know silk can be a real hassle!!)

Love it when I learn something new - never thought about using basting spray with the WS stabilizer. I've had cases where I could have used that tip. Honestly when I first read this the thought that popped into my mind was that the basting spray would dissolve the stabilizer. Live and learn. Off to try that one.