12-1-11 * What makes embroidering applique a success? I've seen some that the fabric is all bunched up and some that is nice and flat? TIA ;D

I use wonder under. In the beginning when I started I used the spray adhesive but I didn't like the smell. I since then have found a Scotch craft glue stick that works wonders. Put it on your stabilizer, wait a few seconds and add your fabric. It can be bought at Michaels or Hobby Lobby.

Glad you asked - I haven't tried applique yet, so I have answers ahead - thanks!

2 comments

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

You welcome. I haven't neither and have some great projects in mind but I saw some horror appliquing on another site and I said if that's what I am going to get, forget it, LOL Then the other day I saw someon's applique and they were beautiful. So this is how my question came about. I am still learning ;D *2U

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

continuing...So this is how my question came about...FIESTA ;D *2U

When I accidently trim too close I just put a little Fray Check on the spot. It holds thru washing.
S

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

I iron the fabric after applying some spray starch. I use the stitch-first-cut-afterwards method most of the time and either keep it down with a finger or pin it in a few places. I'm not to keen on the 'cut shape first then apply and stitch' method, but IF I use that I use a tiny bit of temporary spray adhesive.

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

What great ideas. I have just been using a light starch all these years.

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

I too have learned a lot...knowledge is power ;D *2U

I use 2 face iron on backing and the applique lays flat. Its the stithes I accidently cut that cause issues for me.
Diane

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks Diane ;D *2U

I do like many others - I use wonder-under on the fabric - keeps it from fraying and you can iron it at the end for a nicer look. I also use spray adheshive to hold it in place as it stitches.

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

The fabric needs to be ironed to within an inch of its life! On occasions when I couldn't be bothered I had problems. My main problem with applique is trimming the fabric close enough. I like the designs which have a wider satin stitch which covers more of the edge. BTW I'm avoiding spray adhesive since I ruined a shirt last week. I still have blobs of spray which I can't get off!

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks...sorry to hear about your shirt *2U

I have never had a problem. Spray adhesive works for me.

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U

Monica, depends on what fabric you are doing the applique. If cotton, I just hold the fabric in place, if it is a thin slipper fabric I just give a spray, same for thick fabric.
Just ensure that you don't stretch any of the fabric.

Hugs Yvonne

1 comment

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks Yvonne and you are probably a pro at it...I possible won't have the fabric crooked ROFL ;D *2U

I use double sided iron on backing. I iron it on before cutting the shape out (easier to cut and no fraying), then I sew the placement line and iron it on ther. I bought a travel iron so I could iron it in the hoop. It works like a treat!

4 comments

by airyfairy 02 Dec 2011

That's a good idea. I have a travel iron somewhere :):)

by sewfrenzie 02 Dec 2011

I do this also.

by mad14kt 02 Dec 2011

Thanks! Sounds good to me ;D *2U

by noah 02 Dec 2011

This is what i do/use also it really works look at my Quilts i used that then i do my fancy stitchs lol hugs carolyn

I use an iron on permanent backing on the fabric. It holds the fabric nice and straight.

Marcelle

1 comment

by mad14kt 01 Dec 2011

Thanks Marcelle ;D *2U

I think the spray is the way to go to keep it laying nice and flat for you.

1 comment

by mad14kt 01 Dec 2011

Thanks ;D *2U

Gosh, never had the problem. All I do is make sure its nice and firm as I go using pins or tape.

1 comment

by mad14kt 01 Dec 2011

Thanks ;D *2U

I starch the fabric that is to be the applique.

1 comment

by mad14kt 01 Dec 2011

Thanks a lot of GREAT answers ;D *2U

When I do applique I give the applique fabric a quick spray of a sticky adhesive. Just a real short quick spray. You don't want too much. I have never had any problems with my applique bunching up. I used all types of fabric. Good luck.

1 comment

by mad14kt 01 Dec 2011

Thanks for sharing ;D *2U