... can I use felt for the applique pieces? I've never done applique and I'm a bit intimidated. Any suggestions girls?

Regarding applique - Generally your main fabric should be stable (not stretchy)some fleece is a bit on the stretchy side..You are considering felt for the small pieces, probably not a good idea as it is heavier than the fleece. Idealy your small applique pieces should be the same weight as the main fabric or lighter. Then there is the problem with cleaning, will this item be laundered...some felt does not launder well. At any rate I would try it out on scrap fabrics before a final decision.

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by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

Thanks Bobbies...I will keep all this in mind for my project. Off to the fabric store I go. :-)

I haven't used the felt, but I have appliqued a lot and used a lot of different fabrics. I tried some that frayed too much so that's out for now. Fleece works very well also. Applique is fun, so give it a try.

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by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

I shall... :-) Wish me luck. lol

Teri, when appliqeing in fleece or any material with a pile, I use a piece of wss in between to prevent cutting off that pile (did it once). But maybe you're much better with scissors than I am.. Martine

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by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

Cool...thanks Martine... will definitely do that.

Hi, Teri, I just love felt!! It doesn't ravel, provides nice body to hold the stitches, and comes in great colors! It looks nice for animal bodies, like reindeer, bears, and uhhhh, cats!!! I get felt at WalMart, fairly inexpensive by the yard. Since I pre-wash everything, I pre-wash felt, too. It goes in the washer on gentle (now, I do have a front loader, so it doesn't get agitated to death), and in the dryer on about low or medium. I wouldn't hesitate a bit to use it in applique, unless it something where you wouldn't want the extra heaviness. But table runners, stockings, sweatshirts, no problem. I couldn't get the link to work, so I don't know what you're doing. Applique is fun, and a good way to use up little scraps of material. Also a great way to cover holes in stuff, hee hee hee. Good luck, love you, Marji

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by marjialexa 03 Dec 2008

Oh, found it!! The Star of David will be easy. Also, if you don't care if the center is colored, you can just stitch it without doing any applique. It will just have the blue star, and the satin stitch around the edge. Beautiful design!! M

by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

Thanks Marji! I'll let you know what it looks like when done... :-)

Inquiring minds want to know - So - Teri, sweetie, if you use applique on fleece, you can use just about any material. I did a baby quilt using scraps of cotton fabric (fat quarters came in very handy) and this was done on fleece. I do not know why felt could not be used, but is this something that is going to need to be laundered? If so you may need to try to see what that would do to the felt. You can tell it is slow here for me today - getting ready to move my office so have more free time than usual. Hugs to you!

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by simplyrosie 03 Dec 2008

Oh Beth.. I'm so excited about those fleece scarves! I don't think they would be laundered... but I should try the felt for sure. xoxo